Fresh vs expired eggs: 7 easy ways to check
The Water Float Test: Place the egg in a bowl of water. Fresh eggs sink and lie flat. Slightly older eggs stand upright, while expired eggs float due to air buildup inside, making this one of the quickest freshness checks.
The Crack And Smell Test: Crack the egg into a separate bowl before cooking. Fresh eggs have a neutral smell, while expired eggs release a strong sulphur or rotten odour immediately, making this method simple, reliable, and hard to miss.
Check The Eggshell Texture: Fresh eggshells feel rough or chalky, while older eggs develop smoother, shinier shells as moisture escapes over time. Though subtle, this texture change can offer an early clue about the egg’s age.
Examine The Yolk And White: When cracked, fresh eggs have a firm, rounded yolk and thick whites that stay close. Expired eggs spread quickly, with watery whites and flatter yolks, indicating loss of freshness and structure.
Shake The Eggs Gently: Hold the egg near your ear and shake it gently. Fresh eggs make no sound, while older or expired eggs may slosh slightly as the contents loosen inside, signalling internal breakdown over time.
Smell After Cooking: If unsure, cook the egg fully before judging. A fresh egg smells normal once cooked, but an expired egg releases an unpleasant odour even after heating, making it unsafe and unappetizing to eat.
Look At The Expiry Date: Always check the expiry or “best before” date on the carton. While eggs can last slightly longer when refrigerated properly, dates offer a helpful baseline and should never be completely ignored.
