Eggs may be incredible and edible, but when it comes to hard-boiled ones, freshness has an expiration date. So exactly how long are hard-boiled eggs good for? The answer may surprise you: They last a shorter period than raw eggs. (Cooked eggs are more perishable because cooking removes the natural protective coating on the eggshell that helps block bacteria from entering.)
The exact amount of time depends on whether or not they’re refrigerated. Hard-boiled eggs left at room temperature will go bad faster than ones that go straight into the icebox. So if you’re looking to meal prep your huevos for the week, be sure to chill them right away. Because it turns out, the last one in the fridge could turn out to be a rotten egg.
Proper storage for these protein powerhouses is essential. Full of nutrition benefits, hard-boiled eggs come in clutch for healthy breakfasts, but a spoiled one can lead to foodborne illness. Read on for our guide to how many days to keep the eggs in the fridge and the best way to store them, whether they’re peeled or unpeeled.
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.
How long do hard-boiled eggs last unrefrigerated?
Of course, sometimes you might have to leave hard-boiled eggs out for some time, like for an Easter egg hunt (or maybe you just accidentally forgot to stick your leftovers in the fridge — we've all been there!). If you're wondering whether it's safe to eat those eggs that've 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 long do peeled hard-boiled eggs last in the fridge?
Just like unpeeled hard-boiled eggs, peeled eggs can last up to seven days in the refrigerator if they are kept in an airtight container.
How can you tell if a hard-boiled egg is still good?
Spoiled eggs are at increased risk for bacteria which can cause salmonella symptoms, so it is really 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 safely 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 the best storage methods for hard-boiled eggs, store 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.
Can I freeze hard-boiled eggs?
Technically, you can freeze hard-boiled eggs but the end result isn't all that appealing: They became tough and watery when thawed. The better way is to beat eggs first then pour them into ice cube trays or resealable plastic bags. For a step-by-step guide, see How to Freeze Eggs for Baking and Make-Ahead Recipes.
