Updated 29 July 2026 · Written by Daniel Wright
You can often eat eggs past their printed date, because that date is a quality guide rather than a safety cutoff. Properly refrigerated eggs are usually good for 3 to 5 weeks. Use the float test and a sniff check to judge older eggs, and always cook them thoroughly. When in doubt, throw them out.
Eggs are often fine past the printed date. Test with the float test and smell, cook thoroughly, and discard any that float or smell off.
Dates vs Real Freshness
The best-before or sell-by date on eggs is about peak quality, not a hard safety line. Refrigerated eggs commonly stay good for several weeks beyond it. For exactly how long, see how long eggs last in the fridge.
How to Test an Older Egg
Do the float test: a fresh egg sinks and lies flat, while a bad egg floats due to a large air pocket. Crack questionable eggs into a separate bowl and check for a sulfurous smell or discolored white. Cook older eggs thoroughly, and store eggs in the main fridge body in a sealed container rather than the door.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long are eggs good after the expiration date?
Refrigerated eggs are usually good for 3 to 5 weeks after packing, which is often a week or two past the printed date. Test with the float test to be sure.
Is it safe to eat an egg that floats?
No. A floating egg has a large air pocket, a sign it is old. Discard any egg that floats rather than sinks.
