When dealing with industrial or drum tomato paste, knowing the shelf life of tomato paste is essential for importers, distributors, and food manufacturers. Proper understanding ensures you can judge whether the product is still safe to use, optimize storage, and maintain the best flavor and quality in your production line.
1. Does Tomato Paste Expire?
Many clients ask: Does tomato paste expire?
The answer is yes, but tomato paste is highly stable due to:
- High acidity (pH < 4.2)
- Heat-sterilization during production
- Vacuum sealing or aseptic processing
For drum tomato paste, unopened drums typically have a shelf life of 18–24 months, depending on the Brix concentration and storage conditions. Properly stored, the product can remain safe even slightly past the nominal expiration date.
Key point: Expiration doesn’t mean immediate spoilage; it indicates that the manufacturer can no longer guarantee optimal quality.
2. Shelf Life of Drum Tomato Paste
Drum tomato paste is often used in industrial kitchens, factories, and food processing. The shelf life depends on several factors:
| Factor | Influence on Shelf Life |
|---|---|
| Brix / Concentration | Higher Brix (28–38°) improves stability. This is often referred to as concentrated tomato paste shelf life. |
| Packaging Type | Aseptic aseptic packaging provides longer storage compared to non-sterile drums. |
| Storage Conditions | Keep in cool, dry place (15–25°C); avoid direct sunlight and high humidity. |
| Seal Integrity | Drums with compromised seals may lead to spoilage. |
Typical Shelf Life for Drum Tomato Paste:
- 28–30 Brix drums: 18–24 months
- 30-20 Brix drums: Up to 24 months in ideal conditions
- 36–38 Brix drums: Up to 24 months in ideal conditions
3. How to Determine if Drum Tomato Paste is Still Good
When receiving or inspecting drum tomato paste, check the following:
- Check the Manufacturing / Expiration Date
Ensure that the drum is within the guaranteed shelf life. - Inspect Drum Condition
- No dents, rust, or swelling
- Seals are intact
- Visual & Smell Test (after opening)
- Bright red to deep red color
- Smooth consistency
- No sour or fermented odor
If the drum shows any of these issues, it may indicate that the product is past its safe usage period.
4. Does Drum Tomato Paste Expire Faster Than Cans or Tubes?
Drum tomato paste is designed for bulk industrial use. Thanks to aseptic aseptic packaging, the shelf life is very similar to canned tomato paste, as long as storage is correct.
- Opened drum: Must be used within 5–7 days or transferred into smaller sterile containers.
- Unopened drum: Up to 24 months, depending on Brix and storage.
5. Best Practices to Maintain Shelf Life
- Store drums in cool, dry, shaded areas
- Avoid stacking drums under direct sunlight
- Monitor temperature and humidity
- Use first-in-first-out (FIFO) inventory rotation
- Label drums clearly with production and expiration dates
6. Summary
- Drum tomato paste can last 18–24 months unopened.
- Concentrated tomato paste shelf life is longer for higher Brix.
- Aseptic aseptic packaging ensures maximum storage stability.
- Expiration date indicates quality guarantee, not immediate spoilage.
- Always inspect drum integrity, color, and odor before use.
Proper understanding of shelf life of tomato paste helps clients distinguish normal, high-quality products from potentially compromised shipments, reducing risk and ensuring consistent production.
📩 Call-to-Action
Looking for industrial drum tomato paste with guaranteed 18–24 months shelf life?
- Brix Options: 28–30° / 30-32°/36–38°
- Packaging: 220L drums, aseptic drums
- Certifications: ISO / HACCP / Kosher / Halal
Contact us today for detailed specs, COA, and pricing:
Email: info@taichysupply.com
Website: www.taichytomato.com
English 
Russian 
Arabic 
French 
Turkish 
Urdu 
Vietnamese 
Thai 
Tagalog