How long does pesto last?
Unopened: 6 months in the fridge and 1 month in the freezer for best quality.
| State | Fridge 40 °F | Freezer 0 °F |
|---|---|---|
| Unopened | 6 months FoodKeeper | 1 month best quality FoodKeeper |
| Opened | 3 days FoodKeeper Extension | Not stated |
| Homemade | 3 days Extension | Not stated |
Sources compared
| Source | State | Fridge | Freezer |
|---|---|---|---|
| USDA FSIS (FoodKeeper) 2018 | Unopened | 6 months | 1 month |
| USDA FSIS (FoodKeeper) 2018 | Opened | 3 days | - |
| Iowa State University Extension (AnswerLine) | Opened | 3 days | - |
| National Center for Home Food Preservation (University of Georgia) | Homemade | 3 days | - |
A dash means that source gives no time for that place.
Handling and freezing notes
- “It may be frozen for long term storage. Package in glass freezer jars or plastic freezer boxes, leaving 1/2-inch headspace.” Extension
What the sources say
FoodKeeper's entry is for jarred pesto, which it lists in the refrigerator: 6 months from the date of purchase, then 3 days after the jar is opened.1
It gives jarred pesto 1 month in the freezer.1
Iowa State University Extension also gives pesto 3 days in its list of condiments after opening.2
The National Center for Home Food Preservation describes pesto as an uncooked seasoning mixture that usually includes fresh basil, garlic, pine nuts and oil.3
It says pesto should be made fresh and stored in the refrigerator no more than 3 days, the same limit FoodKeeper gives an opened jar and Iowa State gives opened pesto.312
For long term storage it may be frozen; the National Center suggests glass freezer jars or plastic freezer boxes with 1/2 inch of headspace, labeled before freezing.3
Rules that apply here
Related foods
Sources
- USDA FoodKeeper data v128, product 354: Pesto, jarred. USDA FSIS (FoodKeeper). Dated 2018-09-06. Checked 2026-10-24. Pesto, jarred. DOP_Refrigerate: 6 Months; Refrigerate_After_Opening: 3 Days; Freeze: 1 Months
- Refrigerated Condiment Safety Tips • Words on Wellness • Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. Iowa State University Extension (AnswerLine). No date on the page. Checked 2026-10-25.
Shelf life of common condiments after opening... Pesto: 3 days
- Freezing Pesto - National Center for Home Food Preservation. National Center for Home Food Preservation (University of Georgia). No date on the page. Checked 2026-10-25.
It should be made fresh and stored in the refrigerator no more than 3 days.
It may be frozen for long term storage. Package in glass freezer jars or plastic freezer boxes, leaving 1/2-inch headspace.
- REFRIGERATOR & FREEZER STORAGE CHART. FDA. Dated 2018-03-01. Checked 2026-10-24.
Because freezing 0° F (-18° C) keeps food safe indefinitely, the following recommended storage times are for quality only.