We all use canned tomatoes from time to time. They are convenient and available crushed, stewed, chopped, diced, whole, and more. The problem is that you don’t always need to use them all in one go. In those situations, it is natural to wonder how long canned tomatoes will last.
Sometimes still, you’ll wonder how long they will last unopened in the pantry, and you might even have other canned tomato storage-based questions.
In this article, you’ll learn everything you need to know about canned tomatoes and how long they stay good for in different situations.
How long do unopened canned tomatoes last?
When stored in a cool, dry area that maintains room temperature as an average, an unopened can of tomatoes will last for 18 to 24 months.
Can you eat canned tomatoes after the expiration date?
Most canned tomatoes you come across will have a “Best By” or “Best Before” date. These dates are only guidelines, so the expiration dates aren’t safety dates.
So long as the can is undamaged and you’ve stored them appropriately, your tomatoes should be fine to eat after the “Best” dates. However, always check if they are spoiled when opening after the guideline expiration date.
How can you tell if your canned tomatoes are spoiled? Use your eyes and your nose. If the tomatoes have an odd appearance, an unusual smell, or if they have any mold, you shouldn’t eat them.
How long do canned tomatoes last once opened?
It’ll vary how long you can keep canned tomatoes once opened. Outside of the fridge, you should keep opened canned tomatoes for no longer than 24 hours.
How long can you keep chopped tomatoes in the fridge?
Immediately and continuously refrigerated canned tomatoes can last for 5 to 7 days. However, we recommend keeping them for no longer than 3-4 days to maintain freshness and flavor in many cases. Make sure to cover the mouth of the can with something like tin foil to help prevent oxidization, which can make them go bad quickly.