Canned tomatoes are a pantry staple. From gazpacho in summer to hearty pasta sauces in fall and winter, they’re one of the most versatile ingredients you can keep in the kitchen.

But what happens when you’re cleaning out the pantry and you stumble upon some old cans hiding in the back of a cabinet?

If you’re like me, you probably stock up whenever your favorite canned tomato brand goes on sale. Sometimes you buy so many that you can’t use them all before their expiration date rolls around. So the question becomes:

Are Expired Canned Tomatoes Safe to Eat?

Yes, you can eat canned tomatoes past their expiration date as long as the cans are undamaged and show no signs of bulging. While canned tomatoes maintain their best quality for 12 to 18 months, they generally remain safe to eat for much longer as long as they’re stored properly.

To safely use expired canned tomatoes, open the can and check the contents carefully. Do they smell good? Is there any visible mold? If you notice an off odor or any signs of spoilage, dispose of the can immediately to avoid food poisoning.

Expiration Date vs. Best-By Date

According to the USDA, canned foods stored in undamaged containers (no dents, swelling, or rust) and kept in a cool, dry place are safe indefinitely.

The canning process uses high heat to kill harmful organisms and prevent their growth. While canned food stays safe almost indefinitely, its quality, freshness, and nutritional value naturally decline over time until it becomes less appealing to eat.

That’s why many producers use “best by” dates instead of expiration dates. A best-by date indicates when you might notice a decrease in quality, not when the food becomes unsafe.

The main safety concern with canned foods comes from a bacteria called Clostridium botulinum, which produces a dangerous neurotoxin. To protect yourself from botulism, never use tomatoes from cans that are leaking, bulging, dented or cracked tin, a foul smell of the food inside, or spurting when the can is opened.

How to Store Leftover Canned Tomatoes

Once you’ve opened a can of tomatoes, don’t leave them at room temperature for more than 2 hours. 

Instead, transfer the contents of the can to a food-safe storage container or seal the opened can in a plastic bag and use the tomatoes within 3 to 4 days. Discard them if you see any mold growth.

To freeze canned tomatoes, transfer the contents of the can to an airtight container or freezer bag, then store in the freezer. Food frozen at 0°F (-18°C) stays safe to eat indefinitely. However, its best aroma, flavor, and texture will degrade over time. For best quality, use up frozen canned tomatoes within 6 months from the date of freezing.

Storage Guidelines at a Glance

Most expired canned tomatoes are perfectly safe to eat. The key factors are proper storage and can condition. As long as the cans have been kept in a cool, dry place and show no damage, the contents should be safe.

Remember that quality decreases over time. The longer past the best-by date, the more the taste, texture, and aroma may deteriorate. While the tomatoes might not taste as fresh, they’ll still work well in cooked dishes.

Once opened, use the tomatoes promptly or store any leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or in the freezer for up to 6 months.