In the freezer
2–3 months
Yes — freezes well
Quality holds for about 2–3 months at 0°F / -18°C. Frozen food stays safe indefinitely; only quality declines.
Quick answer
Yes: tomato paste keeps 2–3 months in the freezer at 0°F (-18°C), compared with 5 days in the fridge.
How to freeze tomato paste
- Most condiments keep well in the fridge and do not need freezing.
- If freezing, use ice-cube trays or small containers and label them.
- Thaw in the fridge and stir well; emulsions may separate.
How to thaw tomato paste
In the fridge
Move it to the fridge the night before; this keeps texture best.
At room temperature
Only for shelf-stable items; perishable food should not thaw on the counter.
From frozen
Many foods can go straight into soups, sauces, smoothies or the oven.
Yes — freezes wellQuality holds for about 2–3 months at 0°F / -18°C. Frozen food stays safe indefinitely; only quality declines.
Freezer vs fridge vs counter
Per USDA FoodKeeper
On the counterCounter
Refrigerate
once opened
In the fridgeFridge
5 days
at or below 40°F (4°C)
In the freezerFreezer
2–3 months
at 0°F; quality, not safety
On the counterCounter
27 months
cool, dry place
In the fridgeFridge
Not needed
shelf-stable
In the freezerFreezer
2–3 months
at 0°F; quality, not safety
More about tomato paste
FAQ
How long can you freeze tomato paste?
About 2–3 months for best quality at 0°F (-18°C). Kept frozen, it stays safe longer, but texture and flavour fade.
How do you thaw frozen tomato paste?
Move it to the fridge the night before; this keeps texture best.
Can you refreeze tomato paste?
Only if it was thawed in the fridge and has not been left out. Quality drops each time.
Does freezing kill bacteria in tomato paste?
No. Freezing pauses bacteria; they become active again as the food thaws. Cook or reheat to a safe temperature.
Numbers on this page come from USDA FoodKeeper and FSIS guidance. Last verified November 2026. How we verify our data · Report a wrong number