Tomatoes Per USDA FoodKeeper
On the counterCounter
Until ripe
then refrigerate
In the fridgeFridge
Not needed
shelf-stable
In the freezerFreezer
2 months
at 0°F; quality, not safety
Quick answer
Yes. Tomatoes last until the use-by date in the fridge and 2 months in the freezer. After that, or sooner if stored badly, they spoil: watch for the signs below.
How to tell if tomatoes are bad
Smell
Fermented, sour or musty odour.
Texture
Soft, mushy or leaking spots, or wrinkled skin with soft flesh.
Colour
Dark bruising that spreads, or browning inside.
Mould
White, grey or green fuzz — discard soft produce; cut firm produce generously.
Tomatoes past the expiration date
Best-by and sell-by
Follow the package date. "Best-by" and "sell-by" describe quality and stock rotation, not safety; only infant formula carries a federally required use-by date.
Past the date
Tomatoes past their best-by date are usually safe if stored well; check smell, look and taste before using.
How to keep tomatoes fresh longer
- Until Ripe, then 7 days. Ripe is when this item is tender, fully developed and ready to eat. Refrigeration may affect flavor; USDA recommends pantry storage.
- Store unwashed; wash just before eating.
- Keep ethylene producers (apples, bananas, avocados) away from produce that over-ripens.
More about tomatoes
FAQ
How long does it take for tomatoes to go bad?
until the use-by date in the fridge, per USDA FoodKeeper.
Can tomatoes expire?
Follow the package date. "Best-by" and "sell-by" describe quality and stock rotation, not safety; only infant formula carries a federally required use-by date.
What happens if you eat bad tomatoes?
Usually an unpleasant taste rather than illness, but discard anything mouldy, rancid or smelling off.
How do you keep tomatoes from going bad?
Until Ripe, then 7 days. Ripe is when this item is tender, fully developed and ready to eat. Refrigeration may affect flavor; USDA recommends pantry storage.
Numbers on this page come from USDA FoodKeeper and FSIS guidance. Last verified November 2026. How we verify our data · Report a wrong number