How Many Days Can Hard-Boiled Eggs Last in the Refrigerator?
Published: August 1, 2025
Hard-boiled eggs are one of the easiest high-protein snacks you can prepare. They’re perfect for meal prep, healthy lunches, salads, and quick breakfasts.
But once they’re cooked, an important question comes up:
How long do hard-boiled eggs last in the refrigerator?
Knowing the correct storage time helps prevent foodborne illness and keeps your eggs fresh and safe to eat.
Let’s break it down clearly.
How Long Do Hard-Boiled Eggs Last?
According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and food safety experts:
- 🥚 Hard-boiled eggs (shell on): Safe for up to 7 days in the refrigerator.
- 🥚 Peeled hard-boiled eggs: Best eaten within 5 days, especially if not stored in an airtight container.
For maximum freshness and safety, store them properly and refrigerate promptly.
Quick Reference Guide
| Type of Egg | Refrigerator Shelf Life |
|---|---|
| Shell On | Up to 7 days |
| Peeled | 3–5 days recommended |
Tips for Storing Hard-Boiled Eggs Safely
Follow these food safety best practices:
✔ Refrigerate within 2 hours of boiling
✔ Keep the shell on until ready to eat
✔ Store in an airtight container
✔ Place eggs in the coldest part of the fridge (not the door)
✔ Keep refrigerator temperature at 40°F (4°C) or below
The shell acts as a natural protective barrier, helping prevent bacterial contamination.
How to Tell If a Hard-Boiled Egg Has Gone Bad
Before eating, check for these warning signs:
1. Unpleasant Smell
A strong sulfur or rotten odor means the egg has spoiled.
2. Slimy Texture
If the surface feels sticky or slimy (especially peeled eggs), discard it.
3. Discoloration
- A green ring around the yolk is harmless and caused by overcooking.
- Grayish, pink, or unusual coloring in the whites may indicate spoilage.
4. Strange Taste
If unsure, take a small bite — but if anything seems off, throw it out.
When in doubt, don’t risk food poisoning.
Can You Freeze Hard-Boiled Eggs?
Freezing whole hard-boiled eggs is not recommended.
The egg whites become rubbery and watery when thawed.
However, cooked egg yolks can be frozen for later use in recipes.
Are Hard-Boiled Eggs Good for Meal Prep?
Yes — they’re:
- High in protein
- Low in carbohydrates
- Easy to portion
- Budget-friendly
- Ideal for healthy snack planning
Just remember the 7-day rule for food safety.
Final Conclusion
Hard-boiled eggs can last up to 7 days in the refrigerator when stored properly.
For best taste and safety:
- Eat shell-on eggs within one week
- Eat peeled eggs within 3–5 days
- Store in airtight containers
- Keep refrigerated at safe temperatures
A little attention to storage can prevent foodborne illness and keep your kitchen safe.
Recommendation
For optimal freshness and flavor, try to consume hard-boiled eggs within a week of cooking. If peeled, enjoy them even sooner.
Always trust your senses — if it smells, looks, or feels unusual, discard it.
Food safety is always better than regret.