Do Eggs Expire? How to Tell if Eggs Are Still Good

Last Updated: 9/25/2026

Do eggs expire? Yes.

Eggs become less fresh over time and should always be checked before use. Be sure to keep eggs properly refrigerated, and to consume your eggs before the end of the “Best By” date printed on their carton. Here's everything you need to know.

Quick Answer: How Long Do Eggs Stay Good in the Refrigerator?

If you're short on time, here's the rundown:

• Refrigerated eggs are generally good for 3 to 5 weeks past their pack date if stored below 40°F.
• Pete & Gerry's eggs should be eaten before the "Use By" date printed on the carton, which reflects the period during which Pete & Gerry's expects optimal quality and performance when the eggs have been properly refrigerated.
• Any egg with an off smell, slimy or chalky shell, or unusual coloring should be thrown out, regardless of the date on the carton.
• When in doubt, throw it out.

Do Eggs Expire in the Refrigerator?

Yes, but slowly. Refrigeration is what makes eggs last as long as they do. In the U.S., commercially sold eggs are washed and processed before sale, which strips away eggs' natural protective coating (called the "bloom" or cuticle) and makes refrigeration necessary. Once refrigerated below 40°F, eggs typically stay good for several weeks past their pack date, though quality slowly declines as the air cell inside the shell grows larger and the whites thin out.

How to Read Egg Carton Dates

Carton dates can be confusing because different brands and retailers use different terms. Here's a plain-language breakdown:

Use By, Sell By, and Expiration Dates

For Pete & Gerry's eggs, the "Use By" date is the best indicator of quality and safety when the eggs have been properly refrigerated. Once a carton passes its Use By date, quality may begin to decline, so we recommend inspecting the eggs carefully before use.

It’s always best practice to inspect each egg carefully, and discard any cracked or off-smelling eggs. When in doubt, throw it out.

Pack Date and Julian Date

Look for a three-digit number printed near the use by date. That's the Julian pack date. If your carton doesn't show one, use the printed use by date as your main reference point instead.

How to Tell if Eggs Are Good

Older eggs, i.e., those closest to their Use By date, come with a couple of kitchen bonuses. They peel more easily when hard-boiled, and their whites whip up better for meringue and other desserts.

However, eggs can go bad prior to the stamped date on the carton if they have not been consistently refrigerated properly or for other reasons. If you are in doubt, throw the egg out.

Smell, Shell, and Crack Tests

Before using an egg, inspect it. Throw it out if you notice any of these warning signs:

• A strong sulfur or "off" smell once cracked
• A slimy or unusually powdery/chalky shell
• Pink, green, or iridescent coloring in the white
• Visible mold on the shell or inside the carton
• Cracks in the shell, which can let bacteria in

Bottom line: If an egg looks, smells, or feels off in any way, throw it out.

Do Fresh Eggs Need to Be Refrigerated?

For eggs bought at a U.S. grocery store: yes, always. In the United States, commercially sold eggs are washed, causing them to lose the natural protective coating that would otherwise let them sit safely at room temperature, so they need consistent refrigeration below 40°F from the moment you bring them home.

A note on unwashed or backyard eggs: you may come across advice online suggesting fresh eggs can sit on the counter. That guidance typically refers to unwashed farm or backyard eggs, which still have their natural bloom intact. It doesn't apply to store-bought eggs like Pete & Gerry's, which are washed as part of standard USDA processing and should always be refrigerated.

Egg Storage Tips to Extend Freshness

• Refrigerate immediately: Store eggs in the refrigerator as soon as you bring them home, ideally below 40°F (4°C).
• Keep them in the original carton: The carton protects eggs from absorbing strong odors and flavors from other foods in the fridge, and preserves the date information.
• Avoid the door: Store eggs on an interior shelf rather than the door, where temperatures fluctuate more with every open and close.
• Freeze for long-term storage: If you have more eggs than you'll use in time, crack them into a freezer-safe container, beat until blended, and freeze for up to a year.

When to Throw Eggs Away

Use this quick-reference table to decide whether to keep, test, or toss an egg:

Egg Shelf Life at a Glance

Ranges are general food-safety guidance for properly refrigerated eggs and may vary; always confirm against the carton date and the checks above.

Frequently Asked Questions About Egg Expiration

Q: Do eggs expire in the refrigerator?

A: Yes, but refrigeration helps keep eggs fresh longer. When stored in their original carton on an interior refrigerator shelf at 40°F or below, eggs generally maintain their quality for several weeks. For the best eating experience and to stay within Pete & Gerry's quality guarantee, we recommend enjoying your eggs on or before the “Use By” date printed on the carton.

Q: How long are eggs good after the expiration date?

A: The “Use By” date is a quality guideline, not a food safety expiration date. Eggs that have been continuously refrigerated may still be usable after that date, but quality naturally declines over time. Pete & Gerry's recommends enjoying eggs on or before the “Use By” date for the freshest flavor and quality.

Q: Can you eat eggs 2 weeks after the expiration date?

A: It depends on how the eggs have been stored and their condition. Eggs that have remained continuously refrigerated may still appear normal, but Pete & Gerry's cannot guarantee quality or freshness beyond the “Use By” date. Before using any egg, inspect it for unusual odor or appearance, including any cracks or discoloration of its shell. If you have any uncertainty about the quality and safety of its condition, discard the egg.

Q: How do you tell if an egg is bad?

A: The best way to check an egg is to visibly inspect its shell and crack it into a clean bowl before using it. If it has an unusual or unpleasant odor, an unusual appearance, or if the shell is cracked, slimy, or has visible mold, discard it. When in doubt, it's always safest to throw the egg away.

Q: Is the egg float test accurate?

A: The float test can give you a general idea of an egg's freshness. As eggs get older, natural changes inside the shell can cause them to float in water. However, while the float test may indicate age, it does not indicate whether or not an egg is safe to eat. For the best assessment, use the float test together with a visual inspection and smell test after cracking the egg into a separate bowl.

Q: Do fresh eggs need to be refrigerated?

A: Yes. Like all commercially sold eggs in the United States, Pete & Gerry's eggs are washed and should be refrigerated at 40°F or below after purchase. Keeping eggs consistently refrigerated helps maintain their quality and freshness.

Q: What happens if you eat an expired egg?

A: The “Use By” date on your egg carton is intended to indicate the time period of peak quality of those eggs with proper storage. Egg quality may decline after that date. Before using any egg, inspect it for unusual odor, appearance, or damage to the shell. If you have any concerns about an egg's condition, discard it.

Q: Should eggs be stored in the fridge door?

A: For the best quality, store eggs in their original carton on an interior refrigerator shelf instead of the door. Interior shelves maintain a more consistent temperature, while the refrigerator door is exposed to frequent temperature changes each time it's opened.

References

• USDA, Food Safety and Inspection Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture. “Egg Products and Food Safety.”
• FDA. “Small Entity Compliance Guide: Safe Handling Statements on Labeling of Shell Eggs and the Refrigeration of Shell Eggs Held for Retail Distribution.”
• FoodSafety.gov. “Cold Food Storage Chart.”
• Egg Safety Center. “Understanding Dates on Egg Cartons.”