Eggs are affordable, convenient, easy to prepare and delicious. They are one of nature’s most nutritious, economical and versatile foods.
Egg Sizes & Grades
After eggs are laid, they go through a careful process of cleaning, grading and sizing before being packed into cartons. During grading, eggs are inspected for both interior and exterior quality, then sorted by weight to determine their size.
Interior quality includes factors like yolk shape and albumen (egg white) thickness, while exterior quality refers to the shell’s cleanliness and appearance.
Eggs are graded AA, A or B based on quality—not size. Whether you’re buying large or medium eggs, you’re getting a high-quality product every time.
Egg Types & Labels
North Carolina egg farmers work hard to produce the highest-quality variety of eggs, no matter what kind of eggs you choose. Be a confident and informed shopper by knowing how to read egg labels!
Egg Safety, Storage & Handling
Always refrigerate eggs within two hours of purchase in the main, coldest part of the refrigerator—not in the door, where temperatures fluctuate. Store eggs in their original carton, which prevents odor absorption and protects them from damage.
Separate eggs from other foods in your grocery cart, shopping bags and refrigerator to reduce the risk of cross-contamination.
If stored at 45°F or lower, fresh eggs are safe to eat for 4–5 weeks beyond the carton’s Julian date—the day the eggs were packed. This number appears on the short side of the carton and ranges from 001 (January 1) to 365 (December 31).
Some cartons may also list an expiration or “sell by” date, which tells stores how long they can sell the eggs—but eggs are still safe to eat after that date if properly stored.
Before and after cooking or baking with eggs, always wash your hands and clean surfaces and utensils that might come in contact with raw eggs.
Egg Pricing
Like corn and wheat, eggs are traded as commodities, meaning their wholesale prices are determined by supply and demand—not by farmers.
Even when prices fluctuate, eggs remain one of the most affordable sources of high-quality protein you can buy at the grocery store.
