master-cooks | How Old Are Eggs At The Grocery Store?

Eggs at the grocery store can vary in age, typically ranging from a few days to several weeks old by the time they reach the shelves. After being laid, eggs are collected, washed, and graded before being packaged. This process can take a few days to a week. Once packaged, eggs are transported to distribution centers and then to grocery stores, adding additional days to their age. In the United States, the USDA requires that the date of packaging be printed on the carton, often as a Julian date, which is a three-digit code representing the day of the year. Additionally, an expiration or sell-by date is usually included, indicating the period during which the eggs are expected to remain fresh. While eggs can remain safe to eat for several weeks beyond the sell-by date if stored properly in a refrigerator, their quality may decline over time. Factors such as temperature fluctuations during transport and storage can also affect an egg's freshness. To ensure the freshest eggs, consumers should check both the packaging date and the sell-by date, and consider purchasing eggs from stores with high turnover rates where stock is replenished frequently.

How long are eggs actually good for?

Contrary to their appearance, eggs are surprisingly robust and can last much longer than many people realize. Cameron Whitehead, the chief operating officer of the egg producer Pete & Gerry's, informed Martha Stewart that once processed and packaged, eggs are typically safe to consume for up to 45 days.

The primary indicator that an egg is no longer fresh is runny egg whites. The firmer the whites, the fresher the egg. While the texture of the whites can vary depending on the bird's breed, for most commercially available eggs, the consistency of the whites serves as a reliable gauge of freshness. Even older eggs with runny whites can still be used for a simple, customizable egg bake. If you're aiming for the freshest eggs, always select perishable items from the back of the shelf, where cartons with the latest sell-by dates are located.

To determine if an egg has gone past its prime, you can perform the well-known float test. Simply place an uncracked egg in water; if it sinks, it’s still good to use. However, eggs tested this way should be consumed right away, as water can seep through the porous shell and increase the risk of bacterial contamination. Alternatively, you can crack the egg into a separate container to check its freshness. If the egg appears discolored or has an unpleasant odor, it’s best to discard it.

How Old Are Eggs At The Grocery Store?

How long are eggs actually good for?

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