How Long Does Tuna Fish Last in the Refrigerator? Know the Real Answer

You open your fridge and see leftover tuna fish. You’re not sure if it’s still good to eat or if it will make you sick. We’ve all been there, staring at a bowl of tuna and wondering if we should eat it or throw it away. The simple answer is: Tuna fish can last in the refrigerator for 3 to 5 days if stored properly. In this article, you’ll learn how to keep tuna fresh, signs that it has gone bad, and tips to make sure you never waste it again.

How to Store Tuna Fish in the Fridge the Right Way

Storing tuna fish the right way is very important. If you do not store it properly, it can go bad quickly. When you bring home canned tuna or cook fresh tuna, the way you keep it in the fridge matters a lot.

First, let’s talk about canned tuna. When you open a can of tuna, never leave it in the can after opening. Always take it out and put it in an airtight container. This helps to keep it fresh and safe. If the tuna is left open in the can, air can get inside and make it spoil faster. Also, the metal from the can can affect the taste and smell after some time. A glass or plastic container with a tight lid works best.

Next, if you have cooked tuna, like from a tuna steak or grilled tuna, you should let it cool before putting it in the fridge. If it’s too hot, the steam will make water inside the container, and that water can cause bacteria to grow. So let it come to room temperature first, but don’t leave it out for more than 2 hours.

Once the tuna is inside the container, put it in the coldest part of the fridge. Usually, the back of the fridge is colder than the front. This keeps the tuna fresh longer. Try not to keep it on the door of the fridge, because the temperature there changes every time you open and close it.

Label the container with the date when you stored the tuna. This is a great habit. It helps you remember how many days it has been in the fridge. As mentioned earlier, tuna stays good for 3 to 5 days. After 5 days, it’s better to throw it away.

Do not mix old tuna with new tuna. If you cooked or opened fresh tuna, never add it to tuna that has already been in the fridge for a few days. This can spoil both the new and the old tuna. Always store fresh tuna separately.

Also, try not to open the fridge again and again. The more you open it, the more warm air gets in. This can lower the fridge’s temperature and affect your food inside.

Here’s a little extra tip: If you know you won’t eat the tuna within a few days, you can freeze it. Put it in a freezer-safe bag or container. Make sure to press out as much air as you can. In the freezer, tuna can last for about 2 to 3 months.

Never leave tuna in an opened can
Use airtight containers to store tuna
Keep tuna in the coldest part of the fridge
Label the container with the date
Do not mix new tuna with old tuna
Freeze if you won’t eat it within 3 to 5 days

How to Tell If Tuna Fish Has Gone Bad

Nobody wants to eat bad tuna. It can make you sick. So it’s important to know the signs of spoilage. Your senses like smell, touch, and sight will help you know if your tuna has gone bad.

Let’s start with the smell. Fresh tuna has a light ocean smell, not too strong. If your tuna smells sour, rotten, or like ammonia, it is not safe to eat. This is the easiest and fastest way to tell.

Next is the look. Tuna should be pink or light brown. If it turns dark brown, greenish, or gray, that’s a sign it’s spoiled. Also, if you see any mold or white fuzz, throw it away right away.

Touch is also a way to check. Good tuna feels firm and moist, but not slimy. If it feels sticky or has a slippery layer on top, it’s probably bad. That slime is often a sign of bacteria.

Another warning sign is bubbles. If you see bubbles around the tuna when you open the container, especially if it’s canned tuna, it might be spoiled. That means some fermentation might have happened, which is not safe.

Listen to your body too. If you eat tuna and feel sick after, even if you didn’t notice any spoilage signs before, it could still mean the tuna was not fresh. In that case, do not eat the rest of it.

If tuna has been in your fridge for more than 5 days, even if it looks fine, it’s best to be safe and not eat it. Some harmful bacteria don’t show signs but can still make you sick.

Sour or ammonia-like smell is a bad sign
Discolored tuna is unsafe to eat
Slimy or sticky texture means spoilage
Mold or bubbles indicate it’s gone bad
Never keep tuna more than 5 days

How Long Does Cooked Tuna Last in the Fridge

Cooked tuna, like tuna steak or grilled tuna, is tasty but needs care when storing. After cooking tuna, don’t leave it out too long. Once it cools down, put it in a clean, sealed container.

When you keep cooked tuna in the fridge the right way, it can last for 3 to 4 days. Always store it in a covered container. Do not just cover the plate with foil or plastic wrap. Air can still get in, and that can spoil the tuna faster.

Some people like to make tuna salad with cooked tuna. Tuna salad usually has mayo or other ingredients. In this case, tuna salad should only be stored for 3 days. The added items can go bad quickly, especially if left out.

Keep the tuna in the coldest part of the fridge. Avoid putting it near foods with strong smells. Tuna can easily absorb the odor from onions, garlic, or cheese.

If you made a big batch and know you won’t eat it all in 3 days, freezing is a good option. Frozen cooked tuna can last up to 2 months. Just make sure to pack it properly and remove all air from the bag or container.

To reheat, always warm it slowly on low heat. High heat can change the texture and make it rubbery. If you are eating it cold, take it out only when ready to eat. Don’t leave it sitting at room temperature for too long.

Cooked tuna lasts 3 to 4 days in fridge
Tuna salad should be eaten within 3 days
Use a sealed container to keep it fresh
Store away from strong-smelling foods
Freeze cooked tuna if needed for later

How to Keep Tuna Fish Fresh Longer

If you love tuna but hate throwing it away, there are smart ways to keep it fresh for more days. A few simple habits can help you waste less food and save money too.

Start by using the right storage tools. Use airtight containers or glass jars with tight lids. Never leave tuna uncovered in the fridge. This allows air and bacteria to spoil it faster.

Make your fridge colder. The best temperature for storing fish like tuna is 32°F to 38°F (0°C to 3°C). If your fridge feels warm or uneven, use a fridge thermometer to check it. Keep tuna on the bottom shelf in the back, where it’s coldest.

Another smart idea is to wrap tuna in plastic wrap or foil before placing it in the container. This gives double protection. It blocks out more air and helps keep the texture and taste fresh.

Always store tuna alone. Don’t put it in a container with other foods like pasta or rice unless you’re making a salad and plan to eat it soon. Mixing with other foods shortens how long it stays fresh.

Don’t open the fridge too often. Each time you open the door, warm air comes in and changes the inside temperature. That harms sensitive foods like tuna.

Keep a storage routine. Label all your containers with the date and type of food. You’ll always know how old something is and whether it’s safe to eat or toss.

If you use tuna for meal prep, try to split it into smaller portions. That way, you only open one part at a time, and the rest stays fresh.

Use airtight containers or glass jars
Keep fridge temperature cold (32°F to 38°F)
Wrap tuna before storing in a container
Avoid mixing tuna with other foods
Store tuna in the back of the fridge
Label everything with the date
Store tuna in small portions

Can You Freeze Tuna Fish?

Yes, you can freeze tuna fish to make it last much longer. Freezing tuna is a great option if you won’t eat it within 3 to 5 days. But you have to freeze it the right way to keep the taste and texture good.

For canned tuna, only freeze it after opening the can. Never put an unopened can in the freezer. Once opened, take the tuna out, drain the liquid, and place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. Press out all the air before sealing it.

For cooked tuna, make sure it cools down completely. Then put it in a freezer-safe container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Write the date on the bag or container. It helps you remember how long it has been frozen.

Frozen tuna can last about 2 to 3 months. After that, it might still be safe, but the taste and texture can change. The tuna can become dry or freezer-burned.

When you are ready to use frozen tuna, do not defrost it on the counter. That can let bacteria grow. Instead, move it to the fridge and let it thaw overnight. You can also use the defrost setting on a microwave, but that can make the texture softer or rubbery.

Once tuna is thawed, use it within 1 to 2 days. Do not freeze it again after thawing.

Freeze tuna after opening the can
Use freezer-safe bags or containers
Label and date the frozen tuna
Store frozen tuna up to 3 months
Defrost in the fridge, not on the counter
Eat thawed tuna within 2 days

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Storing Tuna

People often make small mistakes that cause tuna to spoil fast. Avoiding these can help you keep your tuna fresh and safe to eat.

One big mistake is leaving tuna in the can after opening. Always move it to another container. Metal reacts with the tuna and changes the taste and smell.

Another mistake is putting warm tuna straight into the fridge. It causes condensation, which can grow bacteria. Always cool it first, but don’t wait more than 2 hours.

Some people just cover their tuna with plastic wrap on a plate. This doesn’t seal it fully. Always use a proper airtight container.

Not labeling containers is also a problem. Without dates, you won’t know how long it’s been in the fridge. Then you risk eating spoiled tuna.

People often keep tuna near the fridge door. The temperature there changes every time the door opens. Always place tuna in the back part of the fridge.

Also, avoid using dirty utensils to scoop out the tuna. Bacteria from your hands or spoon can enter the container and spoil it faster.

Freezing tuna incorrectly is another problem. If you don’t seal it well, it gets freezer burn and tastes bad. Always double wrap or use a vacuum bag.

Don’t store tuna in the can
Cool tuna before refrigerating
Use airtight containers, not plates
Always label with storage dates
Keep tuna away from fridge door
Use clean spoons every time
Freeze tuna properly with no air inside

Final Thoughts

Tuna fish is delicious, healthy, and easy to use in meals. But it can spoil fast if not handled right. Keeping tuna fresh is not hard. You just need good storage habits like using airtight containers, labeling, and keeping the fridge cold. Always trust your senses—if tuna smells bad or looks off, don’t take the risk. It’s better to be safe. By following the tips in this guide, you can enjoy tuna without worry and waste much less food.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is it safe to eat tuna after 5 days in the fridge?

It is not safe to eat tuna after 5 days in the fridge. Tuna starts to grow bacteria after a few days, even if it still looks fine. Eating spoiled tuna can make you sick with symptoms like stomach pain, vomiting, or diarrhea. Even if it smells okay, it might not be safe. Always remember that 3 to 5 days is the safe zone for storing tuna. After 5 days, it’s best to throw it out. It’s better to waste a small amount than to get food poisoning.

Is it okay to freeze leftover tuna fish?

Yes, it is okay to freeze leftover tuna fish, but you need to do it the right way. First, make sure the tuna is completely cool. Then put it in a freezer-safe container or bag. Try to remove as much air as possible before sealing it. Write the date on the bag so you remember how long it’s been frozen. Tuna can stay good in the freezer for up to 2 to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat it, defrost it slowly in the fridge. Never freeze it again after thawing.

Can I eat tuna that smells a little off?

If your tuna smells a little off, it’s safer not to eat it. Tuna should have a mild, fresh smell. A sour, fishy, or strong ammonia-like smell means it has gone bad. Sometimes, even a small smell can be a big warning sign. Eating bad tuna can make you feel sick or even cause food poisoning. If you’re unsure about the smell, it’s always better to throw it away. Your health is more important than trying to save a little bit of food.

Do I need to put tuna in an airtight container?

Yes, you must put tuna in an airtight container. This helps stop air and bacteria from getting inside. If air gets in, it makes the tuna go bad much faster. Airtight containers also keep the smell of tuna from spreading inside your fridge. Never store tuna in an open bowl or cover it with just foil. Use a tight-sealing plastic or glass container. This will help keep the tuna fresh for 3 to 5 days and make it safer to eat.

Can I mix fresh tuna with old tuna?

No, you should not mix fresh tuna with old tuna. Mixing them can cause the fresh tuna to spoil faster. The old tuna may already have some bacteria, even if you can’t see it. When you mix it with new tuna, it spreads those germs and makes everything risky to eat. Always keep new tuna in a clean, separate container. If the old tuna is more than 3 to 5 days old, it should be thrown out right away. Never take chances when it comes to food safety.

Is it okay to keep tuna in the fridge door?

It is not okay to keep tuna in the fridge door. The door is the warmest part of the fridge because it opens and closes a lot. Temperature changes in the door can make tuna spoil faster. It’s better to store tuna in the back part of the fridge, where it stays cold all the time. A steady cold temperature keeps your tuna safe for a longer time. So always store tuna deep inside the fridge, not in the door.

Can I reheat tuna fish?

Yes, you can reheat tuna fish, but you must do it carefully. Reheating on high heat can change its texture and make it rubbery. It’s better to use low heat on the stove or microwave. If you are reheating tuna from the fridge, make sure it hasn’t been stored for more than 3 to 5 days. Also, reheat it only once. Do not keep reheating and cooling it again. If tuna has mayo or other creamy items, be extra careful when reheating.

Do I need to label the container of stored tuna?

Yes, labeling the container of stored tuna is very helpful. Write the date when you first put the tuna in the fridge. This helps you remember how many days it has been stored. Without a label, you might forget and end up eating spoiled tuna. You don’t need anything fancy. Just use tape and a marker. It takes only a few seconds, but it can keep you safe. It also helps reduce waste by letting you track your food better.