Once opened, Tomato paste keeps about 5 days in the fridge. Unopened, it keeps about 27 months.
5 days opened in the fridge, against 27 months sealed in the pantry. Green is what this situation leaves you; husk is what it spends.
| Situation | Keeps for |
|---|---|
| Unopened · pantry | 27 months |
| Opened · fridge | 5 days |
| Freezer | 2–3 months |
Air and warmth are what shorten an opened item's life — the right container buys back the days the packaging gives up once the seal's broken.
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About 5 days refrigerated at 40°F (4°C) or below, according to USDA FoodKeeper v128. Refrigerate it once it's open.
Yes — keep Tomato paste at 40°F (4°C) or below once it's open. Cool, dry pantry unopened; refrigerate at 40°F (4°C) or below after opening.
Look for: A rancid, paint-like, or musty smell; Bulging, leaking, deeply dented, or rusted cans; Insects or webbing in dry goods; Mould or discoloration. Those are the general signs for pantry staples — USDA FoodKeeper v128 publishes no spoilage note for Tomato paste specifically. Never taste something to test it — when in doubt, throw it out.
Yes — USDA FoodKeeper v128 gives about 2–3 months in the freezer at 0°F (−18°C). Frozen food stays safe indefinitely; that window is about quality, not safety.