Can canned pineapple be frozen?

Canned pineapple is much easier than carving fresh pineapple, but depending on the size of the can, it can often be more than you can eat or prepare in one sitting.

Once the can is opened, can canned pineapple be frozen? Yes, you can freeze canned pineapple for up to 2 months in an airtight container, but never freeze unopened in the original can. 

In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about storing and preserving the life of your canned pineapple.

Does canned pineapple go bad?

Store-bought canned goods will always have a “best before” or “best before” date stamped on the can, and we always recommend following these instructions.

If the pineapple is canned properly, it will keep safe more or less indefinitely.

If the pineapple is in a metal can, there are concerns that chemicals, toxins, or the metal itself could leach into the food over time. However, you won’t notice it, and your pineapple will taste good forever.

If you make your own preserve, as long as the seal works perfectly and doesn’t accidentally pop during storage, your pineapple will also last indefinitely.

However, once opened, your pineapple will absolutely go bad over time. If properly refrigerated, it should safely last up to 1 week. If you freeze it carefully, you can extend its life up to 2 months.

How to know if canned pineapple is bad

The most obvious sign that the pineapple has gone bad is the appearance of mold. It can be green or white, depending on which bacteria has grown, but both are bad signs and you should throw the pineapple away immediately.

If your pineapple has a sour odor, or if the aroma or flavor is significantly different than when the can was first opened, these are also signs that it is starting to go bad. It probably won’t hurt you, but it can cause indigestion.

How to freeze canned pineapple

You can freeze canned pineapple, either in the juice from the can or drained.

How to freeze canned pineapple in juice

If you are freezing the pineapple with the juice, follow these steps:

1. Transfer the pineapple and juice to a freezer-safe Tupperware container.
2. Make sure there is at least 1 inch of space on the surface to allow the pineapple to expand during freezing.
3. Close the container, making sure it is airtight.
4. Label the container with the date to make sure you use it within 2 months.
5. Freeze in the main compartment of your freezer, as far from the door as possible.

If you’re going to drain the pineapple before freezing it, you’ll also want to rinse it under cold water to remove as much sugar as possible for a clean freeze.

How to Freeze Rinsed Canned Pineapple

Once your pineapple chunks are rinsed, dry them as best as possible with a paper towel and follow these steps:

1. 1. Cover a baking sheet with parchment paper.
   2. Spread the pineapple on the tray in a single layer, so none of the pieces are touching or overlapping.

1. Freeze for 1-2 hours.
2. When well frozen, transfer the pineapple chunks to a freezer-safe Ziploc brand bag and carefully seal.
3. Date the bag and use the pineapple within 2 months.

Can crushed pineapple be frozen?

Yes, you can also freeze crushed pineapple. The best way to do this is to separate it into individual portions first, depending on what you plan to use it for in the future.

Once separated, follow these simple steps:

1. Prepare a freezer-safe Ziploc brand bag by writing the date on the bag.
2. Transfer your serving of crushed pineapple to the Ziploc bag.
3. Lay the bag flat on the counter and spread the pineapple out so the bag is flat with no air bubbles or bulges.
4. Lay the bag flat on a cookie sheet and freeze like this for 1 to 2 hours.
5. Once completely frozen, you can remove the cookie sheet and place the Ziploc bag upright in the freezer to save space.

Use your crushed pineapple within 2 months of freezing, just like the other forms of pineapple.

Alternative pineapple storage

If you don’t plan on freezing the canned pineapple, you should make sure that you store it safely after you open the can.

The best solution is to transfer the pineapple in its juice to an airtight Tupperware container. You can use a Ziploc bag, but there is a higher risk of it crushing or the seal opening and making a pineapple mess in your fridge.

When you want to use the pineapple, take a portion out of the container. Do not eat straight from the container and put it back in the fridge , as this will cause bacteria and other unfriendly visitors to enter the container and spoil your pineapple.

Pineapple stored in the refrigerator should be consumed within a week of opening.

How long do you have to keep canned pineapple?