How Can You Tell If an Egg Is Good or Bad? Sometimes, a carton of eggs sits in the fridge a little too long, and you're left wondering—are they still okay to eat? The answer isn't always as simple as the expiration date. Luckily, there are a few easy ways to test whether an egg is still fresh.
In this guide, ChopChop USA will walk you through 5 simple and safe methods to determine if your eggs are good or bad—no special tools needed. These quick tests can help you avoid waste and prevent foodborne illness, while making the most of your eggs. Wondering "How Can You Tell If an Egg Is Good or Bad?" We’ve got you covered.
5 Simple Ways to Tell If an Egg Is Good or Bad
The Float Test
The float test is one of the easiest and most popular ways to check if an egg is still good. Simply fill a bowl or glass with cold water and gently place the egg inside. A fresh egg will sink to the bottom and lay flat on its side.
If the egg stands upright, it's still usable but getting older. If it floats to the top, it has likely gone bad and should be discarded. This test works because as eggs age, air builds up inside the shell, increasing buoyancy and making them float. This is a classic method when asking, "How Can You Tell If an Egg Is Good or Bad?"
The Sniff Test
Your nose is one of the most reliable tools for detecting a bad egg. Crack the egg into a clean bowl and give it a sniff—a rotten egg will release a strong, unmistakable sulfur smell that’s hard to miss. Even if the egg looks perfectly fine, a foul odor means it’s spoiled and should not be eaten.
The sniff test is fast and effective, especially when you're unsure about eggs that have been in the fridge a little too long. Another helpful answer to the question, "How Can You Tell If an Egg Is Good or Bad?"
Visual Inspection
Before cracking the egg open, take a close look at the shell. If you notice slime, cracks, or a powdery residue, these are warning signs. A slimy texture may indicate bacterial growth, while a chalky, moldy appearance suggests contamination.
If the shell looks dirty or damaged in any way, it’s safer to toss the egg than risk consuming it. Visual inspection is a quick and simple step that can prevent potential foodborne illness. Add this to your routine if you're ever wondering, "How Can You Tell If an Egg Is Good or Bad?"
Candle the Egg
Candling is a method used to observe the internal quality of an egg without cracking it. In a dark room, hold a flashlight or bright light source against the wider end of the egg. This allows you to see inside the shell. A small air cell and a centered, firm yolk indicate freshness.
If the yolk moves around freely or the air cell is large, the egg is older and may not be suitable for certain recipes. While it takes a little practice, candling is a useful trick for spotting aging eggs. Still wondering, "How Can You Tell If an Egg Is Good or Bad?" Try this light test. Still wondering, "How Can You Tell If an Egg Is Good or Bad?" Try this light test.
Crack It Open
The most definitive way to check an egg is to crack it into a bowl. A fresh egg will have a round, firm yolk and thick, gel-like egg whites that hold their shape. If the egg appears watery, cloudy, or has an unusual color or smell, it’s likely spoiled and should be thrown away.
Occasionally, you may see a blood spot, which is harmless and not a sign of spoilage. This method offers the clearest picture of an egg’s quality and is a good final step if other tests are inconclusive. So, "How Can You Tell If an Egg Is Good or Bad?"—sometimes, you just have to crack it.
Bonus Tip: Check the Pack Date or Julian Date
Most egg cartons have a “pack date,” often printed as a three-digit Julian date (e.g., 001 = January 1, 365 = December 31). Eggs are usually safe to eat for 3–5 weeks after the pack date if stored properly in the fridge. Checking this date helps you track freshness even when the sell-by date has passed. Keep this in mind next time you ask yourself, "How Can You Tell If an Egg Is Good or Bad?"
Look for USDA grading and keep eggs in their original carton, which protects against odor absorption and moisture loss.
How to Safely Handle Eggs
Store Eggs Properly
Proper storage is key to maintaining egg freshness and reducing the risk of foodborne illness. Always store eggs in the refrigerator at or below 40°F (4°C). Keep them in their original carton to protect them from absorbing odors and losing moisture. Avoid placing eggs on the fridge door, where the temperature fluctuates frequently due to opening and closing.
Instead, place them on a middle or lower shelf where the temperature remains stable. With the right storage, eggs can stay fresh for several weeks. Storage is critical when determining, "How Can You Tell If an Egg Is Good or Bad?"
Avoid Cross-Contamination
Eggs—especially raw ones—can carry harmful bacteria like Salmonella. To prevent cross-contamination, always wash your hands, utensils, cutting boards, and work surfaces thoroughly with hot, soapy water after handling raw eggs. Don’t reuse tools or containers that have come in contact with raw egg until they’ve been cleaned.
This is especially important when preparing dishes that contain both cooked and uncooked ingredients, such as baking recipes or salads. Clean handling is essential in answering, "How Can You Tell If an Egg Is Good or Bad?"
Cook Eggs Thoroughly
To kill any potential bacteria, eggs should be cooked until both the whites and yolks are firm. Scrambled eggs should be cooked until there’s no visible liquid left. For dishes like quiches, casseroles, or frittatas, use a food thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). If you’re making recipes that traditionally use raw or undercooked eggs—like homemade mayonnaise or Caesar dressing—use pasteurized eggs to reduce risk.
Discard Cracked or Dirty Eggs
Eggs with cracked shells can easily become contaminated by bacteria, even if they appear otherwise normal. If you notice a crack or if an egg is visibly dirty and hasn’t been washed right away, it’s safest to discard it.
Washing a dirty egg can remove the protective bloom on the shell, making it more vulnerable to bacterial invasion. When in doubt, it's better to err on the side of caution. Observing shells is part of knowing "How Can You Tell If an Egg Is Good or Bad?"
Don’t Rinse Eggs Before Storage
Although it may seem logical to wash eggs before putting them in the fridge, doing so can actually remove the natural protective coating, or “bloom,” on the eggshell. This coating helps keep bacteria out.
Commercially sold eggs in many countries are washed and then coated again, but farm-fresh or backyard eggs should only be washed just before use. Keeping the protective layer intact helps preserve freshness and safety during storage. If you’re asking "How Can You Tell If an Egg Is Good or Bad?"—start with how you store it.
Conclusion
Fresh eggs are safe, delicious, and easy to test. From the float test to the sniff test, a few simple checks can help you determine whether an egg is still good to eat. When in doubt, crack it open and trust your senses. Use these tips to confidently answer the question: "How Can You Tell If an Egg Is Good or Bad?"
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FAQs
1. How long do eggs stay fresh?
Eggs can stay fresh for 3 to 5 weeks in the refrigerator if stored properly. Always check the Julian pack date and use freshness tests if unsure.
2. What happens if I eat a bad egg?
Eating a spoiled egg can cause food poisoning, with symptoms like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and fever. Always test before using questionable eggs.
3. Can I freeze eggs to make them last longer?
Yes! Crack them into a container, beat lightly (if whole), and freeze. Frozen eggs can last up to 1 year and are great for baking or cooking.
4. Do organic or farm-fresh eggs last longer than store-bought eggs?
Not necessarily. Shelf life depends more on storage and handling than whether the eggs are organic. Always refrigerate and test when in doubt.
5. Why do some eggs have blood spots? Are they bad?
Blood spots are harmless and occur naturally. They don’t indicate spoilage. You can remove the spot and use the egg as normal.