How Long Do Hard-Boiled Eggs Last?
Hard-boiled eggs last 1 week in the fridge, peeled or unpeeled. They should be refrigerated within 2 hours of cooking and should not be frozen, because the whites turn tough and watery.
Hard-Boiled Eggs — cooked
shelf life- Store-bought: 1 week in the fridge
Fridge at 40°F (4°C) or below · freezer at 0°F (−18°C). Freezer times are for best quality; frozen food stays safe longer.
Hard-boiled eggs are eggs cooked in the shell until both white and yolk are firm. Surprisingly, they keep for less time than raw eggs: boiling washes away the shell's protective coating and leaves the pores open, so bacteria can get in more easily. That is why a cooked egg gets one week while a raw one gets several.
How to store hard-boiled eggs
- Cool boiled eggs in ice water right after cooking, dry them, and refrigerate within 2 hours.
- Leave the shells on until you are ready to eat; the shell keeps the white moist and blocks fridge odors.
- Store peeled eggs in a sealed container lined with a damp paper towel so the whites do not dry out and turn rubbery.
- Write the cooking date on the shell or container in pencil, as boiled and raw eggs look identical and the week goes quickly.
- Pack hard-boiled eggs for lunch with an ice pack, as they fall under the same 2-hour rule as other perishables.
How to tell if hard-boiled eggs have gone bad
- A strong sulfur or rotten odor when the egg is peeled or cut that is sharper than the mild eggy smell of a fresh boiled egg.
- A slimy, sticky or chalky film on the peeled white.
- Gray, green or dark spots on the white, or mold on the shell.
- A mushy or slimy texture when bitten, or a sour taste.
Bacteria that cause food poisoning usually do not change the look, smell or taste of food. Go by the time limits first, and the signs above second.
Hard-Boiled Eggs shelf life chart
| State | Fridge | Freezer | Pantry |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cooked | 1 week | Not recommended | Not safe |
| In the shell or peeled. Peeled eggs dry out faster and are best eaten within a few days. | |||
| Store-bought | 1 week | Not recommended | Not safe |
| Packaged peeled eggs: use by the package date while sealed, and within 1 week, or as the label says, once opened. | |||
Not safe = perishable: no more than 2 hours at room temperature (1 hour above 90°F / 32°C). Not recommended = possible, but quality suffers or it serves no purpose.
Frequently asked questions
How long do hard-boiled eggs last in the fridge?
Hard-boiled eggs last 1 week in the fridge, according to USDA and FDA guidance, whether or not they have been peeled. Count from the day they were cooked, and make sure they were refrigerated within 2 hours. After 7 days, discard them even if they seem fine.
Why is there a green ring around the yolk?
The gray-green ring is harmless. It forms when sulfur from the white reacts with iron in the yolk, which happens when eggs are cooked too long or cooled too slowly. It affects looks only. To avoid it, cook eggs for a shorter time and put them straight into ice water.
Can you eat Easter eggs that were hidden for an egg hunt?
Only if they were out of the refrigerator for less than 2 hours in total, including hiding and hunting time, and the shells are uncracked. Eggs hidden on the ground can pick up bacteria through cracked or porous shells. A safer plan is to hunt with plastic eggs and keep the dyed ones refrigerated for eating.
Can you freeze hard-boiled eggs?
It is not recommended. Frozen hard-boiled whites become rubbery, tough and watery when thawed. Cooked yolks alone freeze acceptably for crumbling over salads, but whole boiled eggs and egg salad should not be frozen. Boil smaller batches more often instead.
Why do hard-boiled eggs smell like sulfur in the fridge?
A mild sulfur smell is normal. Cooking releases hydrogen sulfide from the egg white, and the odor builds up in a closed container, particularly with peeled eggs. It does not mean they are spoiled if they are under a week old. A strong, rotten smell, slime or discoloration is different and means discard.
Related foods
| Food | Fridge | Freezer | Pantry |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eggs Raw |
3–5 weeks | Not recommended | Not safe |
| Deviled Eggs Prepared |
3–4 days | Not recommended | Not safe |
| Egg Salad Homemade |
3–4 days | Not recommended | Not safe |
| Scrambled Eggs Cooked |
3–4 days | 2–3 months | Not safe |
| Potato Salad Prepared |
3–4 days | Not recommended | Not safe |
| Tuna Salad Prepared |
3–4 days | Not recommended | Not safe |
Reviewed 2026-09-20. Times follow published USDA FoodKeeper / FSIS, FDA and CDC storage guidance; where sources differ we use the shorter time. How we compile this data.