Fresh eggs last 3 to 5 weeks in the fridge. Hard-boiled eggs last 1 week. Here is the full breakdown for every scenario — fridge, counter, cooked, and left out overnight.
How long do fresh eggs last in the fridge?
Kept in the fridge at 40°F or below, fresh eggs in their shell last 3 to 5 weeks from the purchase date. The USDA uses a more specific measure: eggs are safe for 45 days from the pack date printed on the carton.
A few tips to get the most out of that window:
- Keep eggs in the original carton. It protects them from absorbing odours and moisture from other foods in the fridge.
- Store on an interior shelf, not in the door. Door temperatures fluctuate every time you open the fridge. The back of a middle or lower shelf is consistently colder.
- Don’t wash eggs before storing. Washing removes the natural coating that helps protect the shell.
| Egg type | Fridge life |
|---|---|
| Fresh eggs in shell | 3 to 5 weeks |
| Raw egg whites (out of shell) | 2 to 4 days |
| Raw egg yolks (out of shell) | 2 to 4 days |
| Hard-boiled in shell | 1 week |
| Hard-boiled peeled | 5 days |
How long can eggs sit out at room temperature?
This is where the US and Europe diverge — and understanding why makes the rule make more sense.
In the US, commercially sold eggs are washed and sanitised before packaging. This process removes bacteria but also strips away the egg’s natural protective coating (called the bloom or cuticle). Without that coating, the porous shell is vulnerable to bacteria entering from the outside. This is why US eggs must be refrigerated and should not sit out for more than 2 hours.
In Europe and the UK, eggs are typically not washed. The bloom stays intact, which means they can safely sit on the counter for weeks without refrigeration. This is why you’ll often see eggs sold unrefrigerated in European supermarkets.
If you bought your eggs at a US grocery store: refrigerate them and keep them cold. The 2-hour room temperature limit applies.
If you have farm-fresh, unwashed eggs: they can stay on the counter for up to 2 to 3 weeks, as long as they haven’t been washed.
What about leaving eggs out overnight?
For US-purchased, washed eggs: if they’ve been out longer than 2 hours at room temperature, the safe call is to discard them. Bacteria can enter the shell once the protective coating is gone, and room temperature accelerates growth rapidly.
For unwashed farm-fresh eggs: sitting out overnight is generally fine. The bloom is still intact and doing its job.
If you’re not sure whether your eggs are washed or unwashed, assume they’re washed and follow the 2-hour rule.
How long do hard-boiled eggs last?
Hard-boiled eggs last 1 week in the fridge, whether peeled or unpeeled. Unpeeled hard-boiled eggs hold up slightly better because the shell provides an extra layer of protection, but the difference is small.
A few storage notes:
- Peeled hard-boiled eggs should go in an airtight container, or submerged in cold water (change the water daily) to keep them from drying out.
- Do not freeze hard-boiled eggs. The whites become rubbery and watery after freezing.
- Hard-boiled eggs do not keep at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
How long do cooked eggs last in the fridge?
Scrambled, fried, omelette, or any other cooked egg preparation: 3 to 4 days in an airtight container in the fridge.
This applies to egg dishes like quiche or frittata as well. If the dish contains dairy (cream, cheese) or meat (bacon, ham), use the lower end of that range and aim to eat within 3 days.
How long do deviled eggs last in the fridge?
Deviled eggs last 2 days in the fridge, maximum. The filling — which contains mayo and egg yolk — spoils faster than plain hard-boiled eggs. Keep them covered or in an airtight container, and serve cold.
If you’re making them ahead for a party, make the filling and store it separately from the whites, then assemble just before serving.
How to tell if an egg has gone bad
Two reliable methods:
The float test (for uncracked eggs). Fill a bowl with cold water and gently lower the egg in. A fresh egg sinks and lies flat on its side. An older egg (but still usable) will stand upright on the bottom. An egg that floats to the surface has gas inside from decomposition — discard it.
The smell test (once cracked). A bad egg has an unmistakable sulphur or rotten smell the moment it’s cracked. There is no mistaking it. If it smells off, throw it out. A fresh egg has little to no smell.
Frequently asked questions
Can you eat eggs 2 months out of date? No. The 3 to 5 week fridge life is the safe window. Two months past the purchase date is well outside that, regardless of whether the eggs still look okay.
Do eggs go bad faster out of the carton? Yes, slightly. The carton protects eggs from odour absorption and physical damage. Keep them in it.
Can you freeze raw eggs? Not in the shell — they expand and crack. You can freeze beaten whole eggs or separated whites and yolks in an airtight container for up to 1 year. Thaw in the fridge overnight.
What temperature should my fridge be for storing eggs? 40°F (4°C) or below. If your fridge runs warmer than this, eggs and other perishables won’t keep as long as expected.
Storage times based on USDA FoodKeeper guidelines.
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