Hard-boiled eggs Per USDA FoodKeeper
On the counterCounter
2 hours
1 hour if above 90°F
In the fridgeFridge
1 week
at or below 40°F (4°C)
In the freezerFreezer
Not recommended
texture or safety suffers
Quick answer
Yes. Hard-boiled eggs last 1 week in the fridge. After that, or sooner if stored badly, they spoil: watch for the signs below.
How to tell if hard-boiled eggs are bad
Smell
A sulphur smell when cracked — unmistakable, discard.
Shell
Slimy, powdery or cracked shells.
Inside
Pink, green or iridescent whites or yolks.
Float test
Shows age only. A floating egg is old; check the smell before deciding.
Hard-boiled eggs past the expiration date
Best-by and sell-by
FoodKeeper gives unopened hard-boiled eggs 1 week in the fridge, counted from the day you buy it. "Best-by" and "sell-by" describe quality and stock rotation, not safety; only infant formula carries a federally required use-by date.
Past the date
For perishable hard-boiled eggs, the storage clock matters more than the label: if it has been in the fridge longer than 1 week, discard it even before the printed date.
How to keep hard-boiled eggs fresh longer
- Keep eggs in their carton on an inside shelf, not the door.
- Store at 40°F (4°C) or below; do not wash them before storing.
- Refrigerate hard-boiled eggs within 2 hours of cooking.
More about hard-boiled eggs
FAQ
How long does it take for hard-boiled eggs to go bad?
1 week in the fridge, per USDA FoodKeeper. At room temperature, 2 hours.
Can hard-boiled eggs expire?
FoodKeeper gives unopened hard-boiled eggs 1 week in the fridge, counted from the day you buy it. "Best-by" and "sell-by" describe quality and stock rotation, not safety; only infant formula carries a federally required use-by date.
What happens if you eat bad hard-boiled eggs?
Spoiled perishable food can cause food poisoning: nausea, vomiting, cramps or diarrhoea. See a doctor if symptoms are severe or last more than a few days.
How do you keep hard-boiled eggs from going bad?
Keep eggs in their carton on an inside shelf, not the door.
Numbers on this page come from USDA FoodKeeper and FSIS guidance. Last verified November 2026. How we verify our data · Report a wrong number