Dehydrated or powdered eggs are a handy staple to keep in your pantry because of their exceptionally long shelf life. But just how long do dehydrated eggs last? Here’s a quick answer:
Quick Answer
Properly stored, dehydrated whole eggs can last up to 10 years past the printed expiration date. Dehydrated egg whites may last a bit longer—up to 12 years. Once reconstituted, they should be used within 3-5 days when refrigerated.
How Are Powdered Eggs Made?
Dehydrated eggs are made by removing almost all the moisture from fresh eggs. The eggs are cracked, homogenized, and poured into large drying trays. The trays are then placed into specialized drying chambers that control temperature and airflow to gently extract moisture over several days.
Once fully dried, the eggs are milled into a fine powder. To reconstitute, you simply add water and whisk or blend to incorporate air back into the mixture. Let sit briefly to allow the powder to fully hydrate before use.
Shelf Life of Dehydrated Eggs
Thanks to their extremely low moisture content, powdered eggs have an impressively long shelf life compared to fresh eggs. Here are some general guidelines for how long dehydrated eggs last:
- Unopened, store in a cool, dark place:
- Whole eggs: Up to 10 years past the printed “best by” date
- Egg whites: Up to 12 years past the printed date
- After opening, store in an airtight container:
- Whole eggs: Up to 4 years
- Egg whites: Up to 5 years
The shelf life depends heavily on how the eggs are stored. To get the maximum duration out of your dried eggs:
- Store unopened packages in a cool, dark place like the pantry or cupboard. Avoid warm, humid areas.
- Keep opened eggs in an airtight container in a cool, dry spot. A refrigerator works well.
- Check for clumping, which can indicate moisture exposure. Discard any clumped powder.
How to Tell if Dehydrated Eggs Are Bad
It can be difficult to tell if dried eggs have gone bad simply by looking. Here are a few signs that your powdered eggs may be spoiled and should be discarded:
- Clumping or caking: Moisture exposure can cause the powder to clump together. Throw away clumped eggs.
- Rancid odor: Over time, the powder may develop a rancid, off-putting smell.
- Change in texture: The powder may become sticky, greasy, or chalky.
- Change in color: The eggs may darken or turn yellow over time.
If your eggs ever become contaminated with moisture or insects, it’s best to play it safe and throw them away. When in doubt, remember dried eggs are inexpensive and can be easily replaced.
Do Dehydrated Eggs Need to Be Refrigerated?
One of the benefits of dried eggs is that they can be stored at room temperature. The lack of moisture prevents bacteria growth and spoilage. Simply keep them in a cool, dry pantry or cupboard away from light and heat.
However, refrigeration can help extend the shelf life even further. Storing opened packages in the fridge in an airtight container can add several years to the duration dried eggs stay fresh.
Using Reconstituted Powdered Eggs
While dried eggs last a long time in their powdered form, their shelf life decreases dramatically once water is added back. Here are some guidelines for handling reconstituted eggs:
- Use within 3-5 days: Rehydrated eggs should be used quickly within 3 to 5 days for best quality and food safety.
- Refrigerate: Keep reconstituted eggs chilled in the refrigerator until ready to use.
- Cook thoroughly: Cook scrambled eggs, omelets, etc thoroughly to at least 160°F.
- Don’t reuse leftovers: To avoid the risk of salmonella, don’t save unused reconstituted eggs.
The bottom line is that once dried eggs have been mixed with water, they should be handled just like regular fresh eggs. Use quickly, keep refrigerated, and cook thoroughly.
Cooking and Baking with Dehydrated Eggs
Dried whole eggs and egg whites can be used in almost any recipe that calls for fresh eggs. Here are a few tips:
- Use about two tablespoons of dried egg powder whisked with two tablespoons water to replace one large fresh egg.
- For scrambled eggs, omelets, etc. reconstitute eggs fully before cooking.
- For baking, you can often add dried eggs directly to the dry ingredients. The moisture in the batter will rehydrate them.
- Mix reconstituted eggs gently to avoid foaming. Overbeating can affect texture.
- Start by replacing half the eggs in a recipe. You may need to tweak moisture levels.
Dried eggs make recipes more convenient. You can stash a container in your pantry and use them anytime without worrying about refrigeration. Shelf-stable eggs are great for camping, emergency kits, and anytime you may not have access to fresh eggs.
Nutrition of Dehydrated Eggs
Dehydrated eggs contain the same nutrients as fresh eggs. Reconstituting returns them to a similar nutritional profile. One large reconstituted egg contains (1):
- 72 calories
- 6 g protein
- 5 g fat
- 210 mg cholesterol
- Small amounts of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants
The protein in dried eggs has all nine essential amino acids, making it a complete, high-quality protein source. Eggs also contain lutein and zeaxanthin antioxidants that support eye health.
Cost Comparison
Dehydrated eggs typically cost significantly more per ounce than fresh eggs. However, given their long shelf life, convenience, and versatility, the higher price may be worth it for some households. Here’s a rough cost comparison:
| Eggs | Typical Cost |
|---|---|
| Fresh large eggs (1 dozen) | $1.00 – $3.00 |
| Dried whole eggs (4 oz jar) | $5.00 – $12.00 |
Buying larger bulk packages can help lower the per-ounce cost. Dried eggs also occasionally go on sale, so watch for deals.
Common Brands
Some popular brands of dried egg products include:
- Honeyville Farms
- Wise Company
- Harmony House
- Hoosier Hill Farm
- Augason Farms
There are also several store brands available at chains like Walmart, Target, and Whole Foods. Look for reputable companies that follow good manufacturing practices to ensure quality and food safety.
FAQs
Can dehydrated eggs be frozen?
There is no need to freeze dried eggs. Their low moisture content prevents freezing. Simply store in a cool, dry place and they’ll last for years without freezing.
Do dried eggs taste the same as fresh eggs?
When reconstituted properly, dried eggs can taste very close to fresh eggs. They tend to be a bit fluffier and lighter. Use them in baked goods, omelets, scrambled eggs, and other dishes.
Can you eat dried eggs raw?
It’s not recommended to eat dehydrated eggs raw. Reconstitute and cook them fully to avoid any foodborne illness risks.
How long do scrambled dehydrated eggs last in the fridge?
Once reconstituted and cooked, scrambled eggs made from dried eggs should be eaten within 3-4 days when refrigerated.
The Bottom Line
Thanks to the dehydration process, dried whole eggs and egg whites have a shelf life up to 10-12 years when stored properly. Once reconstituted, they should be refrigerated and used within 3-5 days. With comparable nutrition and easy reconstitution, keeping some powdered eggs on hand provides a convenient way to enjoy eggs anytime.
