How Long Do Eggs Last in the Fridge? (And When to Toss Them)
Eggs don't come with a countdown timer. But they might as well — if you know what to look for.
Not sure if yours are still good? Check egg freshness here →
Quick Reference — How Long Eggs Last
| Egg Type | Fridge | Freezer | Counter |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fresh in shell | 4–5 weeks | 1 year | 2 hours max |
| Hard-boiled in shell | 1 week | Not recommended | 2 hours max |
| Hard-boiled peeled | 1 week in water | Not recommended | 2 hours max |
| Raw whites | 4 days | 12 months | 2 hours max |
| Raw yolks | 2–4 days | Not recommended | 2 hours max |
| Beaten eggs | 2 days | 12 months | 2 hours max |
Do Sell-By Dates Actually Matter?
Short answer: not really. The date stamped on the carton is a sell-by or best-by date — a signal to the grocery store, not a safety deadline for you. It tells the store when to pull the carton from the shelf, not the moment your eggs become dangerous.
Eggs that have been refrigerated properly are typically good for 3 to 5 weeks past the purchase date. If the date has passed and your eggs have been kept cold, they are almost certainly still safe — do a quick float test before cracking and trust your nose if anything seems off.
How to Store Eggs to Make Them Last
A few small habits make a big difference in how long your eggs stay good.
Keep them in the original carton. The carton protects the shells from absorbing odors and slows moisture loss through the porous shell.
Store them in the back of the fridge — not the door. The door is the warmest part of the fridge, and the temperature swings every time it opens. Eggs need consistent cold.
Keep your fridge at 40°F or below. Above that, bacteria can multiply quickly. A cheap fridge thermometer is one of the most underrated tools in the kitchen.
Don't wash them before storing. Eggs sold in the U.S. have already been washed and need refrigeration, but washing them again at home strips any remaining protective coating and shortens their shelf life. Wipe with a dry cloth if needed, and wash just before using.
Can You Freeze Eggs?
Yes — but never in the shell. As eggs freeze they expand, which cracks the shell and lets bacteria in. With a little prep, though, eggs freeze beautifully for up to a year.
Beaten whole eggs: crack into a bowl, whisk until just combined, and pour into a freezer-safe container or ice cube tray (about 3 tablespoons per "egg"). Label with the date and quantity. Good for up to 12 months.
Raw whites: freeze in an ice cube tray, then transfer the cubes to a freezer bag once solid. One standard ice cube slot holds roughly one egg white. Whites freeze cleanly with no added ingredients — good for up to 12 months.
Raw yolks: yolks turn gummy when frozen plain. Before freezing, whisk in a pinch of salt (about ⅛ teaspoon per ¼ cup of yolks) for savory use, or a pinch of sugar for baking. Label the container with which one you added.
Thaw frozen eggs in the fridge overnight and use within 24 hours. Don't refreeze them.
How to Tell If an Egg Has Gone Bad
If you're not sure whether an egg is still good, the float test and the sniff test will sort it out in under a minute. A fresh egg sinks and lays flat in a bowl of cold water. An older but still safe egg stands upright. A bad egg floats — toss it. And if anything smells sulfurous when you crack it, that's not a maybe — that's a no.
For the full method, see our guide to how to check if eggs are fresh.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do eggs last in the fridge?
Raw eggs in the shell typically last 4 to 5 weeks in the fridge when stored at 40°F or below in their original carton. That's usually 3 to 5 weeks past the purchase date, since most cartons are stocked within a week of being laid.
Can you eat eggs past the sell-by date?
Usually, yes. The sell-by date tells the store when to pull eggs from the shelf — it's not a safety date. Properly refrigerated eggs are generally good for 3 to 5 weeks past the purchase date. Always do a quick float test and sniff test before using older eggs.
How long do hard-boiled eggs last?
Hard-boiled eggs last about 1 week in the fridge, whether peeled or unpeeled. Store peeled hard-boiled eggs in a covered container of cold water (changed daily) or wrapped in a damp paper towel to keep them from drying out.
Can you freeze raw eggs?
Yes, but never in the shell — they'll crack as they freeze. Crack eggs into a freezer-safe container, beat lightly, and freeze for up to 12 months. You can also freeze whites on their own, or yolks if you whisk in a pinch of salt or sugar first to prevent them from turning gummy.
How long can eggs sit out at room temperature?
No more than 2 hours. In the U.S., eggs are washed before sale, which strips the protective bloom and makes refrigeration essential. Once an egg has been at room temperature for more than 2 hours, bacteria can multiply quickly and it should be discarded.