Essential Tips for Storing Fresh Eggs and Saving Money

Eggs are a kitchen essential, but storing them incorrectly can shorten their shelf life and affect quality. Knowing how to handle and store eggs properly can reduce waste, keep meals safe, and help your grocery budget go further.

Tips for Keeping Eggs Fresh and Lasting Longer

1. Skip the Fridge Door
   That egg tray in your fridge door might seem convenient, but it’s actually the worst spot. Temperature fluctuates every time the door opens, which speeds up spoilage.

Better choice: Store eggs on a middle or lower shelf where the temperature is more stable.

2. Keep Eggs in Their Original Carton
   Cartons do more than hold eggs—they protect them. They:

• Prevent odor absorption
• Reduce moisture loss
• Shield eggs from light
• Keep the expiration date visible

3. Don’t Wash Until Ready to Use
   Eggs naturally have a protective coating called the “bloom” that keeps bacteria out. Washing removes it, making eggs more vulnerable.

Tip: Only wash eggs right before cooking, not before storing.

4. Eggs Stay Good Longer Than You Think
   When stored properly in the fridge, eggs can last 3–5 weeks past the printed date. To test freshness:

• Sinks and lays flat → very fresh
• Stands upright → still usable
• Floats → discard

This simple water test can save you from throwing out perfectly good eggs.

5. Freeze Extra Eggs (Never in Shells)
   If you have eggs nearing their expiration, crack them, lightly beat yolks and whites together, and freeze in an airtight container.

Important: Do not freeze eggs in the shell—they’ll crack and spoil.

6. Farm-Fresh Eggs Are Different
   Unrefrigerated eggs in some countries are safe because their natural bloom protects them. Once chilled, eggs must stay cold. Moving them in and out of the fridge can cause condensation and bacterial growth.

Rule of thumb: Once refrigerated, keep eggs refrigerated.

A few small adjustments—like avoiding the fridge door, keeping eggs in their carton, and skipping pre-washing—can extend freshness for weeks. Fewer spoiled eggs mean less waste, fewer grocery trips, and more money saved.

Proper egg storage isn’t just safer—it’s a simple way to make your groceries go further while keeping meals delicious.