Five Simple Ways to Tell if an Egg Is Fresh or Spoiled

We’ve all been there—you reach for an egg, but did it cross the sell-by date safely? Here are five trusted methods to check egg freshness, so you never crack open a surprise:

1. The Float Test – Fresh or Funky?

• Fill a bowl with cold water.

• Gently drop in the egg:

  • Stays on the bottom and lies flat? Fresh as can be.

  • Stands upright on the bottom? Still okay, but getting older.

  • Floats to the top? 🚨 Toss it—time for the compost!

Why it works: Over time, eggs lose moisture and build up air inside. A floating egg means enough air has built up to make it buoyant.

2. The Sniff Test – Simple & Tells All

Crack the egg into a small dish.

• No smell? All clear—use it.

• Any bad odor (sulfur-like or sour)? Get rid of it immediately.

Egg smell is unmistakable. If it stinks, don’t taste it—just bin it.

3. The Visual Check – Look Before You Leap

After cracking, check the contents:

• The yolk should be bright yellow or orange and hold shape.

• The white should stay slightly thick and cloudy.

• No odd colors, puffiness, or weird strings? You’re safe.

• Green, pink, black edges or unusual textures? That’s a nope.

Trust your eyes—they’ll show you what the egg won’t.

4. The Shake Test – Shake, Shriek… or Silence?

To read the full article, please head over to the next page or tap the Open button ( > ). And don’t forget to SHARE it with your Facebook friends!