The Only Way You Should Store Eggs, According to Eggland’s Best

Our refrigerator came with an egg storage bin. It seemed like a decent idea, but we always end up filling it with random things like ketchup packets and jars of yeast. The eggs stay in their original container, and it turns out we were right all along.

“The best way to store eggs is in their original carton in the main body of the refrigerator,” says Bart Slaugh, PhD, director of quality assurance at Eggland’s Best. “This protects the eggs from temperature fluctuations and strong food odors, helping preserve freshness and quality.”

Definitely don’t use the egg tray or bin, he cautions. “Built-in fridge egg trays might look nice, but they expose eggs to more movement and temperature shifts, and they might not offer the same level of protection or cleanliness,” Slaugh says.

Instead, an egg carton is designed to cushion eggs while also protecting them from any changes in temperature in the fridge. It also helps you keep track of the “best by” date so you know how fresh your eggs are.

Where In the Fridge To Store Eggs

You should keep egg cartons on a middle or lower shelf toward the back of the fridge. That’s where the temperature stays coldest and the most stable, Slaugh says.

“Avoid keeping eggs in the door, as it’s the warmest part of the refrigerator and experiences the most temperature swings from opening and closing,” he says. “Consistent cold storage is key to maintaining both freshness and safety.”

How To Tell If Eggs Are Still Fresh

First, check out the “best by” date on the carton. That will give you a general idea of peak freshness and quality. But if stored properly in the refrigerator in their original carton, eggs can last for about 4 to 6 weeks after you bring them home—which can be past the best-by date. 

“Just be sure to check for any signs of spoilage (unusual odor, color, or appearance) before use,” says Slaugh. 

You can also try the egg float test. Fill a small bowl with room-temperature water. Gently place an egg in the water. If the egg sinks to the bottom and stays there, it’s fresh. If it sinks, but stands on end, it’s still fresh and safe to eat. If it immediately floats on top, it’s too old to eat and should be discarded.

As eggs get older, their shells grow porous and more air gets through. The air pocket inside the egg can grow so large that eventually the egg floats.