Can You Eat Eggs Past the Expiration Date?
Quick Answer: Often yes — eggs usually last 3-5 weeks past the sell-by date if refrigerated. The date is about quality, not safety. Use the float test: fresh eggs sink, bad eggs float. If it smells fine when cracked, it's safe.
Understanding Egg Dates
- Sell-by date: For the store, not you — eggs are often good 3-5 weeks beyond this
- Best-by date: Quality suggestion, not safety deadline
- Expiration date: Still usually conservative
The Float Test
How to test eggs:
- Fill a bowl with cold water
- Gently place egg in water
- Sinks and lays flat: Very fresh
- Sinks but stands up: Still good, use soon
- Floats: Bad — throw away
The Smell Test
The most reliable test: crack the egg into a bowl. Bad eggs have an unmistakable sulfur smell. If it smells normal, it's safe to eat.
Why Eggs Last So Long
Eggs have a natural protective coating and shell that keeps bacteria out. Refrigeration dramatically extends their life. Properly stored eggs rarely go bad within their shell.
The Bottom Line
Don't automatically throw away eggs past the date. Test them first — you'll probably find they're perfectly fine. Trust the float test and your nose.
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