How to Store & Handle Eggs: How Long Do Eggs Last?

How long do eggs last? How can you tell when they’re off? And why do some eggs seem to spoil so quickly?

Eggs are a nutritional powerhouse, but their health benefits (and deliciousness) depend on how well they’re handled and stored. Get the most from every carton with our easy tips on proper storage, how to spot when eggs are past their best, and how to make use of older ones without waste.

How Long Do Eggs Last?

When storing eggs in the fridge, always go by the use-by date on the carton first. Outside of this date, fresh eggs can generally last in the fridge for up to 6 weeks. As always, put eggs into the fridge as soon as you get home, and keep them within their packaging. 

If you have eggs that are expiring soon, fret not! There are plenty of uses for older eggs. Use them for baking cakes, quiches, and frittatas.

Older eggs are also ideal for hard-boiling, scrambling, and making omelettes. Older eggs are actually easier to hard boil, as the shell readily peels off the egg white. If you love poaching or frying, we recommend using eggs when they are fresh, since they are more likely to retain their shape.

How to Tell If Eggs Are Off in 6 Ways

The Best Way to Store Eggs

Eggs should ideally be refrigerated to maintain peak freshness, quality, and safety. Refrigeration significantly slows down bacterial growth and reduces the risk of contamination, keeping your eggs safer for longer periods.

Eggs have porous shells, which means they can absorb odours and moisture from their surroundings, potentially accelerating spoilage if left at room temperature. By storing your eggs in their original carton within the fridge, you not only keep them fresher but also prevent moisture loss and protect them from absorbing other food odours. 

Avoid placing eggs in the fridge door, where frequent opening can cause temperature fluctuations; instead, opt for a central shelf to maintain a consistent temperature. Want to know more about the science behind egg refrigeration? Check out our detailed guide below.

Egg Safety Tips

Why We Refrigerate Eggs

Eggs are a fresh food product, which puts them at higher risk of contracting bacteria like Salmonella. Egg farmers carry out a number of measures to minimise the presence of Salmonella, ranging from cleaning farm sheds, cool storage and transportation of eggs, minimising egg temperature variations, separating out dirty and cracked eggs, or even washing and sanitising eggs.

To ensure we’re not at risk, we need to continue taking care of our eggs once they leave the supermarket. This includes refrigeration, which has been shown to slow down bacterial growth.

Egg Refrigeration Guide

How to Tell When Eggs are Off?

Not sure if those eggs hanging out in your fridge are safe to eat? Try the float test – a simple way to check freshness at home:

1. Fill a bowl or glass with cold water
2. Gently place the egg in the water
   • Sinks and lies flat = fresh
   • Sinks but stands upright = still ok, but use soon
   • Floats to the top = time to toss

You can also crack an egg into a bowl before using it:

• A tall, firm yolk with thick whites means it’s fresh
• A runny yolk and watery whites suggest it’s older (still usable for baking or boiling)

Egg Float Test: A Simple Way to Check Egg Freshness