Eggs are a versatile and nutritious food that can last outside of the refrigerator for some time. However, eggs do eventually spoil and need to be discarded if they become unsafe to eat. Here is a look at how long eggs last at room temperature and the signs that they have gone bad.
Quick Answer
At room temperature, fresh eggs in their shells will keep for 2-3 weeks before going bad. However, eggs will degrade much faster out of the fridge if the temperature is higher or fluctuating. Once hard cooked, eggs will only last 1-2 hours out of the fridge.
How Long Do Fresh Eggs Last at Room Temperature?
Fresh, unwashed eggs can last for 2-3 weeks if stored properly at room temperature. The key is proper storage and temperature:
- Store eggs pointy end down in their original carton on a shelf or in the pantry.
- Aim for a consistent room temperature around 68°F/20°C.
- Eggs may last longer than 3 weeks, but their quality declines over time.
Higher or fluctuating temperatures will shorten how long eggs last. At 80°F/27°C, fresh eggs may only last about 1 week before spoiling.
Signs Your Eggs Are Bad
Here are some signs that your eggs stored at room temperature have gone bad and should be discarded:
- Bad odor – Fresh eggs should not smell. A foul odor means they are rotting.
- Discoloration – The egg white and yolk should look clear and firm. Grayish, greenish, or brownish yolks or whites indicate spoilage.
- Slimy texture – Slimy egg whites are a sign of bacterial growth.
- Mold – Mold on the shell likely means the egg is rotten inside.
If you crack open an egg and it smells foul or has an unusual appearance, it has gone bad and should not be eaten.
Why Do Eggs Last Longer in the Fridge?
Refrigeration helps extend the shelf life of eggs by slowing the growth of bacteria. According to the USDA:
- Raw eggs in their shells can last 3-5 weeks in the fridge.
- Hard boiled eggs will keep 1 week in the fridge.
- Raw egg whites and yolks should be used within 2-4 days.
The constant cool temperature of the refrigerator prevents quality decline and bacterial growth that speeds up at room temperature. While fresh eggs can sit out at room temp for a couple weeks, the fridge keeps them tasting great for 3-5 weeks.
Tips for Storing Eggs Without Refrigeration
Follow these tips if storing eggs at room temperature:
- Choose fresh eggs – Eggs that are weeks old when purchased will not last as long.
- Store in the carton – Keeping eggs in their carton protects them and blocks light.
- Use within 3 weeks – Even with proper storage, quality declines over time.
- Monitor temperature – Drastic temperature swings shorten shelf life.
- Check for signs of spoilage – Discard immediately if eggs smell bad or look odd when cracked open.
How Long Do Hard Boiled Eggs Last at Room Temperature?
Hard boiled eggs have a much shorter shelf life than fresh eggs in the shell. According to the USDA:
- Hard boiled eggs can be left out at room temperature for 1 hour as long as they do not exceed temperatures above 90°F/32°C.
- After cooking, hard boiled eggs should be refrigerated and will keep for up to 1 week.
The protective shell is removed during cooking, leaving hard boiled eggs more prone to bacterial growth. Eat or refrigerate hard boiled eggs within an hour after cooking.
How to Tell if Hard Boiled Eggs are Bad
Look for these signs that peeled hard boiled eggs have spoiled:
- Unpleasant sulfur smell
- Dull, gray yolk
- Unnatural coloration
- Slimy texture or film on the yolk
- Darkened appearance
- Mold growth
Grayish, greenish, or brownish yolks or whites indicate microbial growth. Sliminess, odor, and mold are other clear signs hard boiled eggs have gone bad and should be thrown away.
Do Eggs Need to be Refrigerated?
Refrigeration extends the shelf life of eggs and hard boiled eggs significantly. However, eggs are safe at room temperature in the short term if properly stored:
- Fresh eggs can be left out at room temperature for 2-3 weeks.
- Hard boiled eggs can sit out for up to 1 hour before refrigeration.
The main risk of leaving eggs out at room temperature for longer than recommended is faster quality decline. However, refrigeration is highly recommended, especially for hard boiled eggs, to get the maximum shelf life and optimize food safety.
Room Temperature Storage Timelines
Here is a summary of how long eggs and hard boiled eggs last at room temperature:
| Egg Type | Room Temperature Shelf Life |
|---|---|
| Fresh eggs in shell | 2-3 weeks |
| Hard boiled eggs | Up to 1 hour after cooking |
Refrigerator Storage Timelines
For comparison, here is how long eggs last when refrigerated:
| Egg Type | Refrigerated Shelf Life |
|---|---|
| Fresh eggs in shell | 3-5 weeks |
| Hard boiled eggs | Up to 1 week |
Can You Freeze Eggs?
Freezing is another option for preserving eggs and extending their shelf life. According to the USDA:
- Raw whole eggs in the shell can be frozen for up to 1 year.
- Raw egg whites and yolks can be frozen for up to 1 year.
- Hard cooked eggs can be frozen for up to 2 months.
To freeze eggs:
- Crack eggs and beat yolks and whites together before freezing.
- Add a bit of sugar or salt to prevent thickening.
- Pour egg mixture into freezer bags or airtight containers, labeled with the date.
Thaw frozen eggs overnight in the fridge before using. Use thawed eggs for baking, omelets, or other thoroughly cooked dishes.
Key Takeaways
- At room temperature, fresh eggs in their shells will keep for 2-3 weeks before quality declines and risk of spoilage increases.
- Refrigerating eggs is highly recommended to extend shelf life to 3-5 weeks for fresh eggs.
- Hard boiled eggs have a shorter shelf life and should be eaten within 1 hour or refrigerated.
- Discard eggs if they have an off smell or appearance when cracked open.
