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How Long Do Eggs and Egg Products Stay Safe and Usable?

Safely Storing Eggs and Keeping Them Fresh

The USDA has done research on the best temperatures to safely store eggs at home and how long the eggs will remain safe and usable.

 The "Sell-By" date is not the same as a "use by" date. It's ok if the sell-by date expires while you have the eggs in the fridge. The eggs will be perfectly safe to use. Always purchase eggs before the "Sell-By" or EXP (expiration) date on the carton. To keep them safe, take eggs straight home and store them immediately in the refrigerator set at 35 to 40 °F. Leave the eggs in their carton and place them in the back of the refrigerator, not in the door.

Egg Storage Chart
Product Refrigerator Freezer
Raw eggs in shell 3 to 5 weeks Do not freeze.
Raw egg whites 2 to 4 days 12 months
Raw egg yolks 2 to 4 days Yolks do not freeze well.
Raw egg accidentally frozen in shell Use immediately after thawing. Keep frozen; then refrigerate to thaw.
Hard-cooked eggs 1 week Do not freeze.
Egg substitutes, liquid
Unopened
10 days Do not freeze.
Egg substitutes, liquid
Opened
3 days Do not freeze.
Egg substitutes, frozen
Unopened
After thawing, 7 days, or refer to "Use-By" date on carton. 12 months
Egg substitutes, frozen
Opened
After thawing, 3 days, or refer to "Use-By" date on carton. Do not freeze.
Casseroles made with eggs 3 to 4 days After baking, 2 to 3 months.
Eggnog, commercial 3 to 5 days 6 months
Eggnog, homemade 2 to 4 days Do not freeze.
Pies, pumpkin or pecan 3 to 4 days After baking, 1 to 2 months.
Pies, custard and chiffon 3 to 4 days Do not freeze.
Quiche with any kind of filling 3 to 4 days After baking, 1 to 2 months.