🥚 How to Tell If an Egg Is Bad: A Step-by-Step Visual Guide

Not sure whether that egg in your fridge is still good? Here’s a charming and reliable way to find out—no lab coat required.

📅 Step 1: Check the Date

Look for the expiration or “best by” date on the carton.

• 🟢 Still within date? Proceed to the next check.

• 🔴 Weeks past? Be cautious and test further.

👃 Step 2: Sniff Test

Gently bring the egg to your nose and give it a sniff.

• ✅ No smell? Good so far.

• ❌ Rotten or sulfur-like smell? Toss it immediately!

📝 Tip: Even a faint bad smell is a sign the egg is spoiled.

🌊 Step 3: Float Test

Place the egg in a bowl of cold water.

• 🟢 Sinks and lays flat – Very fresh!

• 🟡 Stands upright – Still safe, use soon.

• 🔴 Floats to the top – It’s bad! Discard it.

📚 Why it works: As eggs age, the air pocket inside grows, making it more buoyant.

🍳 Step 4: Crack It Open

Crack the egg into a bowl (not directly into your recipe!).

• 🟢 Thick white + firm yolk = Fresh

• 🔴 Watery white, weird color, or smell = Bad

🔍 Look for cloudy whites (totally fine) vs. pink or greenish tints (not fine).

✅ Final Verdict: Trust Your Senses

When in doubt:

• 👃 Smell it

• 👁 Look at it

• 🌊 Float it

• 🍳 Crack it

If anything seems off, it’s safest to throw it out.

🌟 Pro Tip: Store eggs in their carton on a middle shelf in the fridge (not the door!) to keep them fresher longer.