Raw eggs in their shell keep for 3 to 5 weeks in the fridge. Hard-cooked eggs keep for 1 week.
Storage times
| Eggs | Fridge | Freezer |
|---|---|---|
| Raw eggs in shell | 3 to 5 weeks | Don't freeze in the shell. Beat yolks and whites together, then freeze. |
| Raw egg whites and yolks | 2 to 4 days | 12 months (yolks don't freeze well) |
| Hard-cooked eggs | 1 week | Don't freeze |
| Liquid egg substitute, unopened | 1 week | Don't freeze |
| Liquid egg substitute, opened | 3 days | Don't freeze |
| Casseroles with eggs, after baking | 3 to 4 days | 2 to 3 months |
Fridge at 40°F (4°C) or below, freezer at 0°F (−18°C) or below. Freezer times are for best quality only: food kept frozen at 0°F (−18°C) or below stays safe indefinitely. A dash means the source gives no time.
Storage tips
- Buy eggs from a refrigerated case, with clean, uncracked shells.
- Keep them in their carton in the coldest part of the fridge, not in the door.
- Don't wash eggs. Wash water can be drawn into the egg through the pores in the shell.
- Don't leave refrigerated eggs out for more than 2 hours. A cold egg left out can sweat, which helps bacteria move into it.
- Refrigerate hard-cooked eggs within 2 hours of cooking and eat them within a week.
Signs it's gone off
- If an egg smells bad when you crack it, throw it out.
- If eggs accidentally freeze in the shell, throw out any with a broken shell. Keep the rest frozen, thaw them in the fridge and use them straight away.
Common questions
How long do eggs last in the fridge?
Raw eggs in their shell keep for 3 to 5 weeks in the fridge, according to FoodSafety.gov. Hard-cooked eggs keep for 1 week.
Can you freeze eggs?
Not in the shell. Beat the yolks and whites together, then freeze them for up to 12 months.
Should you wash eggs before storing them?
No. USDA advises against it, because wash water can be drawn into the egg through the shell.
Sources
Guidance, not a guarantee. These times come from US government food safety sources and assume food was handled and stored safely. Always follow the date and instructions on the package, check food before you eat it, and when in doubt, throw it out. This page isn't medical advice.
