It’s a common question in kitchens everywhere: Can I Use Eggs Past The Best By Date? For many people, especially those new to cooking, this can be a tricky spot to be in. You look at the carton, see that date, and wonder if those eggs are still good to eat.
It can feel confusing. But don’t worry! We’re going to make it super simple to figure out if your eggs are still safe and sound for your next meal.
We’ll walk through how to tell, step by step, so you can cook with confidence.
What Does The ‘Best By’ Date Really Mean For Eggs
The date on your egg carton isn’t a strict expiration date like you might find on milk or meat. Instead, it’s a “best by” or “sell by” date. This date is more about peak freshness and quality for the store selling them, and for your enjoyment. Eggs can still be perfectly good and safe to eat for some time after this date. The key is knowing how to check their freshness.
Why The Confusion About Egg Dates
Eggs are a staple in many diets, used in everything from breakfast scrambles to baked goods. When you’re planning a meal and realize your eggs are past the date printed on the carton, a little bit of worry can creep in. The main reason for this confusion is that “best by” sounds so final. People aren’t always sure if it’s a suggestion or a hard rule. This uncertainty makes it hard to decide if they should toss the eggs or use them.
How To Tell If Eggs Are Still Good
There are a few easy ways to check if your eggs are safe to eat, even if they’re past their “best by” date. These methods are simple and don’t require any special tools.
The Float Test
This is the most popular and easiest test.
1. Get a bowl and fill it with cool water.
2. Gently place your egg into the water.
3. Watch what happens:
If the egg sinks to the bottom and lies flat on its side, it’s very fresh and definitely good to use.
If the egg sinks but stands on its tip, it’s still good to eat. It’s just a little older.
If the egg floats to the top, it’s best to discard it. This means it has aged quite a bit and likely gone bad.
What Makes An Egg Float
As eggs get older, the air cell inside them gets bigger. This happens because the egg white loses moisture and becomes thinner. A larger air cell makes the egg more buoyant, causing it to float. So, a floating egg is a sign of age, and often, spoilage.
The Smell Test
This is a critical step. Once you’ve done the float test, always use your nose.
1. Crack the egg open onto a clean plate or into a separate bowl.
2. Take a good sniff.
3. If it smells unpleasant, sulfurous, or “off” in any way, do not use it. Throw it away immediately.
4. If it smells like a normal egg or has no discernible odor, it’s likely still fine to use.
Visual Inspection
After cracking the egg, look at it.
1. The yolk should be plump and rounded.
2. The egg white should be thick and hold its shape around the yolk.
3. If the yolk looks flat or the white is very watery and spreads out thinly, the egg is older. While still potentially usable if it passes the smell test, a very watery egg might not perform as well in recipes where structure is important, like baking.
4. Look for any discoloration in the yolk or white. Pinkish, green, or iridescent colors are signs of spoilage.
How Long Can Eggs Last Past The Best By Date
Generally, fresh, uncooked eggs can last for about 3 to 5 weeks past their “best by” date if stored properly in the refrigerator. This is an estimate, and the tests above are the best way to know for sure. The temperature of your refrigerator and how often the door is opened can also play a role in how long eggs stay fresh.
Storage Matters
Proper storage is key to extending the life of your eggs.
Always store eggs in their original carton. The carton protects them and prevents them from absorbing other odors in the fridge.
Store eggs on a shelf in the main part of your refrigerator, not in the door. The temperature in the door can fluctuate more, which can affect the eggs.
Keep them at a consistent temperature of 40°F (4°C) or below.
Can You Eat Old Eggs
Yes, you can often eat eggs that are past their “best by” date, provided they pass the float, smell, and visual tests. The “best by” date is a guideline for peak quality, not a hard safety deadline. Eggs can remain safe to eat for several weeks past this date if stored correctly.
When To Definitely Discard Eggs
There are some clear signs that an egg is no longer safe to consume.
If the egg floats in the water test, it’s a strong indicator that it’s too old and has developed a large air cell.
If the egg has a foul or sulfurous smell after cracking, it has likely spoiled. This is the most important test.
If the egg white or yolk shows unusual colors like pink, green, blue, or black, it’s a sign of bacterial contamination.
If you see any mold on the shell or inside the egg, discard it immediately.
If the shell feels slimy or powdery, it’s also a sign of spoilage.
Using Older Eggs In Cooking
If your eggs pass all the freshness tests and you’re comfortable using them, they can be great for many recipes.
Best Uses For Older Eggs
Older eggs are actually sometimes preferred for certain cooking methods.
Hard-Boiled Eggs: The membrane inside older eggs separates more easily from the shell. This makes them easier to peel after boiling.
Scrambled Eggs or Omelets: If the eggs are still good, they work just as well as fresh eggs for these dishes.
Baking: For most baked goods like cakes, cookies, and muffins, the age of the egg doesn’t make a significant difference, as long as they are fresh enough to pass the tests. The structure of the egg is what matters, and older eggs will still provide that.
When Freshness Is Crucial
There are a few instances where using the freshest eggs possible is more important.
Raw or Lightly Cooked Dishes: If you are making something like a Caesar dressing, hollandaise sauce, or a mousse where eggs are used raw or only lightly cooked, using very fresh eggs is recommended to minimize any risk of foodborne illness.
Poached Eggs: Fresh eggs have thicker whites that hold their shape better when poached, resulting in a neater, more appealing poached egg. Older eggs tend to spread out more.
Understanding Egg Shells and Freshness
The eggshell is porous, meaning it has tiny holes that allow air and moisture to pass through. Over time, moisture from the egg white evaporates through these pores, and air enters, forming the air cell. This process is natural and indicates the egg is aging. The shell itself can also be an indicator.
The Importance of the Shell
A clean, intact eggshell is important.
Cracked Shells: If an egg has a cracked shell, it’s more susceptible to bacterial contamination. If the crack is small and the egg passes the smell and float tests, you might still use it, but it’s best to use it sooner rather than later and cook it thoroughly.
Washing Eggs: In some countries, eggs are washed before being sold, removing a natural protective coating called the “bloom.” This washing can make the shells more permeable to bacteria. In countries where eggs are not washed (like the US), the bloom helps protect the egg, and they are typically stored in the refrigerator.
How To Store Eggs Safely
Consistent, cold temperatures are the best defense against spoilage.
Refrigeration is Key
Keep eggs in their original carton.
Store them in the coldest part of your refrigerator, typically the back of a main shelf, not the door.
Aim for a refrigerator temperature of 40°F (4°C) or below.
Freezing Eggs
If you find yourself with too many eggs and you know you won’t use them before they go bad, you can freeze them.
Crack eggs into a bowl and whisk them lightly to break up the yolks.
You can add a pinch of salt or sugar (about 1/8 teaspoon per cup of eggs) if you plan to use them for baking or savory dishes. This helps maintain texture.
Pour the whisked eggs into ice cube trays or small freezer-safe containers.
Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag.
Frozen eggs are best used within 12 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator before using.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question: How long are eggs good for after the best by date
Answer: Uncooked eggs can typically be good for about 3 to 5 weeks past their best by date if stored correctly in the refrigerator. The best way to know for sure is to perform the float and smell tests.
Question: Can I use eggs that float
Answer: No, if an egg floats in the water test, it indicates that the air cell has become too large and the egg is likely too old and potentially spoiled. It is best to discard floating eggs.
Question: Does the smell test work for spoiled eggs
Answer: Yes, the smell test is one of the most reliable ways to determine if an egg has spoiled. A foul or sulfurous odor is a clear sign to discard the egg.
Question: Are older eggs safe for baking
Answer: Older eggs can be safe for baking if they pass the float and smell tests. In fact, they can be easier to peel for recipes like hard-boiled eggs used in baking.
Question: Should I wash eggs before storing
Answer: In the US, eggs are typically not washed before selling, and the natural protective coating called the bloom should be preserved. Washing them can remove this bloom and make them more susceptible to bacteria. Store them in their original carton in the refrigerator.
Final Thoughts
You now have the simple tools to confidently check your eggs. Remember the float test and the smell test. They are your best guides for eggs past their best by date. If an egg sinks and smells fine, it’s usually good to go. This helps you reduce waste and save money in your kitchen. So next time you see that date, don’t automatically toss them. Check them first!
You now have the simple tools to confidently check your eggs. Remember the float test and the smell test. They are your best guides for eggs past their best by date.
If an egg sinks and smells fine, it’s usually good to go. This helps you reduce waste and save money in your kitchen. So next time you see that date, don’t automatically toss them.
Check them first!