Canned tomatoes whether raw, whole, diced or stewed are a pantry staple both at home and in professional kitchens. Whether you use them in soups, sauces, or stews, they’re worthy of their long shelf life, convenience, and flavor. But for how long do canned tomatoes last?
And what are the best ways to keep them fresh for future use? In this article, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about the shelf life of canned tomatoes, how to store them properly, and how to check if they’ve gone bad.
How Long Does Canned Tomatoes Last After Opening?
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Unopened canned tomatoes can last for a long time — often far longer than the expiry dates printed on them. When stored properly in a cool, dry place, protected from direct sunlight, canned tomatoes can last:
- Commercially canned tomatoes can last 1–2 years past the printed “best when used by” date.
- Home-canned tomatoes can last up to 12–18 months if properly sealed and stored.
The key to their long shelf life is in the canning process. To preserve them properly, you should use sealed jars or cans that utilize either heat or pressure. Now, this should help kill the bacteria and prevent any spoilage. As long as the cans remain intact — there are least chances for rust, dents, or bulges.
These tomatoes are then safe to eat well beyond their expiration or “best-by” date. However, the taste and texture may decline over time.
How Long Do Opened Canned Tomatoes Last?
Once you have opened the canned tomatoes, they are no longer shelf-stable and must be refrigerated or kept frozen, protected from direct heat or sunlight. Here’s how long you can keep the opened cans of tomatoes:
- In the refrigerator for 5–7 days
- In the freezer for up to 6 months
You can first transfer the tomatoes from the can to an airtight container to store the opened canned tomatoes in the fridge. This should prevent bacterial growth and metallic taste. For longer storage, freezing can be a great option. However, before freezing, make sure you use freezer-safe containers and leave some room for expansion while stuffing.
Signs That Canned Tomatoes Have Gone Bad
Even though canned tomatoes have a long shelf life, they can eventually spoil. Now here are some signs that your canned tomatoes are no longer safe to eat and you should discard them:
1. Swollen or Bulging Can
A bloated or swollen can indicates gas production from bacterial growth inside the can. This is a strong signal of the tomatoes have gone bad or there is botulism risk. If this is the case then avoid opening or tasting the contents and you should discard the can immediately.
But make sure you properly discard them so that no one else gets the chance to open them picking them up from the dustbins or any animal that can lick them.
2. Dents, Rust, or Leaks
If the tomato cans are heavily dented especially, near the seams, or the cans are rusted, or, there is any leakage should be avoided.
These physical defects can compromise the can’s seal and allow bacteria and other parasites and germs in.
3. Foul Odor or Mold
After opening the tomato cans if you find they are smelling unusual or, a bit sour or musty, or if you notice mold growing inside the can or on the tomatoes, it’s time to throw them away. But, again, be careful while discarding them and make sure no one else can lick them or use them.
4. Unusual Color or Texture
If you find the tomatoes in the cans appear unusually dark, foamy, or slimy, then this indicates that they may have gone bad. This happens particularly if stored improperly or for too long after opening.
How to Store Canned Tomatoes the Correct Way?
Proper storage and preserving tomatoes significantly extends the shelf life of canned tomatoes. Here are a few tips to keep your canned tomatoes fresh and safe:
- The first and foremost thing that you should maintain is always label home-canned jars with the date and use the oldest ones first.
- Keep unopened cans in a cool, dark, and dry place, protected from direct heat and sunlight. The temperature can be ideally below 85°F or, 29°C. You can keep them in a pantry or kitchen cupboard.
- It is better to avoid areas near the oven or dishwasher, where heat and humidity can accelerate spoilage.
- You can transfer the leftover tomatoes from the can to a glass or plastic container before refrigerating.
- Don’t freeze tomatoes in the can — always transfer to a freezer-safe container before freezing.
Do Canned Tomatoes Ever Expire?
Technically, yes — canned tomatoes can expire. However, the expiration date, or, “best by” or “use by” dates on commercially canned tomatoes are more about quality than safety.
The USDA states that high-acid foods like tomatoes can be safely consumed for up to 12-18 months or more past their expiration date as long as the can is intact and shows no signs of damage.
Wrapping Up
Canned tomatoes are both versatile and long-lasting. When unopened, they can be safely stored for up to two years or more past the printed date, especially when stored correctly.
Once opened, you should use them as quickly as possible, preferably within a week in the refrigerator or for several months in the freezer.
Always check for signs of spoilage, and when in doubt, throw it out. With proper handling and storage, canned tomatoes can be a reliable and flavorful ingredient in your kitchen for years to come.
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