You can tell if eggs are still good using several simple tests:
Water (Float) Test
- Fill a bowl or glass with cold water and gently place the egg in it.
- If the egg sinks and lies flat on its side at the bottom, it is very fresh and safe to eat.
- If it sinks but stands upright on one end, it is still safe but not as fresh.
- If the egg floats to the surface, it is too old and should be discarded
Sniff Test
- Crack the egg open and smell it.
- A bad egg will emit a strong sulfur or rotten odor.
- If there is no unpleasant smell, the egg is likely still good
Visual and Texture Checks (After Cracking)
- Fresh eggs have a plump, rounded yolk and thick, slightly opaque egg white that clings around the yolk.
- Older eggs have flatter yolks and watery, runny egg whites that spread out more.
- Presence of black or brown spots inside the shell can indicate mold and spoilage, but blood spots are harmless
Additional Tips
- Check the date on the carton (pack date or sell-by date) as a guideline, but eggs can often be good for weeks beyond that if refrigerated properly.
- If unsure, use the float test combined with smell and appearance for best results
These methods together provide a reliable way to determine if eggs are still good to eat.
