Fresh eggs offer both taste and safety benefits. They have firmer whites, more vigorous yolks, and better binding capabilities when baking. Additionally, they help ensure food safety by lowering the risk of foodborne illnesses, such as salmonella contamination.
Identifying the freshness of eggs doesn’t depend on guesswork. Once you know how to do it, there are a number of ways to ensure that you receive the freshest eggs possible.
Storage Tips for Maximum Freshness
- Store eggs in the refrigerator at 40°F (4°C) or below
- Keep eggs in their original carton in the refrigerator to reduce the potential for the eggs to obtain odor
- Place eggs in the main body of the refrigerator, not the door
- Make sure to use the oldest eggs first (first in, first out principle)
- If farm fresh don’t wash your eggs until you are ready to use them, washing eggs removes the protective coating
Testing Methods
Look at Julian dates, which reflect the day the eggs were packaged (001-365, meaning January 1 to December 31). Julian dates can help you understand the freshest product options.
The variety of egg types available today reflects different farming practices and housing systems for laying hens. Understanding those differences allows you to select eggs that suit your taste or values.
1.Julian Date Code Method
The Julian date code is a standardized dating system used by egg producers to track freshness. You can find this Julian date code on most cartons of eggs. This three-digit number indicates which day of the year the eggs were packed:
| Julian Code | Date | Example |
| 001 | January 1st | New Year’s Day |
| 032 | February 1st | First day of February |
| 365 | December 31st | 366 if a leap year |
2.Visual Inspection at the Store
Before purchasing, check each egg for:
- Clean shells: No dirt, feces, or debris
- Intact shells: No cracks, even hairline fractures
- Proper shape: No unusual bumps or deformities
- Carton condition: Clean, undamaged packaging
- Grade marking: Look for Grade AA or A for best quality
3.The Water Float Test
This simple home test uses the principle that as eggs age, air pockets inside grow larger, making them more buoyant. Here’s how to perform it: Fill a large bowl with cold water, Gently place the egg in the water, Observe the egg’s position.
| Position | Freshness Level | Recommended Use |
| Sinks and lies flat | Very fresh (1-7 days) | Any preparation method |
| Sinks but stand upright | Older but good (1-3 weeks) | Cooking applications |
| Floats to surface | Old (over 3 weeks) | Discard for safety |
4.Crack Test
Cracking an egg can provide the following:
- Fresh egg: Yolk stands up high and round; a cloudy white surrounds the yolk
- Older egg: Yolk appears flatter; white is thinner and more spread out
- Bad egg: Strong sulfur smell, unusual colors or watery
5.Shake Test
Hold the egg near to your ear and gently shake it:
- Fresh egg: No sound or very minimal movement
- Older egg: Sloshing sound as contents move around
- Bad egg: Significant movement and sloshing sounds
6.Candling Method
A professional method using bright light.
- Hold the egg up to a bright light source in a dark room
- Look through the shell to see the contents of the egg
- Fresh eggs show clear contents with minimal air cell
- Old eggs have larger air cells and may show dark spots
Understanding Expiration Dates
| Date Type | Meaning | Safety After Date |
| Sell – by date | Last date stores should sell eggs | Safe for 3-5 weeks after if refrigerated |
| Use – by date | Manufacturer’s recommendation for peak quality | Safe for 1-2 weeks after if properly stored |
| Expiration date | Last date recommended for consumption | Use within 1 week after for safety |
Key takeaways
Testing egg freshness is essential for both food safety and cooking quality. The most reliable methods include checking Julian date codes on cartons (which indicate the packing date within the year), performing the water float test at home (fresh eggs sink and lie flat, old eggs float), and conducting visual inspections for cracks or damage.
Fresh eggs not only taste better and provide superior baking results, but they also significantly reduce the risk of foodborne illness. When in doubt about an egg’s freshness, it’s always safer to discard it rather than risk consumption.
About Eggs Unlimited
Eggs Unlimited is one of the leading global suppliers of powdered eggs and conventional eggs. We have the experience and market knowledge to help save our customers time and money. We work with some of the largest egg producers, retailers, distributors, foodservice organizations, QSRs, and processors in the US and around the world. They trust us to provide competitive prices and take care of logistics from pickup to delivery.
We act as an extension of our customers’ procurement or sales teams, creating value, providing solutions, and delivering on time and in full. The company is built on family values, and we strive to work harder than anyone in the industry to service the needs of our customers.
LET’S DISCUSS YOUR LOCAL packing EGGs Needs!
Get in touch with the Eggs Unlimited Sales team to discover all your conventional egg options.
Call: 888-554-3977