For egg lovers like me, there’s joy in cracking an egg—whether for an omelet, cake, or fried rice. Most eggs I buy come from supermarkets, often in cartons with coded labels I’ve learned to decode.

Each carton shows a three-digit Julian date, which reveals the packing day—“001 means January 1st, while 365 means December 31st.” This date helps you know how fresh your eggs are. Another code, starting with ‘P’, shows where the eggs were processed. “This is vital during recalls,” like when I checked both codes during a past salmonella scare.

Eggs can stay fresh for up to 30 days after packing if stored well. That’s why I always check the dates before using them—to get the best taste and texture.

The USDA grade also matters. “Grade AA eggs are ideal for poaching or frying,” while Grade A eggs are slightly less firm but still great for cooking.

Finally, don’t ignore labels like “organic” or “pastured.” They signal better quality and healthier conditions for the hens.

Learning how to read egg carton labels helps you stay safe, save money, and enjoy fresher eggs.