These times assume your refrigerator stays at 40°F or below, the USDA's limit for safe cold storage. Above that, bacteria multiply quickly, so a fridge thermometer is worth having if yours doesn't show its temperature.
How long eggs and similar foods last
| Food | Fridge | Freezer | Pantry |
|---|---|---|---|
| Raw eggs in the shell | 3–5 weeks from purchase | Not recommended | — |
| Raw egg whites or yolks | 2–4 days | 12 months | — |
| Hard-boiled eggs | 1 week | Not recommended | — |
| Liquid egg substitutes | 7 days from purchase3 days after opening | Not recommended | — |
| Egg dishes | 3–4 days | 2–3 months | — |
"From purchase" times count from the day you buy it. Times for cooked food count from when it was cooked.
How long do eggs last in the freezer?
The USDA doesn't recommend freezing eggs. Plan to use them within 3 to 5 weeks.
How to store eggs
- Refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking or buying (1 hour if it's above 90°F).
- Keep the fridge at 40°F or below and the freezer at 0°F.
- Store leftovers in shallow, airtight containers so they cool quickly and don't pick up odors.
- Raw eggs in the shell should not be frozen. To freeze eggs, beat the whites and yolks together or separate them first: raw whites and yolks keep 12 months in the freezer.
- Store eggs in their carton on a shelf rather than in the door, where the temperature swings each time the fridge opens.
Check your fridge is at 40°F
Pecula Refrigerator Thermometer (2-Pack)
Dial thermometers for the fridge and freezer, marked with safe zones. Over 32,000 Amazon ratings.
Shallow, airtight leftover storage
Pyrex Simply Store Glass Containers (12-Pack)
Glass containers from 1 to 4 cups with lids that are freezer, microwave, and dishwasher safe.
How long can eggs sit out?
No more than 2 hours at room temperature, or 1 hour when it's above 90°F. After that, throw them out.
Can you tell if eggs have gone bad?
Not reliably. The bacteria that cause food poisoning generally don't change how food looks, smells, or tastes, according to the USDA. Go by how long it's been in the fridge, not the sniff test, and when in doubt, throw it out.
Frequently asked questions
How long do eggs last in the fridge?
3 to 5 weeks from the day you buy them, according to USDA FoodKeeper data. Keep your refrigerator at 40°F or below.
Can you freeze eggs?
USDA does not recommend freezing eggs.
How long can eggs sit out?
No more than 2 hours at room temperature, or 1 hour when it's above 90°F. After that, throw them out.
How long other foods last
- Hard-Boiled Eggs: 1 week in the fridge
- Butter: 1 to 2 months in the fridge
- Cream Cheese: 2 weeks in the fridge
- Bacon: 1 week in the fridge
See the full food storage chart for more than 600 foods. Shopping for a new fridge? Our guide to the best refrigerators and the refrigerator size chart can help, and how long refrigerators last covers when to replace an old one.
Sources
Storage times are from the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service's FoodKeeper data, version 128. Food safety rules are from FSIS guidance.
- USDA FSIS, FoodKeeper data (version 128) www.foodsafety.gov/keep-food-safe/foodkeeper-app
- USDA FSIS, Leftovers and Food Safety www.fsis.usda.gov/food-safety/safe-food-handling-and-preparation/food-safety-basics/leftovers-and-food-safety
- USDA FSIS, Refrigeration and Food Safety www.fsis.usda.gov/food-safety/safe-food-handling-and-preparation/food-safety-basics/refrigeration