Fresh Vs Expired Eggs: Easy Ways To Check And Stay Safe

Eggs are the most commonly-preferred breakfast options for many. They are rich in nutrients and a great source of protein. But despite all its goodness, eggs can be pretty deceptive. This is because it is somewhat difficult to differentiate between fresh and expired eggs. But fret not, as today we will share expert-backed tips to check whether your eggs are fresh or not.

To get an expert view on this, we reached out to Ms Edwina Raj, Head of Services - Clinical Nutrition & Dietetics, Aster CMI Hospital, Bangalore.

How To Check Whether Eggs Are Fresh?

Safety comes first, no matter what. And when it comes to diet, it is of utmost importance to eat foods which are fresh, not expired. Many foods give away a foul smell or change colour, when they expire or go stale. But when it comes to eggs, it’s difficult to understand whether they are fresh or not. We ask our expert to suggest some ways for the same. “Place the egg in a bowl of water, and if it sinks and lies flat at the bottom, it is fresh. If it stands upright or floats, it means the egg is old and should not be eaten,” says Ms Raj.

The expert adds, “You can also shake the egg gently near your ear, and if you hear a liquid sound, the egg is not fresh. Crack the egg into a clean bowl and check the yolk, because a fresh egg has a firm, round yolk and thick egg white. Always smell the egg after cracking, as a bad egg gives a strong and unpleasant smell.”

Tips To Identify An Expired Egg

As per a 2025 study, consuming eggs can actually lower bad cholesterol levels in your body. The study adds more evidence to the belief that eggs are good for you. The study is related to an examination of the discrete influences of saturated fat and cholesterol on levels of low-density lipoprotein (LPL), or 'bad', cholesterol in the body. It is very important to differentiate between a fresh and an expired egg. Ms Raj jots down the following ways to do so:

• Place the egg in a bowl of water, and if it floats, it is likely expired and should be thrown away.
• Shake the egg gently near your ear, and if you hear a sloshing sound, the egg is not good.
• Crack the egg into a separate bowl and observe it, because an expired egg may have a flat yolk or change in color and watery egg white.
• Smell the egg carefully, as a strong rotten or sulfur-like smell clearly means the egg is expired.
• Always discard eggs that look, smell, or feel unusual.

Also Read: Real Egg vs Fake Egg: How To Identify Plastic Eggs Without Breaking

Do Eggs Have An Expiration Date?

Almost every food item comes with an expiration date. But many people are of the notion that eggs, if stored in the refrigerator, will be fresh for weeks. Do eggs too have a specific expiration date? Let’s find out.

“Yes, eggs do have an expiry or best-before date, which is usually printed on the egg carton. This date helps you know how long the eggs stay fresh when stored properly. Eggs can often be safely eaten for a short time after the best-before date, if they have been kept in the refrigerator and show no signs of spoilage,” shares Ms Raj.

The expert continues, “However, expired eggs may lose quality and can become unsafe to eat. Always check the egg before using it by looking at its appearance and smelling it after cracking. If the egg has a bad smell, runny texture, or unusual color, it should be thrown away. Proper storage in the fridge helps eggs stay fresh for a longer time.”

Can Refrigerated Eggs Expire?

Most of us store eggs by refrigerating them. But can refrigerated eggs expire too? Our expert answers. “Yes, eggs can still expire even when they are refrigerated, but they last much longer in the fridge. Refrigeration slows down the growth of bacteria and helps eggs stay fresh for several weeks. Most eggs can be safely used for a short time after the best-before date, if they have been kept properly in the refrigerator,” answers Ms Raj.

She further warns, “However, refrigerated eggs can still spoil over time and lose their quality. Always check eggs before using them by doing a smell test after cracking and looking for any unusual color or texture. If an egg smells bad, looks watery, or shows signs of mold, it should be thrown away. Proper storage in the fridge helps reduce the risk of food poisoning.”

What Are The Risks Of Eating Expired Eggs?

On this note, Ms Raj lists down the risks of consuming expired eggs:

• Eating expired eggs can be harmful to health and should be avoided. Old or expired eggs can contain harmful bacteria like Salmonella, which can cause food poisoning. This may lead to symptoms such as stomach pain, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, and weakness.
• Children, older adults, pregnant women, and people with weak immunity are at higher risk of serious illness from eating spoiled eggs.

In some cases, food poisoning from eggs can lead to dehydration and may require medical care.
“To stay safe, always check the expiry date, store eggs in the refrigerator, and throw away eggs that smell bad or look unusual,” concludes Ms Raj.

Also Read: How Many Eggs Can Kids Under 5 Years Eat Per Day? Expert Shares

The Final Word

Eggs come with an expiry or best-before date, which is usually printed on the egg carton. Eating expired eggs can be harmful to health and should be avoided. You can check whether the egg is fresh or not by placing it in a bowl of water; and if it sinks and lies flat at the bottom, it is fresh. If it stands upright or floats, it means the egg is old and should not be eaten.