How Do You Test If Eggs Are Still Good

Few household staples are quite as versatile as eggs. Scrambled for breakfast, folded into omelets, or baked into cakes, they are a go-to ingredient in virtually every cuisine. Yet because eggs often sit in the refrigerator for weeks, many people hesitate whenever they reach for one. Learning how to tell whether an egg is still good brings peace of mind and helps reduce unnecessary food waste — a small habit with a surprisingly large impact.

The most popular and reliable home method is the float test. Fill a tall glass with water and gently lower the egg in. If it sinks and lies on its side, it is fresh. If it stands upright on the bottom, it is older but still usable. An egg that floats to the surface should be discarded. This works because the air pocket inside the shell grows over time as moisture and carbon dioxide escape.

A quick visual check offers another clue. Crack the egg into a bowl and observe the yolk and white. A fresh egg has a bright, round yolk and a thick, gel-like white. Over time, the white thins out and the yolk flattens, signaling the egg is past its prime. Also discard any egg that gives off a noticeably sour or sulfuric odor — that means it has gone bad.

Fresh eggs typically last about four to five weeks in a conventional refrigerator. To check instantly, look at the expiration date printed on the carton. As an extra safety measure, let the eggs soak in a mixture of warm water and salt for a few minutes; spoiled eggs will often crack more easily under osmotic pressure.

With these simple techniques — the float test, the visual assessment, and the date check — anyone can confidently decide whether an egg is good to use. Practicing them regularly saves money, lowers food waste, and ensures every meal starts with safe, high-quality ingredients.