Canned tomato sauce is a pantry staple, perfect for pasta, pizza, soups, and casseroles. But if you’ve had a can sitting on your shelf—or leftovers stored in the fridge—you may wonder: does canned tomato sauce go bad? The answer depends on whether it’s unopened or opened, and how it’s stored.
Quick Answer
- Unopened canned tomato sauce: Lasts 1–2 years past the “best by” date if stored in a cool, dry place.
- Opened canned tomato sauce: Lasts 5–7 days in the fridge when transferred to a sealed container.
- Frozen tomato sauce: Lasts 3–4 months in an airtight freezer-safe container.
How Long Does Canned Tomato Sauce Last?
| Storage Condition | Unopened | Opened |
|---|---|---|
| Pantry (cool, dry place) | 1–2 years past “best by” date | N/A |
| Refrigerator | N/A | 5–7 days (in airtight container) |
| Freezer | N/A | 3–4 months (freezer-safe container) |
Signs Canned Tomato Sauce Has Gone Bad
- Unopened cans: Bulging, leaking, rusting, or dented cans should be discarded immediately.
- Opened sauce: Sour smell, mold growth, or a change in color/texture are clear signs it’s spoiled.
- Taste: If it tastes off, sour, or metallic, don’t eat it.
Why Tomato Sauce Spoils
- High moisture: Once opened, bacteria grow quickly in tomato-based sauces.
- Acidity: Tomatoes are acidic, which slows but doesn’t prevent spoilage.
- Air exposure: Leaving sauce in the can after opening can cause a metallic taste and faster spoilage.
How to Store Tomato Sauce Properly
- Keep unopened cans in a cool, dark pantry.
- After opening, transfer to a glass or plastic airtight container—never store in the open can.
- Refrigerate immediately after use.
- Freeze in portion sizes for long-term storage (up to 4 months).
Tips for Freezing Tomato Sauce
- Cool sauce before freezing.
- Use freezer-safe bags or containers and leave room for expansion.
- Label with date and contents for easy tracking.
- Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Quick Picks: Best Containers for Storing Tomato Sauce
- Best Overall: Glasslock 3-Cup Glass Containers — Airtight and freezer-safe.
- Best Budget: Rubbermaid TakeAlongs — Affordable and great for fridge use.
- Best Premium: Oxo Good Grips Smart Seal — Leak-proof, stackable, ideal for freezer storage.
FAQ
Can I eat canned tomato sauce past the expiration date?
Yes, if the can is in good condition and stored properly. The “best by” date is about quality, not safety. But if the can is bulging, leaking, or rusted, throw it out.
Can I freeze tomato sauce in glass jars?
Yes, but use freezer-safe jars and leave space at the top to prevent cracking.
Why shouldn’t I store opened sauce in the can?
Metal can react with the tomato’s acidity, leading to metallic flavor and faster spoilage.
How do I reheat frozen tomato sauce?
Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove. Avoid reheating multiple times—refreeze only once.
Conclusion
Yes, canned tomato sauce can go bad. Unopened cans last 1–2 years past the printed date, while opened sauce lasts 5–7 days in the fridge or 3–4 months in the freezer. Always check for signs of spoilage before eating.
For maximum freshness, store opened sauce in an airtight container and refrigerate immediately.
Shop the best storage containers today and keep your sauces fresh and safe.