How to Tell If Eggs Are Bad

Learn how to tell if eggs are bad in 2025 with simple tests like the float, sniff, and visual check to ensure freshness and prevent food poisoning

Eggs are a kitchen staple, but nothing ruins breakfast faster than cracking open a bad one. Knowing how to tell if eggs are bad can protect you from foodborne illness and save money by preventing waste. Whether you’re baking, meal-prepping, or cooking breakfast, these up-to-date 2025 methods will help you quickly determine egg freshness with confidence.

Why Checking Egg Freshness Matters

Eggs can look fine on the outside but may spoil silently inside the shell. Consuming rotten eggs can cause food poisoning due to harmful bacteria like Salmonella. Even if the egg doesn’t make you sick, a spoiled one can ruin the taste of your dish. Thankfully, you don’t need fancy tools—just a few quick home tests and a little awareness.

1. Do the Float Test

The float test remains one of the easiest and most reliable ways to check egg freshness.

How it works:

Fill a bowl with cold water.
Gently place the egg into the bowl.

Interpret the results:

Sinks and lays flat – Fresh egg.
Sinks but stands upright – Still safe to eat but should be used soon.
Floats to the top – The egg is bad and should be discarded.

This test works because eggshells are porous. Over time, air seeps in, increasing buoyancy. The more air inside, the older the egg.

You can also watch this YouTube tutorial for a visual demonstration.

2. Check the Expiration or “Best Before” Date

Before performing any test, look at the date printed on the carton. In 2025, most eggs sold in supermarkets follow clearer labeling standards. You might see:

Best Before Date – Indicates optimal freshness. Eggs may still be safe a few days after, depending on storage.
Sell By Date – Used by retailers, usually a week before the best-before date.

While the date isn’t foolproof, it’s a good first checkpoint. Always combine it with a physical inspection.

3. Perform the Sniff Test

A simple smell test can instantly tell you if an egg has gone bad.

Steps:

Crack the egg open on a clean plate.
Smell it immediately.

What to look for:

Fresh eggs have a neutral or slightly earthy smell.
Bad eggs release a strong, sulfur-like odor that is unmistakable.

If you notice even a faint foul smell, it’s safest to throw it away.

4. Examine the Egg’s Appearance

Visual inspection can reveal early signs of spoilage.

Check the shell:

Clean, smooth, and uncracked shells indicate good quality.
Slimy or powdery residue suggests mold or bacteria.
Cracked shells can allow contamination—avoid these.

Check the inside after cracking:

Yolk: Should be firm and slightly raised. A flat yolk means it’s older but may still be edible.
Egg white: Should be thick and slightly cloudy. Watery or runny whites are a sign of age.

For safety, never eat eggs with greenish or pinkish hues inside—they indicate bacterial growth.

5. Listen to the Shake Test (Optional)

This lesser-known method involves gently shaking the egg near your ear. If you hear a sloshing sound, air pockets inside have expanded, signaling the egg is likely old. Fresh eggs make little to no sound when shaken.

6. Store Eggs Properly to Extend Freshness

Knowing how to tell if eggs are bad is helpful, but prevention is even better. Proper storage keeps eggs safe and tasty for longer:

Keep eggs in their original carton to prevent odor absorption.
Store them in the refrigerator, ideally below 40°F (4°C).
Avoid placing eggs on the fridge door, where temperature fluctuates most.
Use older eggs for baking and fresher ones for frying or poaching.

For more storage safety tips, visit the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food Safety page.

Test Your Eggs Today

Next time you’re unsure about your eggs, try one of these quick tests before tossing them. You’ll reduce food waste, save money, and ensure every meal is safe to eat. Explore our related guide on how long eggs last in the fridge to better plan your grocery routine.

Conclusion

Learning how to tell if eggs are bad is a simple but essential kitchen skill in 2025. From float and sniff tests to checking expiration dates, these easy methods help you make informed choices without guesswork. When in doubt, always trust your senses—if it looks, smells, or feels off, it’s better to discard it. Staying mindful about egg safety keeps your meals healthy and your kitchen worry-free.

So before your next omelet or baking session, take a few seconds to check. Fresh eggs mean fresh flavor—and peace of mind.