How To Tell If An Egg Has Gone Bad: A Simple Trick That Works
Eggs are a common ingredient in many meals, from breakfast to baking. But everyone knows the smell of a bad egg is something you don't want in your kitchen.
In fact, bad eggs can cause more than just an unpleasant odor—they can make you sick.
That’s why it’s important to know if an egg has gone bad before using it. Luckily, there’s an easy and reliable test that anyone can do in less than a minute.
The water test is one of the easiest ways to check if an egg is still safe to eat. All you need is a bowl or glass of cold water. Gently place the egg into the water and watch what it does.
If it sinks to the bottom and rests on its side, it’s fresh. If it sinks but stands upright, it’s still ok to eat, but it should be used soon. If the egg floats to the top, it has gone bad and should be thrown away.
An egg has a small air pocket inside. As the egg ages, moisture and carbon dioxide slowly escape through the shell. At the same time, air enters.
The older the egg, the more air it contains. When there’s enough air in the shell, the egg becomes less dense and starts to float. This simple science makes the water test work.
Some people rely on smell to tell if an egg is bad, but this can be tricky. You usually have to crack the egg open to smell it, which can lead to a stinky mess if it’s spoiled.
Plus, some older eggs may not smell bad but still carry harmful bacteria. It’s safer and cleaner to use the water test before cracking the egg.
An egg that sinks but stands up instead of lying flat is still edible but is not as fresh. These eggs are best used in baked goods or cooked thoroughly in dishes like casseroles.
If you want soft-boiled or fried eggs, it’s better to use only eggs that sink and lie flat. They have the best taste and texture.
To help eggs stay fresh, keep them in the refrigerator in their original carton. Store them on a middle or lower shelf instead of the refrigerator door, where the temperature changes more often.
Avoid washing eggs before storing them, as this can remove the shell’s natural protective coating.
A good way to remember this tip is with a simple rhyme: "Floaters for the bin; sinkers for the win". It’s easy to say and even easier to apply.
Teaching kids this trick is also a fun way to introduce basic science at home while promoting food safety.
With just a bowl of water and a little observation, you can avoid bad smells, wasted ingredients, and the risk of foodborne illness.
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