Eggs are a staple in most kitchens — we scramble them, bake with them, and add them to just about everything. But what happens when you pull out a carton from the back of the fridge and you’re not sure how old the eggs are? Should you trust the expiration date on the box, or is there a better way?
Fortunately, there’s a simple water test you can do in just seconds to check whether an egg is still fresh — and all you need is a bowl and some water. No cracking required. This trick has been passed down for generations, and it’s one of the most reliable ways to avoid accidentally eating a rotten egg.
Let’s dive into how the water test works, why it’s so effective, and what the results really mean.
The Simple Egg Freshness Test That Uses Just Water
What You’ll Need:
- A bowl or glass large enough to fully submerge an egg
- Cold water
- Eggs in question
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Fill a Bowl with Cold Water
Make sure the bowl is deep enough so that the egg can be fully submerged. The water should be clean and at room temperature or cooler — not hot.
2. Gently Place the Egg in the Water
Lower the egg carefully into the bowl. Watch closely as it settles into position.
“The way an egg floats or sinks in water tells you how old it is,” say food safety specialists.
How to Interpret the Results:
✅ Egg Lays Flat on the Bottom (Fresh)
If the egg sinks and lies flat on the bottom of the bowl, it’s very fresh — likely only a few days old. These eggs are ideal for any use, especially where structure matters, such as poached eggs or over-easy eggs.
⚠️ Egg Sinks but Stands Upright (Still Good, But Not Freshest)
An egg that stands on its point but remains at the bottom is still safe to eat. It’s about 1–2 weeks old. These eggs are perfect for hard-boiling, as they peel more easily than fresher eggs.
❌ Egg Floats to the Top (Bad – Throw It Out)
If the egg floats, it’s no longer safe to eat. A floating egg is a sign that air has built up inside due to the breakdown of contents, which means the egg is well past its prime and possibly spoiled.
“A floating egg is your clear signal to toss it,” according to food hygiene experts.
Why the Water Test Works
As an egg ages, moisture and gases inside it start to evaporate through the porous shell. This causes an air pocket to form, which grows larger over time. The larger the air pocket, the more buoyant the egg becomes. That’s why:
- Fresh eggs have very little air inside and sink.
- Older eggs stand up but are still safe.
- Spoiled eggs have large air pockets and float.
This test doesn’t require breaking the egg, so you can safely check multiple eggs without making a mess.
But Wait — What About the Expiration Date?
Egg cartons often display a “sell by,” “use by,” or “best before” date. However, these don’t always reflect when the eggs will go bad. In many cases, eggs remain good for 3 to 5 weeks after the printed date, if stored properly.
That’s why the water test is so valuable — it gives you a more accurate indication of freshness than a printed date.
“Storage conditions matter more than expiration dates,” explains USDA guidelines.
Extra Tips for Storing Eggs Correctly
To keep your eggs fresh for as long as possible, follow these storage guidelines:
- Keep eggs in the original carton — it prevents moisture loss and blocks odors from other foods.
- Store eggs in the coldest part of your fridge, not the door, which experiences more temperature fluctuation.
- Don’t wash eggs before storing — their natural coating helps protect against bacteria.
- Use the older eggs first by rotating your stock (“first in, first out”).
Bonus Test: The Shake and Sniff
If you’re still unsure after the water test:
- Gently shake the egg near your ear. If you hear sloshing, it’s likely old — fresh eggs don’t make noise when shaken.
- Crack it open and smell it — a bad egg has a strong, unmistakable sulfur smell.
“Your nose will always know,” is an old kitchen saying — and it’s true.
What to Do with Slightly Older Eggs
If your egg isn’t super fresh but still sinks (even if standing upright), it’s still good for use in:
- Baking (cakes, muffins, pancakes)
- Hard-boiling (easier to peel)
- Scrambled eggs or omelets
But if you’re planning to eat it raw or lightly cooked (like sunny-side-up or poached), always use the freshest eggs that lie flat on the bottom.
Final Thoughts: Never Waste Eggs Again
Thanks to the water test, you’ll never have to guess whether an egg is still good. It’s fast, free, and incredibly accurate. With just a bowl and some water, you can make smarter kitchen decisions, reduce food waste, and avoid the dreaded rotten egg surprise.
So next time you find an egg hiding in the fridge, don’t toss it just yet. Give it the water test — and crack the code on egg freshness once and for all.