How long will boiled eggs last in the refrigerator? – Boiled eggs are a staple in many households, offering a quick and easy source of protein for breakfast, lunch, or a snack.

But once they’ve been boiled, how long will they last in the refrigerator? Understanding the shelf life of boiled eggs can help you plan your meals, minimize food waste, and keep your family safe from foodborne illness.

First, let’s define what we mean by “boiled eggs.” When we say “boiled eggs,” we’re talking about eggs that have been fully cooked in hot water, with both the yolk and the white fully set.

This is different from “soft-boiled eggs,” which have a runny yolk, or “hard-boiled eggs,” which have a fully set yolk but are not fully cooked through. For the purposes of this note, we’ll focus on fully cooked, boiled eggs.

How long will boiled eggs last in the refrigerator?

The short answer is about one week. According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), fully cooked, shelled eggs can be stored in the refrigerator for up to one week. This is because the cooking process helps to reduce the risk of bacterial contamination, which can cause food poisoning.

However, it’s important to note that the shelf life of boiled eggs can vary based on a few factors. Here are a few things to consider when determining the shelf life of your boiled eggs:

Things to consider when determining the shelf life of boiled eggs

1. How were they stored after boiling

It’s important to cool boiled eggs quickly after they’re cooked to help prevent the growth of bacteria. To do this, you can run cold water over the eggs or place them in an ice bath. Once the eggs are cool, store them in the refrigerator in a covered container. This will help to extend their shelf life.

2. How fresh were the eggs when you boiled them

Fresh eggs tend to have a longer shelf life than older eggs, even when they’ve been cooked. If you’re using eggs that are a few weeks old, they may not last as long as eggs that are just a few days old.

3. The temperature of your refrigerator

The USDA recommends storing eggs at a temperature of 40°F or lower to prevent the growth of bacteria. If your refrigerator is not set to this temperature, your eggs may not last as long as they should.

So, how long will boiled eggs last in the refrigerator?

So, to sum up, fully cooked, boiled eggs will last about one week in the refrigerator when stored properly. However, it’s always a good idea to use your senses to determine if an egg is still good to eat. If an egg has a strange odour or an unusual texture, it’s best to throw it out to avoid the risk of food poisoning.

In addition to the shelf life of boiled eggs in the refrigerator, it’s also worth mentioning that boiled eggs can be frozen for longer-term storage.

To freeze boiled eggs, place them in a covered container or wrap them in aluminium foil before placing them in the freezer. Frozen boiled eggs will last for about six months, but they may become slightly rubbery when thawed.

In conclusion, boiled eggs will last about one week in the refrigerator when stored properly. To extend the shelf life of your boiled eggs, be sure to cool them quickly after boiling them and store them in the refrigerator in a covered container.

If you need to store boiled eggs for a longer period of time, you can freeze them for up to six months. Just be aware that frozen boiled eggs may become slightly rubbery when thawed.