How to Store Leftover Tomato Paste Safely

Tomato paste adds concentrated tomato flavor to sauces, soups, stews, and other dishes, but a recipe may call for only a spoonful or two. Storing the remainder promptly helps protect its flavor and quality and reduces food waste. Before you begin, have a clean container or freezer-safe tray ready, and note when the paste was opened. Keep the refrigerator at 40°F or below and the freezer at 0°F or below.

What You’ll Need

A clean, airtight food-storage container, preferably small enough to limit air space
A clean spoon or spatula for transferring the paste
Optional: an ice-cube tray or small freezer-safe portions container
A marker and label or a piece of tape for the date

Step-by-Step

Check the paste. Look at the opened can or tube and the paste before storing it. If it has been left at room temperature for more than 2 hours—or more than 1 hour when the temperature is above 90°F—discard it. Also discard paste with visible mold, an off odor, or an unusual appearance; do not taste it to check. Follow any stricter handling directions on the package.
Transfer it out of the can. Use a clean spoon to move leftover paste into a clean, airtight container. Do not store it in an opened metal can. A small glass or food-safe plastic container works well; choose one that holds the amount without leaving a lot of empty space.
Seal and label it. Close the container securely and mark it with the date it was opened or stored. This makes it easier to keep track of the short refrigerator storage window. If the paste is in a tube, wipe the rim clean and recap it tightly; follow the package’s storage instructions.
Refrigerate what you will use soon. Put the sealed container in the refrigerator promptly, rather than leaving it on the counter while you finish cooking. Use refrigerated leftover tomato paste within 5 days. Keep it at 40°F or below, and avoid placing it in the refrigerator door, where temperatures can fluctuate more.
Freeze extra paste in portions. If you will not use it within 5 days, spoon portions onto a parchment-lined tray or into a clean ice-cube tray. One tablespoon portions are convenient for many recipes, but portion it to suit how you cook. Freeze until solid, then move the portions to a labeled freezer bag or airtight freezer container. Press out excess air and seal.
Store frozen portions at 0°F or below. Add the date to the package. Frozen tomato paste remains safe while continuously frozen, though its flavor and texture are best when used within about 2 to 3 months. It may become slightly less fresh-tasting over time.
Use only what you need. Add a frozen portion directly to a hot pan or simmering sauce, or thaw it in the refrigerator. If thawing a larger amount, use it promptly and do not leave it at room temperature for extended periods. Avoid repeatedly thawing and refreezing portions.

Common Mistakes

Leaving paste in an opened can: Transfer it to a clean, covered container. An opened can is not a dependable airtight storage option, and exposed paste can dry out or pick up odors.
Assuming it lasts for weeks in the fridge: Tomato paste is still a perishable food after opening. Use refrigerated leftovers within 5 days, or freeze them sooner.
Putting a used spoon back in the container: Food residue or other ingredients can contaminate the paste. Scoop out what you need with a clean utensil and keep the lid and rim clean.
Freezing one large lump: A solid block is harder to portion later. Freeze it in recipe-sized amounts so you can take just what you need.
Leaving it uncovered in the freezer: Air exposure can cause freezer burn and dull the flavor. Once portions are firm, transfer them to a tightly sealed freezer-safe package.
Judging safety by smell alone: Spoilage signs mean discard the paste, but food can be unsafe without an obvious smell or visible change. Respect the time limits and discard paste left out too long.

Tips

Freeze tablespoon-size portions if your recipes commonly use that amount. A tablespoon is 3 teaspoons, but recipes vary, so label portions with their actual size.
If using an ice-cube tray, choose one reserved for food or wash it thoroughly first. Cover the tray while freezing to prevent odors from transferring.
For easy removal, line a small tray with parchment before portioning. Once the portions are frozen solid, package them together in a freezer bag.
Write the portion size and date on the package. A label is especially useful when frozen paste looks similar to other red sauces or ingredients.
Store a small amount in the fridge and freeze the rest if you expect to use some within a few days. This avoids thawing more than a recipe needs.
Tomato paste can be added frozen to many hot dishes. Stir it in as it melts, and cook the dish as directed; freezing does not replace any cooking the recipe requires.

Troubleshooting

The paste has a dry or dark surface

A thin, dried surface can happen when paste is exposed to air, but it is not a reliable way to determine whether the food is safe. If the paste was stored uncovered or beyond the recommended refrigerator period, discard it. Next time, use a smaller airtight container or freeze portions promptly.

I forgot when I opened it

If you cannot tell whether refrigerated paste is still within the 5-day window, the safest choice is to discard it rather than guess. Date the container as soon as you store it. For frozen paste, discard it if you cannot verify it stayed frozen or it shows signs of thawing and refreezing.

The frozen portions are stuck together

Separate them only if they come apart easily; do not leave the entire package out to soften. In the future, freeze portions individually until solid before packing them together, and remove excess air from the bag.

I left it on the counter

Discard tomato paste left at room temperature for over 2 hours, or over 1 hour in temperatures above 90°F. Refrigerating it afterward does not undo the time it spent warm.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does opened tomato paste last in the refrigerator?

Use it within 5 days when stored in a clean, airtight container at 40°F or below. Freeze it if you will not use it within that period.

Can I freeze tomato paste in its original can?

Do not freeze it in an opened can. Transfer it to a freezer-safe airtight container or freeze it in portions and package them securely.

How much tomato paste should I freeze in each portion?

Choose an amount that matches your recipes; one tablespoon portions are often convenient. Label the package with the portion size so you do not have to measure frozen paste later.

Do I need to thaw frozen tomato paste before cooking?

No. Small frozen portions can usually go directly into a hot pan or simmering dish. For another use, thaw them in the refrigerator and use promptly.

Can I keep leftover tomato paste in the tube?

Yes, if it is sold in a resealable tube. Wipe the opening clean, recap it tightly, refrigerate it, and follow the product’s label for storage and use.

Can I scrape off mold and use the rest?

No. Discard the entire container if you see mold on tomato paste. Do not taste it or try to rescue the unaffected-looking portion.

Further reading: USDA FoodSafety.gov. Details can change, so check the official page for anything that matters to you. Spotted a mistake? Tell us. How we write an answer.