How to Tell if an Egg Is Bad

Updated: Mar. 12, 2024

Sarah2/Shutterstock

Want to know how to tell if an egg is bad? The float test is a quick way to see if the eggs in your refrigerator are fresh enough to use.

When you buy eggs at the grocery store, you can usually assume they’re fresh—or at least, fresh enough to use. You just need to know how to decipher those numbers on your egg carton. But even if you unpack your eggs from the original carton or buy eggs from a local farmer, there are still easy ways to tell if an egg is bad.

If you test your eggs for freshness, it can be safe to eat “expired” eggs.

How to Tell if Eggs Are Good

How To Tell If An Egg Is Bad Graphic Taste of Home

The good news is that badly spoiled eggs are easy to detect as soon as you crack them open. The bad news is that the sulfur smell of an “off” egg is one you won’t soon forget.

The great news is that there are ways to tell whether your eggs are usable or not without having to break the shell (which is the only thing standing between you and that rotten egg smell).

Editor’s Tip: Check this guide if label terminology like cage-free vs. free-range eggs confuses you at the grocery store.

Do the float test

This low-tech method for how to tell if an egg is bad has been used for generations. It’s as easy as pouring a glass of water.

You see, bad eggs float. It has to do with the way moisture evaporates through the shell as eggs age. As that moisture decreases, the air bubble inside the shell grows. One way to test this is to hold the egg to your ear and shake it: If you hear the egg sloshing around, that’s a bad sign. But if you gently place the egg in a glass or bowl of water, you can see how fresh the egg is.

The air bubble will be at the narrow end of the egg—you can tell how fresh your egg is by how it settles in the water.

If the egg lies horizontally, it’s at its freshest.
If the narrow end of the egg tilts upward, the egg is still usable, but not quite as fresh. An egg that tilts would be good to use for meringue, because older eggs make better meringue.
If the egg stands upright (but is still at the bottom of the container), it’s past its peak, but is still safe—use these eggs for baking or when you’re making hard-boiled eggs.
And if the egg floats? Get rid of it.

It’s as simple as that!

Do the candling test

Another way to check your egg is the candling test. You need to be in a dark room, then use a bright flashlight to take a closer look at the shell. If cracks in the shell are visible when candling, throw it out. The cracks may create an opportunity for bacteria to access the inside of the egg.

Check for discoloration and egg consistency

When you crack open the egg, if there are flecks of green, pink, black or any other color that isn’t yellow or orange for the yolk and clear (or clear but cloudy) for the white, play it safe and toss the egg.

You can check the consistency of the egg white, too. While a white is supposed to be runnier than the yolk, if it’s much runnier than usual, just know that the egg is a bit older. It’s not a sign to run for the hills, but be wary. While you’re at it, get to know how long eggs can last in the fridge.

Do the sniff test

Your last line of defense (but probably the most obvious) should be the sniff test. If an egg passes all of the other tests but smells like sulfur, you should toss it. Don’t forget to crack your eggs individually into a bowl before adding them to the rest of the ingredients! While you’re at it, get to know whether you can wash fresh eggs.

Editor’s Tip: Eggs have a surprisingly long shelf life, check how long do the eggs last.

How to Keep Eggs from Going Bad

It’s best to keep eggs in the refrigerator, where they’ll be good for 4 to 5 weeks. Be sure to store eggs on a shelf in the fridge, rather than in the door—eggs in the door experience more temperature fluctuation and will go bad faster. Experts also recommend storing eggs with the pointy end down and the blunt end up.

For food safety reasons, do not keep eggs on the counter at home for more than 2 hours.

101 Things to Do with a Carton of Eggs

1 / 96

Hash Brown Quiche Cups Recipe photo by Taste of Home

Hash Brown Quiche CupsQuiche cups are my showstopper potluck dish. Hash browns and Asiago cheese make up the crusts. Eggs, spinach and bacon do the rest. —Nicole Stone, Gilbertville, Iowa

Go to Recipe

Not all eggs are equal. Here's how to choose the best eggs for your recipe.

ShakshukaShakshuka is a dish of poached eggs with tomatoes, onion and cumin. I learned about it while traveling, and it's been my favorite way to eat eggs since. —Ezra Weeks, Calgary, Alberta

Go to Recipe

Egg Baskets BenedictA little puff pastry turns Canadian bacon and eggs into a tasty update on eggs Benedict. We use a packaged hollandaise or cheese sauce for the finish. —Sally Jackson, Fort Worth, Texas

Go to Recipe

Yogurt Ricotta Cheesecake Exps Thfm19 229041 B09 27 5b 4

Yogurt-Ricotta CheesecakeI have always liked Italian ricotta cheesecakes, but they have too much sugar for me. I made a light version, and my family couldn’t even tell the difference! I serve mine with sugar-free strawberry ice cream topping and fresh strawberries. —Diane Shipley, Mentor, Ohio

Go to Recipe

Also, try this humble-looking this egg tart recipe all across from the Portugal.

Broccoli Ham Quiche Exps Ft23 14120 St 1207 3

Broccoli Ham QuicheThis rich ham and broccoli quiche is featured in a family cookbook I put together. My husband is proof that quiche can satisfy even a very healthy appetite. —Marilyn Day, North Fort Myers, Florida

Go to Recipe

Spaghetti With Eggs And Bacon Exps2565 Rds2321842d04 14 1bc Rms 2

Spaghetti with Eggs and BaconMost folks are surprised to see this combination of ingredients. But I usually make a big batch because it always disappears in a hurry.

Go to Recipe

Roasted Vegetable FrittataThe wonderful thing about frittatas is that I can make them with whatever I have available in my garden and in the pantry. This version uses spring produce to its fullest. Roasting really intensifies the natural sweetness of the asparagus and onion, and the earthiness of the potatoes. —Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho

Go to Recipe

Arugula Mushroom Breakfast Pizza Exps Hck17 192796 D08 23 6b 5

Arugula & Mushroom Breakfast PizzaIt's a challenge to be creative with breakfast every morning, and I like to come up with fun foods the kids will love. This is a great recipe for the kids to join in and help make for breakfast. You can also make and freeze it before you add the eggs, then finish baking another day. —Melissa Pelkey Hass, Waleska, Georgia

Go to Recipe