How Long Food Lasts

Shelf Stable Foods

How long does tuna last?

Quick answer

Tuna (packet, opened) keeps 3-4 days in the fridge.

Form

Fridge

After opening

3-4days

Freezer

No known time

-

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 tuna last in the fridge?

  • Packet, opened3-4 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 tuna last in the freezer?

  • General guidance2-3 months

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 tuna?

Yes.

How to defrost tuna safely

  1. In the fridge
  2. In cold water, cook it straight after defrosting
  3. In the microwave, cook it straight after defrosting
  4. 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 tuna?

  • 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 tuna be kept out of the fridge?

  • Packet18 months
  • Canned3 years

All forms at a glance

FormFridgeFreezerPantry
Packet--18 months
Packet, opened3-4 days--
Canned--3 years
General guidance-2-3 months-

What the official sources say

“Tuna and other seafood in retort pouches 18 months 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator”

“Fatty Fish: Mackerel, Bluefish Salmon, Tuna, Smelt 2 to 3 months”

“Fatty fish Salmon, tuna, etc 1-2 days 2-3 months”

Frequently asked questions

How long does tuna last in the fridge?

Packet, opened: 3-4 days.

How long does tuna last in the freezer?

General guidance: 2-3 months. Freezer times are for quality; frozen food stays safe.

Can you freeze tuna?

Yes.

Can you refreeze tuna?

In the United Kingdom: Only after cooking; In the United States: Yes.

Sources

We always show the most cautious time among official sources. Last checked: 1 October 2026.