Found an egg hiding at the back of your fridge and not sure whether to toss it? Don’t bin it just yet — there’s a simple trick to check if an egg is still good to eat. No fancy gadgets needed, just a bowl of water and a few seconds of your time. Here's how to check egg freshness like a kitchen pro.
How to Check Egg Freshness in Water
This classic test is a foolproof way to check how fresh your eggs are. All you need is a wide glass or bowl filled with cold water.
Place the egg in the water gently — no cracking allowed!
Watch what it does:
Lies flat at the bottom = very fresh
Tilts slightly = still fresh
Stands upright on one end = a bit older but still safe to eat
Floats to the top = it's gone off, time to chuck it
Using the Egg Float Test in Your Kitchen
This quick trick is handy during weekly meal planning. If an egg stands on its end but doesn’t float, it’s still safe but should be used soon — maybe early in the week. Be sure to test each egg individually, as they can spoil at different rates.
If you’re using eggs regularly, you might consider a HelloFresh subscription with flexible meal plans to help keep ingredients fresh and food waste low.
How to Store Eggs
In Australia and many parts of Europe, eggs don’t need refrigeration due to different handling and regulations. Just store them in a cool, dark spot away from sunlight. If you do refrigerate them, remove them about 30 minutes before cooking for better results — especially when trying out new egg recipes.
The Best Ways to Cook Very Fresh Eggs
Fresh eggs are ideal for recipes that rely on structure and shape. For example:
Poached eggs: The whites cling to the yolks better.
Fried eggs: The whites hold together neatly without spreading across the pan — perfect for topping dishes like this turbo tofu and veggie noodle stir-fry.
Breakfast favourites: A freshly cracked egg in a cheesy bacon and egg brioche bun is hard to beat.
Keep in mind that fresh eggs can be trickier to peel when boiled, and they’re more difficult to separate due to the stronger bond between yolk and white.
How to Use Up Older Eggs
Don’t stress if your eggs aren’t super fresh — they’re still incredibly useful. Older eggs are:
Easier to peel when boiled
Great for separating yolks and whites
Ideal for baking or whipping into meringues
Use them in recipes where shape doesn’t matter. A herby frittata like this pumpkin and potato frittata with ricotta or a loaded brekkie classic like the loaded beef and bacon sausage sizzle are perfect options.
Check Egg Freshness FAQs
How can you check egg freshness in water?
Place an egg in a bowl of water. If it sinks and lies flat, it’s fresh. If it stands up, use it soon. If it floats, it’s no longer safe to eat.
How long do eggs last without refrigeration?
Eggs can last around four weeks without refrigeration in cool conditions. During hot Aussie summers, test them before using.
How long do eggs last in the fridge?
Stored properly, eggs can last three months or more in the fridge — but always do the float test before using them if they’re getting old.
How do you keep eggs fresh without refrigeration?
Keep them in a cool, dark cupboard, away from direct light and heat. Store them where they won’t get bumped or cracked.
Can you eat eggs after two months in the fridge?
Possibly — do the water test first. If they pass, you’re good to go!