How long can boiled eggs stay in the refrigerator

When it comes to healthy protein-filled snacks, there's a reason why hard-boiled eggs are so popular: these tasty bites are not only packed with protein, they're also incredibly versatile. You can chop them up into a fresh spring salad, make them into delicious deviled eggs, or maybe even incorporate them into an avocado toast if you're feeling especially adventurous. And don't even get us started on all the creative possibilities come Easter! Of course, once you've (finally) figured out how to make the perfect hard-boiled eggs, you might be wondering: How long do hard-boiled eggs last, and how exactly should I be storing them?

The bad news is that hard-boiled eggs last for a shorter period of time than fresh eggs, which makes sense. But when it comes to eggs that are hard-boiled, you should know that how long they last really depends on how exactly you're storing them (hint: refrigerating them is always the best bet). Whether you're making some extra eggs to munch on as a snack later or you're preparing a batch for an Easter egg-dyeing project, here's what to know about the shelf life of hard-boiled eggs.

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How long do hard-boiled eggs last in the fridge?

According to the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA), eggs should always be refrigerated at a temperature of 40 degrees Fahrenheit or below to ensure the best quality and safety. Whether they're peeled or still in the shell, hard-boiled eggs that are stored properly in the fridge should be consumed within one week after cooking. Some sites like The Incredible Egg, however, recommend that hard-boiled eggs that have been peeled be used the same day for the best quality.

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How long can boiled eggs stay in the refrigerator

How long do hard-boiled eggs last unrefrigerated?

Of course, sometimes you might have to leave hard-boiled eggs out for some time, such as when you're decorating Easter eggs (or maybe you just accidentally forgot to stick your leftovers in the fridge — we've all been there!). If you're wondering if it's safe to eat those eggs that's been left out at room temperature, you should know that hard-boiled eggs outside of the refrigerator won't last for more than two hours, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). And if they've been left at a temperature of 90 degrees Fahrenheit or hotter, you should toss them after just one hour.

How can you tell if a hard-boiled egg is still good?

Spoiled eggs are at increased risk for bacteria such as salmonella, which is why it's so important to know if they've gone bad. Just like with fresh eggs, you should check to see if your hard-boiled eggs have any foul odors; if they smell like sulfur or give off any other rotten smells, you should definitely discard them right away. And of course, if you're ever not sure, play it safe and throw them out.

How should I store hard-boiled eggs?

As mentioned before, hard-boiled eggs should be stored at a temperature of 40 degrees Fahrenheit or below. (Note: It's also not recommended to freeze hard-boiled eggs.) When it comes to storage methods, Glad also recommends storing hard-boiled eggs in a covered food container in the refrigerator — and if you're planning on transporting them (to a picnic, for example), you should try to keep them cold in an insulated cooler or with frozen gel packs. For maximum freshness, you should also leave them unpeeled in their shells until you are ready to eat or prepare them.

Hannah (she/her) is an editorial assistant for Good Housekeeping, where she writes health content and assists with social media strategy across platforms including Instagram, TikTok, Facebook and Twitter. Previously GH's editorial fellow, she earned her bachelor's degree in writing seminars and psychology from Johns Hopkins University. When she isn’t endlessly scrolling through social media, you can often find her clicking away behind a camera, fangirling over Taylor Swift or trying out new food spots in New York City.

How long can boiled eggs stay in the refrigerator

Eggs are one of the simplest yet most delicious proteins in the world. They can be eaten all by themselves, put into a breakfast casserole, or used in a variety of baked dishes.

But how long are hard-boiled eggs good for? And how long are they truly safe to eat after you cook them?

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Read on to find out everything you need to know about hard-boiled eggs – their shelf life, storage guidelines, and how to check for spoilage.

Hard-boiled eggs will last up to 7 days in the refrigerator (with the shell on). They last up to 5 days if the eggs have already been peeled.

How long do hard-boiled eggs last? In the refrigerator
Hard-Boiled Eggs with Shells On 7 days
Hard-Boiled Eggs (Peeled) 5 days

While raw eggs can last in the fridge for up to 5 weeks, the same cannot be said for hard-boiled ones. Eggshells are porous, meaning it’s easy for bacteria to enter it. That’s why they come in a layer of cuticle to shield them from harm.

Additionally, suppliers spray oil on the shells to protect eggs further from harmful substances. This helps prolong their shelf-life. But when you boil them, the cuticle layer is dissolved and the artificial coating gets washed off, reducing its shelf life significantly.

Hard-boiled eggs that are unpeeled will last in the fridge for up to one week. If they are peeled, they will last for up to 5 days in the fridge. So while they won’t survive as long as raw eggs, you can still cook up a whole batch, refrigerate them, and eat them within 5 to 7 days. 

Here’s a tip: label your eggs so you know how many good days they have left!

Another Quick Tip: Before peeling your hard-boiled eggs, rinse them with cold water immediately after boiling and then roll them on the counter with gentle pressure. This will make your eggs easier to peel.

How Long Do Hard-Boiled Eggs Last Unrefrigerated?

At room temperature, hard-boiled eggs will only survive up to two hours. So, be sure to consume hard-boiled eggs soon after cooking or taking out of the fridge! 

How to Store Hard-Boiled Eggs?

The best way to extend the shelf-life of hard-boiled eggs is to refrigerate them. Place in an air-tight container to keep them safe from moisture and contaminants. Be sure to refrigerate them at all times.

Don’t make the mistake of freezing hard-boiled eggs. First of all, it will only decrease the shelf-life of the egg because freezing will destroy the shell’s cellular structure. Second, the egg whites become too tough and rubbery even after defrosting them.

If they start to get slimy at any point, throw them out.

How to Tell if An Egg Has Gone Bad?

This one’s easy to tell. If the egg emits a sulfuric or rotten odor, it’s time to discard it. 

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If you want to check the freshness of raw eggs, though, here’s an easy trick: place them in a bowl of water. If the egg sinks, it’s fine. But if it floats to the top, let it go! That means it’s gone bad and is not safe for eating.

How to Make Perfect Hard Boiled Eggs Every Time

Ingredients

  • 6 large eggs

  • cold water

  • ice

Directions

  • Place eggs in a large saucepan. Cover them with cool water, 1 inch above the eggs. Be careful not to crowd the eggs.
  • Cover the pan with a lid and bring the water to a rapid boil over high heat.
  • Once the water reaches a boil, reduce heat to medium-high and boil for 6 – 7 minutes.
  • Fill a large bowl with ice and water. Transfer the eggs into the ice water and let them cool for a few minutes.
  • Another option is to place them under cool running water. Both methods make the eggs easier to peel.
  • Once you remove the eggs from the cold water, peel immediately.

Can you eat hard

Hard-boiled eggs can be kept for 1 week in your refrigerator. If the egg develops an unmistakable odor or slimy or chalky texture, discard it, as eating spoiled eggs can make you sick.

How long do boiled eggs last in fridge without shell?

Hard-boiled eggs will last up to 7 days in the refrigerator (with the shell on). They last up to 5 days if the eggs have already been peeled.

Can you eat hard

Here's the short answer: For fresh eggs, the official timeline is somewhere between three to five weeks (expiration date notwithstanding). If you're unsure of an egg's freshness before boiling, you can always try the float test. In hard-boiled eggs, you're looking at a life span of about 10 days.

How long does it take for a boiled egg to go bad?

According to The American Egg Board, hard-boiled eggs still in their shell will remain tasty for about a week when properly stored (which means in a fridge that is no warmer than 40°F), but peeled eggs should be eaten the same day.