How Long Can You Store Eggs In The Fridge?

Chances are, if you live in the United States (or Australia, Japan, Sweden, or the Netherlands, where eggs are washed and sanitized after they are laid and therefore need to be refrigerated), you have a carton of eggs in your fridge right at this very moment. After all, eggs are incredibly versatile and a component of many dishes — although most popular for breakfast, you can enjoy eggs as a snack, for lunch (hello, egg salad sandwiches), or even dinner. Eggs are also essential ingredients in many baked goods.

So it makes sense that you might have a carton or two sitting in your fridge at any given time. Which brings up the question of just how long those eggs are good for. Your carton of eggs has a date on it. If it's before that date, you're likely fine. But what if that date has passed? Does that mean you need to toss those eggs out? Not necessarily. Eggs, if properly stored, are actually good for a pretty long time.

According to the USDA, raw eggs are good for three to five weeks in the fridge, as long as you purchased the eggs prior to the sell-by or expiration date on the carton and you took the eggs straight home after purchase to put in the fridge. Make sure your fridge is set to 40 degrees F or below, and store your eggs in the coldest part of the fridge — don't store them in the egg tray in the door of your fridge, as that's the part of your fridge you should never put your eggs, since it's subject to temperature fluctuations every time you open your fridge door. For the best results, keep eggs in their original carton. Not only does the carton prevent the eggs from picking up strong odors or flavors from other foods in the fridge but it also helps to keep the eggs from drying out, according to The American Egg Board.

If raw eggs have been removed from their shell, then different timeframes apply. Per The American Egg Board, raw whole eggs that have been slightly beaten and raw egg yolks (which should be covered in water to prevent drying out) are good for up to two days in the fridge while raw egg whites are good for up to four days in the fridge.