Pay attention to this date from now on. It’s not an ordinary expiration date. After working for years and years in grocery stores

For egg lovers like me, there’s something satisfying about cracking an egg—whether for a fluffy

omelet, a cake, or fried rice. While I sometimes buy fresh eggs from the farmer’s market, most of my eggs come from supermarket cartons with printed codes. Over time, understanding these codes became essential. The three-digit code on the carton,…

For egg lovers like me, there’s something satisfying about cracking an egg—whether for a fluffy omelet, a cake, or fried rice. While I sometimes buy fresh eggs from the farmer’s market, most of my eggs come from supermarket cartons with printed codes. Over time, understanding these codes became essential.

The three-digit code on the carton, known as the Julian date, indicates the day of the year the eggs were packed—001 represents January 1st, while 365 corresponds to

December 31st. Another important code starts with ‘P,’ identifying the processing plant. This is particularly useful during recalls; during a past salmonella outbreak, I used these codes to verify my eggs were safe.

Properly stored eggs remain fresh for up to 30 days from the packing date, so I always check the Julian date before buying to ensure maximum freshness. The USDA grade shield and labels like “organic” or “pastured” also provide insight into quality. Grade AA eggs, with their firm whites and yolks, are ideal for frying or poaching, while Grade A eggs are slightly softer but still excellent for cooking.

Decoding egg cartons helps guarantee freshness and safety, elevating your meals. The next time you pick up eggs, take a moment to check the labels—it’s a simple step that ensures you’re getting the best quality for your cooking.