Pay attention to this date from now on. It’s not an ordinary expiration date. After working for years and years in grocery stores, I see that most people just randomly buy eggs without really noticing this detail

August 15, 2025 by admin

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So if you see a pack date of **237**, that means those eggs were packed on the 237th day of the year (around August 24th). This is a *clear indicator of how fresh the eggs actually are*, regardless of what the sell-by date says.

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### Why This Matters

Eggs are surprisingly long-lasting when stored properly. In fact, **they’re often good for 3–5 weeks after the pack date**, especially if refrigerated consistently. That means:

* An egg carton with a far-off expiration date but an old pack date might already be 2–3 weeks old when you buy it.
* A carton with a closer expiration date but a *very recent* pack date might actually be fresher.

Once you know this, you’ll never shop for eggs the same way again.

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### How to Use This Knowledge When Buying Eggs

Next time you’re in the grocery store:

1. Look for the **pack date** (the 3-digit Julian date).
2. Choose the carton with the **highest (most recent)** number.
3. Check the expiration date second — use it more as a guideline than a rule.
4. Store your eggs in the coldest part of your fridge (not the door!).

You’ll not only get fresher eggs, but they’ll taste better, cook better, and last longer.

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### Final Thoughts

After years behind the scenes in grocery stores, I can tell you this: the little things on the label often matter more than flashy packaging or “best by” stickers. The pack date is a secret most people overlook — but now you know.

So next time you’re buying eggs, slow down for just a second. Peek at the date. You’ll be surprised how much fresher your eggs can be with just that one small habit change.

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Would you like a printable cheat sheet or infographic on reading egg cartons? I can make one for you!