All About Canned diced tomatoes
Your complete guide to canned diced tomatoes - discover how to store it properly, identify when it's gone bad, and find the best substitutes for your recipes.
How Long Does Canned diced tomatoes Last?
Storage times and freshness tips for canned diced tomatoes in different conditions.
Safety first: This guide provides general information. When in doubt, throw it out! Trust your senses and err on the side of caution. If something smells, looks, or tastes off, don't consume it.
opened freezer6-8 months (for best quality)
Signs of Spoilage
Severe freezer burn (large dry, discolored patches), significant degradation of texture (excessively mushy even after thawing), loss of flavor. While still safe, quality will diminish over time.
How to Check
Visually inspect for freezer burn. While safe to eat, the texture will be much softer after thawing, making it best for cooked sauces, soups, or stews rather than fresh applications.
Storage Tips
Portion the diced tomatoes into freezer-safe bags or containers. Leave some headspace if using rigid containers, as liquids expand when frozen. Label with the date. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before use. The texture will be softer, so it's best suited for dishes where texture isn't critical.
unopened pantry12-18 months past 'best by' date (for optimal quality; safely much longer if can is intact)
Signs of Spoilage
Bulging or leaking can, rust on the can, deep dents (especially along seams), foul odor upon opening, mold or unusual discoloration inside the can upon opening.
How to Check
Visually inspect the can for any damage (bulges, leaks, rust, deep dents). If any of these signs are present, do NOT open or consume. If the can appears fine, open it; if there's any 'hiss' of air or unusual smell/appearance, discard immediately.
Storage Tips
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and extreme temperature fluctuations. While often safe for years past the 'best by' date if the can is undamaged, quality (flavor, texture) may degrade over time.
opened fridge5-7 days
Signs of Spoilage
Visible mold (fuzzy spots, white or green patches), sour or off-putting odor, bubbling, fermentation (alcohol-like smell or taste), significant change in color.
How to Check
Visually inspect for mold or discoloration. Perform a smell test; any sour, fermented, or unpleasant odor indicates spoilage. If in doubt, it's safest to discard.
Storage Tips
Immediately transfer any unused portion to a clean, airtight, non-metallic container (glass or plastic) after opening. Storing in the original can can lead to a metallic taste and is not recommended. Place in the coldest part of the refrigerator.