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CNET
4 days ago
- Health
- CNET
This Is How Long Eggs Last in the Fridge
Although eggs have been a common kitchen staple since the dawn of time, you may not know everything about this protein-packed ingredient, including how long they last in the fridge. According to a CNET survey, 93% of Americans are concerned about inflation, and 77% are experiencing "sticker shock" when shopping for groceries. If you're considering buying eggs in bulk to save money or simply want to stretch that carton in your fridge for as long as possible, we have you covered. We spoke to a food safety expert to explain the best way to store eggs so that you can enjoy them at their best, no matter when you decide to use them. How long do eggs last in the fridge? According to the US Department of Agriculture, eggs typically stay good for three to five weeks in the fridge. They "often remain safe to eat for a week or two beyond that date, as long as they've been kept refrigerated," said Zachary Cartwright, a member of the Food Safety and Quality Management Division at the Institute of Food Technologists and lead food scientist at Aqualab by Addium. There are ways to maximize an egg's freshness. Cartwright says you should keep your eggs in their original carton and "with the pointed end down to help maintain their freshness by keeping the air cell at the top. This slows moisture loss and keeps the yolk centered." It's also important to store eggs in the coldest part of your fridge rather than the door since the temperature fluctuates in that area, he says. Hard-boiled eggs that are still in their shell stay good for about a week in the fridge, according to the USDA. Why do we refrigerate eggs? The USDA recommends that eggs from a hen be stored in the fridge as soon as possible."In the U.S., eggs must be refrigerated due to the washing process that removes the natural protective coating on the shell, making them more susceptible to bacteria," Cartwright says. "In some other countries, eggs are not refrigerated because they retain their protective coating. However, once eggs are refrigerated, they should remain so to prevent condensation, which can promote bacterial growth." According to State Food Safety, the U.S. washes its eggs to prevent the spread of salmonella. The USDA also recommends that eggs from a hen be stored in the fridge as soon as possible after they are gathered. Can I freeze eggs? Cooked eggs freeze extremely well. David Watsky/CNET Yes, but not in their shells. One option for freezing eggs is to crack them and then beat them together before storing them. Or you can freeze the egg yolks and whites separately. According to the USDA, the whites are more optimal for freezing because the texture stays the same, but if you want to freeze the yolks, you'll need to add salt and corn syrup or sugar to help with the consistency. Individual eggs can be frozen separately in ice cube trays and muffin pans, and they can stay frozen for up to one year. You can also cook scrambled eggs or egg bites and store them in the freezer for two to three months. Although eggs can spoil, they often stay fresh much longer than you'd think. How to test egg freshness If you want to check if your eggs are still good before you crack them, you can perform a simple float test with your egg and a glass of cold water. First, fill a large glass with cold water, then gently drop the egg inside. If the egg sinks and turns to its side, it's still perfectly good to eat. If the egg sinks, but stays upright, it's also still OK to eat, but it is an older egg and should be used soon. If the egg floats straight to the top of the water, that's your sign that it has gone bad and should be thrown away. The egg float test: The egg on the right has spoiled, according to experts."This test works because air builds up inside the egg as it ages, making it more buoyant," Cartwright says. One important thing to remember about the egg test is that if one of the eggs in the carton passes the test, that doesn't mean all of them will. Individually test each one before cooking it and pay attention to the smell after you crack the egg open. "A strong, sulfur-like odor is a clear sign the egg has gone bad," Cartwright says. Something else to look out for is "unusual coloring, such as a pink, green or iridescent hue in the egg white or yolk, which can indicate bacterial contamination," Cartwright adds. Is the best by date on eggs accurate? It's best to keep your eggs stored in their original says that the best by date on eggs is "a guideline, not a strict rule," adding that eggs are often good for one to two weeks after the date printed on the carton, as long as they've been refrigerated. "As eggs age, their quality diminishes -- they may lose some firmness, and the whites might become thinner -- but they can still be safe to eat," he says. Read more: Here's What an Expert Told Me About Food Expiration Dates
Vogue
14-05-2025
- Health
- Vogue
Is 'Protein Yogurt' Better? Experts Weigh In
While grocery shopping recently, I spent some time checking out the composition of something called 'protein yogurt.' The label claimed a whopping 20 grams of protein. Could this one little package be the answer to all my high-protein breakfast prayers? Though yogurt—especially Greek—is already a healthy, high-protein food option, it only makes sense that the yogurt market would want to capitalize on our current collective obsession with protein. For this reason, I was somewhat skeptical about a yogurt enriched with the macronutrient du jour—although, of course I went ahead and tried it anyway. Spoiler: It was thick, creamy, and delicious. Still, before I decided to become a full-on protein yogurt convert, I decided it might be a good idea to chat with some nutritional experts. Here's what they had to say about the merits (and possible downsides) of adding protein yogurt to your regular repertoire. How much protein do you need anyway? Yes, protein yogurts can be healthy—but they do come with some notes. Sandra Lordén Álvarez, a nutritionist specializing in sports nutrition has this to say: 'High-protein yogurts—as well as any protein product—can be beneficial for those with an active lifestyle, as they offer a convenient way to consume additional protein. However, it is important to remember that not all products are the same—some may contain added sugars and unwanted additives. Therefore, it is essential to choose quality products that provide benefits without sacrificing health.' This means it's essential to first consider whether you really need to be eating extra protein in the first place. 'The amount of daily protein intake will vary depending on a person's activity level,' Lordén Álvarez says. 'Not everyone should consume the same amount of protein per day.' To that end, remember that protein should account for 10% to 35% of your daily calories. The recommended amount of protein the average sedentary adult should have is about 0.8 grams for every two pounds of body weight; people over 40 or those who lift weights and exercise should increase their protein intake to 1-1.5 grams for every two pounds. (So, if you weigh 130 lbs, you need between 52 and 97 g of protein a day, depending on your lifestyle.) Are protein yogurts healthy? 'They can be a good option for increasing daily protein intake, especially for specific populations such as athletes requiring greater muscle synthesis; older people to counteract age-related muscle loss; and for those looking to achieve greater satiety in order to help them lose or maintain weight,' explains Dr. Amaya Manrique, an integrative medicine specialist. 'Several studies showed that a protein-rich breakfast based on dairy products helps appetite control and improves lean body mass. There is also research that highlights that dairy proteins (casein, whey) have high bioavailability and quality.'
