How long do eggs last?

Concerns & risks

You were trying to make breakfast, but the eggs in your fridge are past the date printed on the carton.

Everyday mishaps add up.

Causes & evidence

Refrigerated raw eggs in the shell keep about 3 to 5 weeks per USDA. See food storage times.

What to do

1. Keep eggs in the fridge.
2. Store in the carton.
3. Toss cracked or odd-smelling eggs.

Common mistakes: Common mistakes: tossing eggs only because of the date. The date may be a sell-by or best-by date about quality. Store eggs in their carton on a shelf, not the door, to keep them colder. Don't wash eggs before storing; U.S. commercial eggs are already washed. Cook eggs until yolks and whites are firm. Refrigerate hard-cooked eggs and use within about a week. If an egg smells bad when cracked, toss it. You can also test freshness with the float test: fresh eggs sink in water, while older ones may tilt or float because the air cell grows. Floating isn't proof they're unsafe, but crack it into a separate bowl to check.

Speed Man tip: Store in the main section, not the door.

Wrap-up: Fridge. Carton. 3–5 weeks.