How long do hard-boiled eggs last?
Hard-boiled eggs last 1 week in the fridge, in or out of the shell. At room temperature, eat or refrigerate them within 2 hours.
Day by day in the fridge
- Day 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 6
- 7
- 8
- 9
Storage times by type
| Type | Fridge | Freezer |
|---|---|---|
| In the shell | 1 week | Not recommended |
| Peeled | 1 week (sealed container) | Not recommended |
| Room temperature | 2 hours max | - |
Signs it has gone bad
- Sulfur or rotten smell (a faint sulfur smell from fresh eggs is normal; a strong one is not)
- Slimy or chalky texture on the white
- Discoloration beyond the normal green-grey ring around the yolk
No signs doesn't mean safe. Food-poisoning bacteria usually don't change smell or look, so go by time.
How to store it
- Cool eggs in ice water, then refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking.
- Keep unpeeled eggs in a covered container to stop them absorbing fridge odors.
- Write the cooking date on the shell with a pencil.
Check yours
Questions people ask
Do hard-boiled eggs last longer peeled or unpeeled?
Both last about 1 week in the fridge. Unpeeled eggs stay moister and pick up fewer smells, so the shell is slightly better for quality, but safety is the same.
How long can a boiled egg be left out?
No more than 2 hours at room temperature, or 1 hour if it is above 90°F (32°C). After that, bacteria can multiply to unsafe levels, so throw it out.
Can you freeze hard-boiled eggs?
It is not recommended. Cooked egg whites become tough and watery when frozen. You can freeze cooked yolks on their own for later use.
Sources
- USDA FSIS: Shell Eggs from Farm to Table
- FoodSafety.gov: Cold Food Storage Chart
- USDA FSIS: "Danger Zone" (40°F–140°F)
General food safety information, not medical advice. Times assume a fridge at 40°F (4°C) or below and a freezer at 0°F (-18°C). If you're pregnant, older, very young or immunocompromised, follow stricter limits.