How to Tell If an Egg Is Bad: 5 Simple Tests You Can Do at Home

Not sure whether your eggs are still good? You can use simple at-home checks like the water “float test” to tell if eggs are fresh without cracking them open.

Authorities recommend keeping eggs in their original carton on a refrigerator shelf (not the door) and storing them at 45°F (7°C) or below. Many eggs remain good longer than the date on the carton if refrigerated properly. Always check the pack or sell-by date and use common sense: when in doubt, throw it out. That’s especially important for people with weaker immune systems—children, elderly adults, pregnant people, and those who are ill—because eggs can carry harmful bacteria such as Salmonella.

If you’re making hard-boiled eggs, the float test is a quick way to screen eggs without cracking them. If you plan to crack eggs before cooking—say for scrambled eggs, omelets, or baking—use the smell test and a visual inspection after cracking. Any off smell or unusual appearance means discard the egg.

Below are the most reliable ways to check egg freshness at home.

The Float Test: See If the Egg Floats

The float test is the easiest way to check an egg without breaking it. Fill a glass or bowl with cold water and gently lower the egg in.

• Sinks to the bottom and lies on its side: very fresh.
• Sinks but stands upright on the bottom: still safe to eat but not as fresh.
• Sinks and balances on one end: older but generally still edible.
• Floats to the top: the egg is old and could be spoiled — discard it.

Eggshells are semipermeable; over time air enters the egg and increases buoyancy. Rotten eggs can also produce gases that make them float. If an egg appears to float or smells off, throw it out.

Check the Shell

Inspect the shell before use. Avoid eggs with cracks, a slimy feel, or heavy dirt and dust. If an egg only suffered a minor external crack during transport, it may still be usable, but exercise caution and discard any egg with severe shell damage.

The Shake Test: Shake the Egg

Hold an egg up to your ear and gently shake it. If you hear a sloshing sound, the white or yolk has likely thinned and the egg is older. You shouldn’t hear any liquid movement in a fresh egg. Use the shake test along with the sniff test after cracking: if it sounds watery and smells off, discard it.

The Sniff Test: Smell the Cracked Egg

After cracking an egg into a bowl, look and smell it. Normal yolk colors range from pale yellow to deep orange. The whites should be fairly clear and not show green, pink, or black discoloration. A rotten egg gives off a strong sulfur or rotten odor—if it smells bad, throw it away. Small blood spots are harmless and do not indicate spoilage.

Tips

• Use a clear glass bowl for the float test so you can see the egg from the side.
• Unwashed eggs retain their protective bloom and can last longer than washed eggs. Unwashed eggs may be safe at room temperature for a short time, but refrigeration extends shelf life and safety.

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