Eggs are one of the most versatile ingredients in any kitchen, found in everything from fluffy breakfast scrambles to delicate baked desserts. But how do you know if the eggs sitting in your fridge are still good? Despite their tough shells, eggs are perishable—and using a spoiled one can ruin your meal or even make you sick.

Luckily, there are several tried-and-true methods you can use to check the freshness of your eggs. From decoding the carton labels to using classic at-home tests, here’s everything you need to know to keep your meals safe and delicious.

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🗓 Start With the Carton: Check the Packing Date

Before you even crack an egg, your first clue lies right on the carton. Look for the packing date, which is often printed in Julian format (a three-digit number representing the day of the year). This date tells you when the eggs were packaged, not when they expire.

Pro tip: Eggs are generally safe to eat up to five weeks after their packing date—if stored properly in the fridge. However, to enjoy the best taste and texture, aim to use them within three to four weeks.

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💧 Do the Classic Float Test

The float test is a simple and surprisingly accurate way to check if an egg is still fresh:

• Fill a bowl or glass with water.

• Gently place your egg into the water.

What happens:

• If it sinks and lays flat, it’s very fresh.

• If it stands upright, it’s still safe, but should be used soon.

• If it floats, it’s time to toss it.

Why does this work? As eggs age, the liquid inside evaporates slightly, allowing air to seep in and expand the inner air pocket. The bigger the pocket, the more buoyant the egg becomes.

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👃 Trust Your Senses

Even if an egg passes the float test, your senses are excellent tools for detecting spoilage.

• Smell: Crack the egg open and give it a sniff. A fresh egg has a neutral or slightly earthy scent. If you detect a rotten or sulfur-like smell, it’s gone bad.

• Sight: Examine the shell. If it’s cracked, slimy, or has unusual spots, bacteria could have gotten inside. Once opened, look for odd coloring or cloudiness in the egg white.

• Sound: Gently shake the egg next to your ear. A watery slosh could indicate thinning or spoilage inside, while a solid feel is a good sign of freshness.

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🐔 Consider the Source: Production Matters

Not all eggs are created equal. The quality of an egg can also depend on how the hen that laid it was raised.

• Free-range or pasture-raised eggs often come from healthier, less-stressed hens, which may result in better-quality eggs with more flavor and stronger shells.

• Factory-farmed eggs may have a shorter shelf life, depending on how they’re handled and stored before reaching stores.

Educating yourself about different farming practices can help you choose eggs that are both fresher and more ethically produced.

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🍳 Don’t Let a Bad Egg Ruin Your Meal

There’s nothing worse than cracking a bad egg into your batter or pan—especially after you've prepped everything else. Avoid this by doing a quick check before use. Here’s a quick checklist:

✅ Float test
✅ Inspect the shell
✅ Give it a sniff
✅ Check the pack date
✅ Know your source

When in doubt, crack it into a separate bowl before adding it to your recipe. That way, if it’s off, you haven’t ruined the whole dish.

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🥚 The Bottom Line

Eggs are a staple, but their freshness shouldn’t be taken for granted. Whether you’re whipping up breakfast or baking a cake, using fresh eggs ensures better taste, better texture, and better safety. By keeping an eye on dates, using simple tests, and understanding where your eggs come from, you’ll always crack with confidence.