Condiments, Sauces & Canned Goods
How long does pesto last?
Quick answer
Pesto (jarred) keeps 3 days in the fridge and 1 month in the freezer.
- Jarred 3 days in the fridge · 1 month in the freezer
- Jarred, opened 3 days in the fridge
Fridge
3days
Freezer
Can be frozen: yes
1month
Pantry
No known time
-
Mine has been in the fridge for
Refreeze after thawing in the fridge?
- United States
- Yes
- United Kingdom
- Only after cooking
How long does pesto last in the fridge?
- Jarred3 days
- Jarred, opened3 daysAfter opening
Your fridge should be set between 0 and 5°C.
Refrigerators should be set to maintain a temperature of 40 °F or below.
How long does pesto last in the freezer?
- Jarred1 month
Freezer times are for quality; frozen food stays safe.
Your freezer should be around -18°C
A freezer acts as a pause button - food in a freezer won’t go bad and most bacteria cannot grow in it.
Food stored constantly at 0 °F will always be safe. Only the quality suffers with lengthy freezer storage.
Can you freeze pesto?
Yes.
How to defrost pesto safely
- In the fridge
- In cold water, cook it straight after defrosting
- In the microwave, cook it straight after defrosting
- Cook it from frozen
You should defrost your food in the fridge so that it doesn’t get too warm
It’s also important to use food within 24 hours after it’s been fully defrosted
There are three safe ways to thaw food: in the refrigerator, in cold water, or in the microwave.
Check the water frequently to be sure it stays cold. Change the water every 30 minutes. After thawing, cook immediately.
It is safe to cook foods from the frozen state. The cooking will take approximately 50% longer than the recommended time for fully thawed or fresh meat and poultry.
Can you refreeze pesto?
- In the United KingdomOnly after cooking
- In the United StatesYes
You can freeze food again once cooked, but you’ll only be able to reheat it once after that
Food thawed in the refrigerator can be refrozen without cooking, although there may be some loss of quality.
Foods thawed by the cold water method should be cooked before refreezing.
After cooking raw foods which were previously frozen, it is safe to freeze the cooked foods.
Can pesto be kept out of the fridge?
Official sources give no room-temperature (cupboard) storage time for pesto.
All forms at a glance
| Form | Fridge | Freezer | Pantry |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jarred | 3 days | 1 month | - |
| Jarred, opened | 3 days | - | - |
What the official sources say
“Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 1 year.”
“Pesto should maintain good quality when frozen for up to six months.”
“Frozen pesto will store for up to 6 months.”
Frequently asked questions
How long does pesto last in the fridge?
Jarred: 3 days; Jarred, opened: 3 days.
How long does pesto last in the freezer?
Jarred: 1 month. Freezer times are for quality; frozen food stays safe.
Can you freeze pesto?
Yes.
Can you refreeze pesto?
In the United Kingdom: Only after cooking; In the United States: Yes.
Can pesto be kept out of the fridge?
Official sources give no room-temperature (cupboard) storage time for pesto.
Sources
We always show the most cautious time among official sources. Last checked: 1 October 2026.
- FoodSafety.gov Cold Food Storage Chart US
- Food Standards Agency - consumer food hygiene guidance GB
- Iowa State University Extension US
- Oregon State University Extension US
- Penn State Extension US
- University of Maine Cooperative Extension US
- Colorado State University Extension US
- Clemson University Extension US
- USDA FSIS FoodKeeper data US
- USDA FSIS Safe Food Handling and Preparation US