How to Tell If Eggs Are Bad

Knowing how to tell if eggs are bad can save you from an upset stomach and unnecessary food waste. I’ve had those moments where I opened the fridge, spotted an old carton of eggs, and thought, “Are these still good?” If that sounds familiar, don’t worry—I’m gonna break it all down for you with simple, reliable methods anyone can use.

Why It’s Important to Check Egg Freshness

Eggs might look fine on the outside, but once they go bad, eating them can lead to foodborne illnesses like salmonella.

I always check mine before cooking, especially if I’ve had them for a while. Even if the expiration date has passed, that doesn’t automatically mean they’re unsafe. Sometimes eggs outlast the date printed on the carton—if stored properly.

How to Tell If Eggs Are Bad with Simple Tests

In this section, I’ll walk you through the most common (and easy) ways to check if your eggs are still fresh or ready to toss.

1. Try the Water Test (Float Test)

This is one of my go-to methods and you’ve probably heard of it before. It’s quick, mess-free, and only requires a glass of water.

• Fill a bowl or cup with cold water.
• Gently place the egg in the water.
• If it sinks and lays flat, it’s fresh.
• If it stands upright, it’s still okay but getting old.
• If it floats, toss it—it’s bad.

This trick works because older eggs have more air inside, which makes them buoyant (keep afloat or rise to the top of a liquid or gas).

2. Crack It Open and Check the Smell

Sometimes you just have to go straight to the source. When in doubt, I crack the egg into a bowl before adding it to a recipe.

• Fresh eggs have no strong odor at all.
• Bad eggs will smell foul or sulfur-like immediately.
• Don’t even taste it—if it smells off, it is off.

I once cracked a spoiled egg into a hot pan. That smell doesn’t leave the kitchen for hours. So yeah, always check first!

3. Examine the Appearance

Your eyes can help too. When you crack an egg open, take a second to observe the yolk and white.

• Fresh eggs have firm yolks that sit tall and thick whites.
• Older but safe eggs may have flatter yolks and runny whites.
• Rotten eggs may look discolored or cloudy and have a weird texture.

Also, if you notice any green, black, or pink spots inside, don’t risk it—throw it away.

Understanding Egg Expiration Dates

I know it’s tempting to rely just on the date printed on the carton, but it can be misleading.

The “sell-by” date is more about inventory rotation than safety. Eggs can often be eaten several weeks past that date if stored properly. However, I still prefer to check them using one of the methods above just to be safe.

For reference, fresh eggs can usually last 3 to 5 weeks in the fridge when stored correctly in their original carton.

Best Practices to Keep Eggs Fresh Longer

If you’re like me and buy eggs in bulk, here are some ways I make sure they stay good as long as possible.

• Store eggs in the main fridge compartment, not in the door where temperature fluctuates.
• Keep them in the original carton to prevent moisture loss and protect them from odors.
• Don’t wash eggs before storing. The natural coating helps keep bacteria out.
• Label your egg cartons with the date you bought them to track age easily.

Simple habits like these make a big difference over time.

What to Do With Eggs That Are Getting Old

Sometimes eggs are past their prime for frying or poaching (an egg dropped from its shell and cooked in simmering water for about five minutes), but still good for baking.

I use older eggs in cakes, muffins, or even scrambled eggs where texture matters less. They may not fluff up as much, but the flavor holds up just fine.

If you’re still unsure, do the water test. If they sink, use them up quickly. If they float, it’s time to say goodbye.

Final Thoughts

Learning how to tell if eggs are bad isn’t complicated once you know what to look for. I’ve used these methods for years and they’ve saved me from food waste — and bad meals—more times than I can count.

Whether you’re baking, cooking breakfast, or just whipping up a quick omelet, a quick egg check is worth the time. Your stomach (and your nose) will thank you.

Now I’m curious—what’s your go-to method for checking eggs? Do you always use the float test or just trust the smell? Ever had a bad egg experience? Let me know below!