Why the Egg Float Test Is Completely Unreliable

The egg float test is often touted as a foolproof way to determine an egg’s freshness by placing it in water and observing whether it sinks or floats. However, this method is completely unreliable and does not accurately indicate whether an egg is fresh, spoiled, or safe to eat. In reality, the float test is nothing more than a myth that has led many people to throw away perfectly good eggs—or worse, eat eggs that could be unsafe.

Why the Float Test Doesn’t Work

1. Floating Does Not Mean the Egg Is Bad

   • The assumption that floating eggs are spoiled is false. Eggs develop air pockets over time due to natural moisture loss, but this does not mean the egg has gone bad. Environmental factors like temperature and humidity can also influence air pocket size, making some perfectly good eggs float.

     
     

2. Sinking Does Not Mean the Egg Is Good

   • A sunken egg can still be rotten or contaminated with bacteria. Pathogens like Salmonella do not affect buoyancy, meaning a dangerous egg could still sink to the bottom while appearing "fresh."

     
     

3. Air Pocket Size Is Not a Reliable Indicator of Freshness

   • Different eggs lose moisture at different rates depending on storage conditions. An egg stored in a dry environment may float much sooner than one stored in a humid area, regardless of whether it's still good to eat.

     
     

4. Eggshell Thickness and Porosity Vary

   • Some eggshells are naturally more porous than others, allowing air to enter faster. This means some eggs will float sooner than others, even if they were laid on the same day.

     
     

How to Actually Tell If an Egg Is Fresh

Instead of using the inaccurate float test, try these reliable methods:

• The Smell Test: A rotten egg will have a strong, unpleasant sulfur-like odor when cracked. If it stinks, throw it out.

• The Shake Test: Hold the egg up to your ear and gently shake it. If you hear sloshing, the egg is bad. A fresh egg will be silent.

• The Candling Method: Shine a bright light through the egg to check for internal signs of aging, such as an enlarged air cell or internal abnormalities.

• The Visual Inspection: If the egg has cracks, discoloration, or an odd appearance, it’s best to discard it.

  
  

Final Verdict: Ditch the Float Test

The egg float test is nothing more than an old wives’ tale that has no scientific basis. It does not determine an egg’s freshness or safety and should not be used to decide whether an egg is still good. Instead, rely on smell, sight, and texture for an accurate assessment. Don’t let the myth of the float test trick you into wasting perfectly good eggs—or worse, eating a bad one! 🥚🚫