It starts with an innocent glance at the egg carton. One person sees the expiration date and heads straight for the trash. The other rolls their eyes, cracks an egg open, and says, “It’s fine.” Sound familiar?

Eggs might be one of the most argued-over foods in the fridge. Are they safe past their expiration date? Can you really trust that float test? Most of us grew up hearing different answers, which is why it’s time to set the record straight.

Let’s break it down so you’ll never second-guess an egg again—and maybe avoid that next kitchen standoff.

Understanding Egg Expiration Dates: What Do They Really Mean?

First off, let’s talk about what those dates on the carton actually mean.

There are typically two kinds of labels:

• Sell-by date – meant for the store, not necessarily you.
• Expiration or use-by date – often used as a quality guideline, not a hard cutoff.

Here’s the key: eggs don’t magically go bad the moment that date hits. In fact, properly stored eggs can stay fresh and safe for weeks beyond what the label says. The USDA even says eggs can be consumed up to three to five weeks past the pack date if refrigerated correctly.

So that date? It’s more like a suggestion—not a deadline.

Video: Is it Okay to Eat Expired Eggs?

The Float Test: The Simplest Way to Check Egg Freshness

This test has been passed down like kitchen folklore, and guess what? It actually works.

Here’s how to do it:

1. Fill a bowl or glass with cold water.
2. Gently drop in the egg.
   • If it sinks and lies flat on its side? It’s fresh.
   • If it stands upright? Still okay, but should be used soon.
   • If it floats? Toss it.

Why does this work? As eggs age, air builds up inside the shell, causing them to float. It’s a simple and surprisingly reliable way to check freshness.

What Your Nose and Eyes Can Tell You

When in doubt, crack the egg open into a bowl before using it. A good egg will have:

• A thick, slightly domed yolk
• Firm, gel-like egg white
• No funky smell

A bad egg? You’ll know. The odor is unmistakable—strong, sulfuric, and gross. If you’re ever unsure, let your senses guide you. Trust your nose over any printed date.

What Science Says About Egg Freshness

Eggs are one of nature’s most cleverly packaged foods. Their shells are porous but protective, and refrigeration dramatically slows the aging process. That’s why even a “past date” egg might still be perfectly fine.

Over time, though, eggs do lose moisture and carbon dioxide. The whites become thinner, and the yolks may flatten. But here’s the thing: those changes affect quality, not necessarily safety.

So yes, the texture might change. But with proper storage, your eggs could still be safe to eat for weeks.

Common Myths About Expired Eggs (That Need to Go)

Let’s bust a few myths:

• Myth: Expired eggs are dangerous.
  Not true. Expiration doesn’t mean instant spoilage. Use the float test and your senses.
• Myth: Refrigerated eggs last only a week or two.
  Wrong again. In most cases, eggs last 3–5 weeks past the pack date if kept cold.
• Myth: You should always throw away eggs after the expiration date.
  Nope. That mindset leads to unnecessary food waste.

Bottom line: expiration dates are about quality, not safety. And being a little egg-stra cautious doesn’t mean you have to waste perfectly good food.

When It Is Time to Toss the Eggs

Video: Food Theory: Expiration Dates DON’T Mean What You Think…

All that said, spoiled eggs do happen, and eating one can make you sick. Salmonella is the main concern—it’s rare, but it’s real.

Symptoms include:

• Stomach cramps
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Fever

So how do you stay safe?

• Always do the float test.
• Inspect and sniff before cooking.
• Wash your hands and surfaces after handling raw eggs.
• When in doubt, throw it out.

A little caution goes a long way, especially when it comes to avoiding foodborne illness.

How to Store Eggs to Keep Them Fresher, Longer

Let’s talk storage.

• Keep them in the fridge—ideally at 40°F (4°C) or colder.
• Don’t use the door shelf—it’s too warm and inconsistent.
• Keep them in their carton—it protects them and blocks out strong odors from other foods.
• Avoid washing eggs before storing—the shell’s natural coating helps preserve freshness.

Follow those tips, and your eggs will stay safe and usable for longer than you might expect.

How to End the “Are These Eggs Still Good?” Argument

Let’s be real—food safety arguments can get heated. But instead of fighting over dates, agree on a method:

• Use the float test as your go-to.
• Check smell and appearance.
• Talk about comfort levels and come to a compromise.

In most cases, the issue isn’t who’s right—it’s who feels safe. So keep it simple and respectful, and let facts (and the float test) do the talking.

Conclusion: Don’t Toss Eggs Until You Test Them

So many people throw out perfectly good eggs just because of a date on the carton. But now you know better. Egg freshness is about more than just numbers—it’s about using your senses, a little science, and common sense.

So next time you reach for that “expired” egg, pause. Test it. Trust your instincts. And maybe even impress someone with your egg-spertise.

Because when you realize how much longer eggs actually last—you might just start seeing your fridge (and your food waste) a little differently.