Yes, canned tomatoes can spoil, especially if the can is damaged or the tomatoes are mishandled after opening. For unopened cans, the storage figures describe best quality, and USDA’s table gives a year or more in a cool pantry. An opened can needs the fridge and a clock. Below: how long each lasts, what the date means, and how to tell when a can is a problem.
Do canned tomatoes go bad?
The Short Answer
Yes, canned tomatoes can spoil, especially if the can is damaged or the tomatoes are mishandled after opening. Unopened cans last 12 to 18 months in a cool pantry for best quality by USDA’s table, and some makers list longer, such as 36 months on Cento’s spec sheet. Use the printed date as a guide to quality. Once opened, refrigerate them promptly at 40°F or below in a covered glass or plastic container, and use them within 5 to 7 days per USDA, or sooner if your label says so. Oregon State Extension is stricter at 2 days. Discard bulging, leaking or deeply dented cans. These are agency and maker figures, not guarantees.
For a complete pantry storage reference, see our Food Storage Guide. For fresh tomatoes, see our guide on whether fresh tomatoes go bad.
Do Canned Tomatoes Go Bad: At a Glance
Unopened, in the pantry
12 to 18 months for best quality per USDA. Cento’s spec sheet says 36 months. Oregon State says 8 to 12 months
Opened, in the fridge
5 to 7 days per USDA, at 40°F or below. Use it sooner if your label says so. Oregon State says 2 days
Opened, still in the can
USDA allows it. A glass or plastic container is better for quality
Opened, left out
Discard after 2 hours, or 1 hour above 90°F, per FDA’s rule for foods that require refrigeration
Frozen
Move it out of the can first. Illinois Extension says frozen tomatoes keep best quality 10 to 12 months
Past the date, unopened
USDA says dates are about quality. Check the can and how it was stored, and know that a normal look doesn’t prove safety
Bulging, leaking or deeply dented
Discard it
Home-canned
Plan on 1 year for best quality. Utah State says use before 2 years
Key Takeaways
Yes, canned tomatoes can spoil, especially if the can is damaged or the tomatoes are mishandled after opening. For unopened cans, USDA gives high-acid canned goods, tomatoes included, 12 to 18 months in the pantry for best quality. Cento’s spec sheet says 36 months for its crushed tomatoes, and Oregon State Extension says 8 to 12 months.
Those are quality windows, not cutoffs. USDA says dates are about quality, and that a shelf-stable product can be safely used after its sell-by date. That holds for a sealed, undamaged can that was stored well, and a normal look alone doesn’t prove food is safe.
Once opened, refrigerate canned tomatoes promptly at 40°F or below and use them within 5 to 7 days, per USDA’s table. Use them sooner if your label says so. Red Gold says no more than 7 days, and Oregon State Extension is stricter at 2 days.
USDA allows storing unused portions
