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…. I never knew this before 😱

Another reason this detail matters is that cartons are not always rotated perfectly on store shelves. While stores aim to follow a “first in, first out” system, busy conditions can sometimes lead to newer cartons being placed in front of older ones. By checking the Julian date, you can make a more informed choice instead of relying on placement alone.

For those who want an extra layer of confidence at home, there’s also the classic water test: placing an egg in a bowl of water to see if it sinks or floats. Fresh eggs tend to sink and lay flat, while older ones may stand upright or float due to air buildup inside the shell.

What surprises many people is how such a small, easy-to-miss number can make such a difference. It’s printed right there on the carton, yet most shoppers have no idea what it means. Once you start paying attention to it, though, it becomes second nature—and you may never shop for eggs the same way again.

So next time you’re at the store, take a closer look before you put that carton in your cart. That seemingly random number could be the key to getting fresher, better-quality eggs every time.