Check the expiration date
One of the easiest ways to tell if your eggs are still good is to check the date on the carton. But if you throw your refrigerated eggs out as soon as this date arrives, you could be wasting perfectly good eggs.
In the United States, eggs may be labeled with either a “sell by” or expiration date, depending on which state you live in, to let you know if your eggs are still fresh.
Conduct a sniff test
The sniff test is the oldest, simplest, and most reliable method of telling whether an egg has gone bad. Eggs that have gone bad will give off an unmistakable smell, regardless of whether they are raw or cooked.
If you can’t already tell while the egg is in the shell, crack the egg onto a clean plate or bowl and give it a sniff. If anything smells off, toss the egg and wash the bowl or plate with hot, soapy water before using again.
Complete a visual inspection
Sliminess or cracks can indicate the presence of bacteria, while a powdery appearance on the shell may indicate mold.
If the shell appears dry and undamaged, crack the egg into a clean, white bowl or plate before using. Look for any pink or iridescent discoloration in the yolk or whites, as this may indicate bacterial growth.
If you notice any signs of discoloration, throw the egg out and wash the bowl with hot, soapy water before testing a new egg.
Perform a float test
The float test is one of the most popular methods for checking whether an egg is good or bad. This is also a common methodTrusted Source for determining the age of a fertilized egg that is developing into a chick.
To perform the float test, gently set your egg into a bowl or bucket of water. If the egg sinks, it is fresh. If it tilts upwards or even floats, it is old.
This is because as an egg ages, the small air pocket inside it grows larger as water is released and replaced by air. If the air pocket becomes large enough, the egg may float.
