How Long Do Canned Tomatoes Last?
Unopened canned tomatoes are best within 12–18 months in the pantry. Once opened, keep them in a covered non-metal container in the fridge for 5–7 days, or freeze for 2–3 months.
Canned Tomatoes — unopened
shelf life- Opened: 5–7 days in the fridge
Fridge at 40°F (4°C) or below · freezer at 0°F (−18°C). Freezer times are for best quality; frozen food stays safe longer.
Canned tomatoes, whether whole, diced, crushed or pureed, are a high-acid canned food. The acid makes them less hospitable to botulism bacteria than canned vegetables or meat, but it also slowly attacks the can lining, so they lose flavor and pick up a metallic taste sooner. That is why their pantry life is shorter than most cans.
How to store canned tomatoes
- Store cans in a cool cupboard away from the oven; warmth speeds the reaction between tomato acid and the can, which dulls the color and flavor.
- Always move leftover tomatoes out of the can into glass or plastic. Acidic tomatoes in an open can quickly take on a tinny taste.
- Freeze leftover crushed or diced tomatoes in one-cup portions in freezer bags laid flat; they thaw fast and go straight into sauces and soups.
- Tomatoes in cartons or glass jars follow the same timings: 12–18 months unopened and 5–7 days after opening.
How to tell if canned tomatoes have gone bad
- A bulging or leaking can, or tomatoes that spurt out when the can is pierced. Discard without tasting.
- Mold on the surface of leftovers, often white or blue-green spots. Do not scoop it off; soft, wet foods should be discarded whole.
- A fermented, wine-like or sour smell, or tiny bubbles rising in the juice.
- A strongly metallic taste and dark, brownish color in very old cans, a sign the acid has been working on the can lining.
Bacteria that cause food poisoning usually do not change the look, smell or taste of food. Go by the time limits first, and the signs above second.
Canned Tomatoes shelf life chart
| State | Fridge | Freezer | Pantry |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unopened | Not recommended | Not recommended | 12–18 months |
| Opened | 5–7 days | 2–3 months | Not safe |
Not safe = perishable: no more than 2 hours at room temperature (1 hour above 90°F / 32°C). Not recommended = possible, but quality suffers or it serves no purpose.
Frequently asked questions
Why do canned tomatoes have a shorter shelf life than other canned foods?
Because they are high-acid. USDA gives high-acid canned foods such as tomatoes and fruit 12–18 months for best quality, compared with 2–5 years for low-acid foods. The acid gradually reacts with the can, affecting taste, color and eventually the can itself. An intact older can is usually still safe, just not as good.
Can you store leftover canned tomatoes in the can?
It is not dangerous for a few days, but it is a poor idea for tomatoes. Once air gets in, the acidic juice picks up a metallic flavor from the can very quickly. Transfer them to a glass jar or plastic container with a lid and use them within 5–7 days.
Are canned tomatoes good after the expiration date?
Usually, if the can is sound. The date indicates best quality rather than safety. Past about 18 months, expect duller flavor and softer pieces. Check old tomato cans closely for swelling, leaks or rust along the seams, since acid is hard on cans over time, and discard any that look suspect.
Can you freeze canned tomatoes after opening?
Yes. Opened canned tomatoes freeze well for 2–3 months at best quality. Pour them into a freezer bag or container with a little headspace for expansion. The texture softens further, so use thawed tomatoes in cooked dishes rather than fresh salsa.
Related foods
| Food | Fridge | Freezer | Pantry |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tomato Paste Opened |
5–7 days | 2–3 months | Not safe |
| Pasta Sauce Opened |
4–5 days | 3 months | Not safe |
| Tomatoes Ripe |
5–7 days | 2 months | 3–5 days |
| Salsa Opened |
1 month | 1–2 months | Not safe |
| Canned Soup Unopened |
Not recommended | Not recommended | 2–5 years |
| Chili Homemade |
3–4 days | 2–3 months | Not safe |
More canned vegetables: Canned Beans, Canned Corn, Canned Pumpkin, Canned Vegetables.
Reviewed 2026-09-20. Times follow published USDA FoodKeeper / FSIS, FDA and CDC storage guidance; where sources differ we use the shorter time. How we compile this data.