How Long Tomato Paste Lasts in the Refrigerator and How to Store It Properly

Opened tomato paste lasts three to five days in the refrigerator

Once you open a can or tube of tomato paste, the clock starts. An opened can stored in an airtight container will keep for three to five days at refrigerator temperature (40°F or below). A tube of tomato paste, which seals more tightly, can last up to two weeks if you cap it firmly after each use. The difference comes down to how much air reaches the paste—cans expose more surface area, while tubes keep oxygen out better.

The reason the window is so short has to do with mold and bacteria. Tomato paste is acidic, which gives it some natural protection, but once exposed to air and the warmer environment of an open container, microorganisms colonize the surface quickly. You'll see fuzzy mold growth or notice an off smell before the paste becomes unsafe, so those signs are your signal to discard it.

Unopened cans and tubes last much longer—typically one to two years in a cool, dark pantry. The sealed container and lack of oxygen keep the paste stable. Check the date on the package, but even a year past that date, an unopened can is usually fine if it has no dents or leaks.

Key Takeaways

• Opened tomato paste in a can lasts three to five days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• Tomato paste in a tube lasts up to two weeks if you cap it tightly after each use.
• Transfer paste from a can to a glass or plastic container with a lid to extend freshness and prevent the metallic taste that develops when paste sits in an opened metal can.
• Freezing opened tomato paste in ice cube trays or small containers extends its life to three to four months.
• Mold or an off smell means the paste has spoiled and should be thrown out, regardless of how many days have passed.

Why you should transfer canned tomato paste to a container

Leaving tomato paste in an opened metal can creates two problems. First, the metal oxidizes when exposed to the acidic paste, which changes the flavor—you'll notice a tinny, metallic taste that gets stronger each day. Second, the can's large opening allows air to circulate freely, speeding up mold growth and bacterial colonization.

A glass or plastic container with a tight-fitting lid solves both issues. Glass is ideal because it doesn't absorb odors or flavors and won't react with the acid in the paste. Plastic works too, though over time it may retain a faint tomato smell. Pour the paste into the container, press plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the paste (this creates a barrier against air), then cap the lid. This method keeps the paste fresh for the full three to five days.

Freezing tomato paste for longer storage

If you know you won't use the paste within a few days, freezing is your best option. Tomato paste freezes well and maintains its texture and flavor for three to four months. The easiest method is to spoon the paste into an ice cube tray, freeze it solid (usually overnight), then pop the cubes into a freezer bag and label it with the date.

Each cube typically holds about one tablespoon of paste, which is convenient for recipes that call for small amounts. You can thaw a cube in the refrigerator overnight or add it directly to a simmering sauce—it will thaw as the sauce heats. You can also freeze paste in small plastic containers or even in portions wrapped in plastic wrap, though the ice cube method saves the most space and gives you the most flexibility.

Frozen tomato paste will develop ice crystals over time, but this doesn't affect safety or flavor. When you thaw it, the texture may be slightly looser than fresh paste, but it works perfectly in soups, stews, sauces, and braises where the paste dissolves into the liquid.

Signs that tomato paste has spoiled

Mold is the most obvious sign. You may see fuzzy growth on the surface—white, green, or black depending on the mold species. If you see any mold, discard the entire container. Don't try to scoop around it; mold sends roots deep into soft foods, and you can't see where they reach.

An off smell is equally reliable. Fresh tomato paste smells bright and tangy. If it smells sour, fermented, or simply wrong, trust your nose and throw it out. A change in color—darkening or developing an unusual hue—can also signal spoilage, though some darkening is normal over time as the paste oxidizes.

Taste is not a safe test. If you're unsure whether paste has spoiled, don't taste it to check. The risk of foodborne illness isn't worth it. When in doubt, discard it.

Storing tomato paste in the coldest part of your refrigerator

Location matters. The back of a shelf, especially on a lower shelf, stays colder and more stable than the door. Refrigerator doors experience temperature swings every time you open them, which accelerates spoilage. If your refrigerator has a dedicated cold zone or a drawer that maintains a steady temperature, that's the ideal spot for opened tomato paste.

Keep the container away from foods with strong odors—onions, garlic, or aged cheeses. Tomato paste can absorb these smells, and while it won't spoil faster, the flavor will be off when you use it. A sealed container helps, but separation is still the safest approach.

Using tomato paste before it spoils

Tomato paste is concentrated, so a little goes a long way. One tablespoon adds depth to a pot of soup or a sauce for four servings. If you find yourself with paste you won't use quickly, think about recipes that use it in larger quantities: chili, bolognese, shakshuka, or a spiced tomato base for curries.

You can also thin it with water or broth to make a quick tomato sauce, or stir it into cream cheese for a dip. Freezing in cubes means you don't have to use the whole container at once—you can grab one cube at a time and let the rest stay frozen for months.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I store tomato paste in the door of my refrigerator?

You can, but it's not ideal. The door is the warmest part of the refrigerator because it's exposed to room temperature every time you open it. Tomato paste will spoil faster there. The back of a shelf, especially a lower one, stays colder and more stable.

What's the difference between tomato paste and tomato sauce in terms of storage?

Tomato paste is concentrated and more acidic, which gives it a slightly longer shelf life—three to five days versus two to three days for tomato sauce. Both should be transferred to airtight containers and stored the same way. Freezing works for both.

Can I use tomato paste that's been in the fridge for a week if there's no mold?

If there's no mold and no off smell, it's likely safe, but you're past the window where quality is best. The flavor may have dulled, and the risk of invisible bacterial growth increases. Three to five days is the safe zone; after that, freezing what you don't use is the better choice.

Does tomato paste in a glass jar last longer than paste in a can?

If it's a sealed glass jar from the store, it lasts the same as a sealed can—one to two years unopened. Once opened, storage time is the same whether it came from a can or jar. The container you transfer it to matters more than what it originally came in.

Can I freeze tomato paste directly in the can?

You can, but it's not recommended. Metal cans can crack as the paste expands during freezing, and you'll have a harder time thawing and portioning it. Transfer to a freezer-safe container or ice cube tray instead.