How to Tell if an Egg is Fresh

Eggs are a crucial ingredient in many recipes, from breads and desserts to main entrees and breakfast. It’s best to use fresh eggs when cooking, so here are some ways to test if an egg is still good to use.

The Sink or Float Method

The sink/float method for testing whether an egg is still good is a common trick. This method works by testing the egg's buoyancy: older eggs have larger internal air cells and thus will float when submerged in water.

• Step 1—Fill a bowl or cup with enough water to cover the egg fully.
• Step 2—Place the egg in the water. If the egg is fresh, it will sink to the bottom. If the egg is old, it will float or partially float within the water.

The Shaking Method

The shake method tests an egg's freshness by checking whether its contents make a sound. 

Start by shaking the egg and listen carefully for a sound: if you hear liquid sloshing around inside, the egg has gone bad. This method works because older eggs have a thinner white, thus allowing the contents to move around. A fresh egg will have a firm white and a small air cell, meaning no sound will come from the egg. 

Additional Testing Methods

If you want to be extra sure your eggs are fresh, here are some other tried-and-true methods for testing eggs.

• The Smell Test—Simply crack an egg into a bowl and smell the contents. Rotten eggs will have a distinctive smell and should not be consumed. Additionally, if the egg just smells off, do not consume it and dispose of it immediately.
• The Visual Test—Crack your egg into a bowl and look at the yolk and white; if the yolk is firm and the white is thick, the egg is still good. An egg that’s gone bad will have a flat yolk and runny white.
• The Flashlight/Candling Method—Grab a flashlight or your phone and go into a dark room. Place the large end of the egg against the light and look for a small air cell and a well-defined egg yolk. If you notice the inside looks murky or there are cracks, the egg is rotten.