How long do eggs last? What the date on the carton really means
Quick answer
Kept in the fridge at 40°F or below, raw eggs in the shell keep for about 3 to 5 weeks after you buy them, and the FDA suggests using them within 3 weeks for best quality. The date on the carton is about quality, not safety, so it often passes inside that window. If an egg is cracked, smells off, or you're not sure how it was stored, throw it out.Storage
How long eggs last in the fridge
| Egg | Fridge (40°F / 4°C or below) | Freezer |
|---|---|---|
| Raw, in the shell | 3–5 weeks after purchase (best within 3) | Don't freeze in the shell |
| Hard-cooked | Within 1 week | Don't freeze |
Buy eggs only from a refrigerated case, check that none are cracked, and keep them in their original carton.[1] Take them straight home and put the carton in the coldest part of the fridge, not in the door.[4]
Is it safe?
Can you eat eggs past the expiration date?
Usually, yes, if they've stayed refrigerated and you're still within about 3 to 5 weeks of buying them. Except for infant formula, federal law doesn't require quality-based date labels on packaged food, and the dates you see are about peak quality, not safety.[2]
That only holds if the eggs stayed cold. When in doubt, throw it out. Don't taste an egg to find out.
How to check
What the date on the carton means
Egg processors print "code dates" for stock rotation, and the rules depend on the wording. On USDA-graded cartons, an expiration date such as "EXP" or "Sell By" can be no more than 30 days after the eggs were packed. A quality date such as "Use by" or "Best before" can be no more than 45 days, including the packing date.[4]
So a passed "Sell By" date doesn't mean the eggs are bad. Go by when you bought them and how they've been stored.
How to check
How to tell if an egg is bad
- Throw out eggs with cracked shells.
- Crack each egg into a separate bowl before adding it to a dish. If it's discolored or smells off, toss it.[3]
- An egg floats when its air cell has grown, which means it's older and lower in quality. It may still be safe, so crack it into a bowl and check for an off smell or unusual look before you decide.[4]
Safety
Cook them all the way
Cook eggs until both the yolk and the white are firm, and cook egg dishes to 160°F. Don't leave cooked eggs or egg dishes out for more than 2 hours, or 1 hour when it's above 90°F.[1]
Recipes
Easy ways to use up eggs
If a carton is nearing its date, pick a dish that uses several at once:
- Frittata: whisk 6 to 8 eggs with whatever vegetables and cheese are left in the fridge, then bake until the center is set.
- Egg fried rice: the classic use for day-old rice and a couple of eggs, scrambled until firm.
- Shakshuka: eggs simmered in a spicy tomato sauce; cover the pan and cook until the yolks are set.
- Egg salad: hard-cook a batch for sandwiches, and eat the egg salad within 3 to 4 days.[1]
FAQ
Can you freeze eggs?
Not in the shell. To freeze whole eggs, beat the yolks and whites together first.[1]
Should I wash eggs before storing them?
No. Washing eggs at home can pull water, and bacteria with it, into the egg through the shell's pores. Eggs sold as USDA-graded have already been washed and sanitized.[4]
Do eggs need to be refrigerated?
In the US, yes. Keep them in the fridge at 40°F or below.[1] USDA notes that refrigeration is key to egg safety whether or not eggs were washed.[3]
Are eggs left out overnight safe?
No. Refrigerated eggs shouldn't be left out for more than 2 hours. A cold egg left at room temperature can sweat, which helps bacteria move into the egg.[4]
Sources
These are general guidelines. If it smells, looks, or feels off, don't eat it.