Tostitos salsa needs to be refrigerated 2 hours after opening if you want to eat it again. It can be kept in the fridge for up to 3 days after opening if it is kept at a temperature at or below 40° F (4° C) according to the FDA. Refrigeration slows the growth of microbes in the salsa including fungi and bacteria.
Put salsa into separate container if you are not planning on eating it all in one go. This will help to avoid spreading bacteria from your mouth or crisps to the dip.
This article will explore all you need to know about keeping Tostitos salsa including how long it lasts once it has been opened, how to limit bacterial growth and what to do if you can’t refrigerate the salsa after opening.
Why Tostitos Salsa should be refrigerated
When Tostitos salsa is jarred, it will be sealed and heated killing any bacteria in the jar. Once it has been opened bacteria and fungi can enter the jar and grow. Refrigerating the salsa will slow the growth of these microbes keeping it safe to eat for up to 3 days.
If the salsa has any mold growth, smells strange or looks a different color to what it started at you should not eat it. Do not take the chance as it could make you unwell.
To limit transfer of bacteria to the salsa separate out the amount you are planning to eat in another container. Use this container to dip into which will stop the transfer of bacteria from the food you are dipping in.
How to store Tostitos salsa in the fridge.
Here are some simple tips for storing Tostitos salsa in the fridge to keep it good to eat at a later date.
1. Keep unopened salsa in a dark cupboard
It is important to keep unopened Tostitos salsa in a dark cupboard. Make sure the jar is kept cool and out of direct light. This will keep the salsa in the best condition possible allowing it to be stored for the 3 days after opening in the fridge.
2. Separate the amount of salsa you will eat
Use a clean spoon or pour the salsa into a sperate container if you are not planning to consume the whole jar in one go. This will help to prevent the spread of bacteria and fungi to the salsa as you dip.
3. Put the lid back on tightly (or transfer to an airtight container)
After you have separated out the amount of salsa you will be using put the lid back on the jar. Put the jar immediately in the refrigerator to slow bacterial growth. You can keep the salsa out for a maximum of 2 hours before putting it in the fridge.
You can also transfer the salsa to a clean, air tight container and keep it in the fridge. The less air space there is between the top of the salsa and the lid, the less bacteria and fungi can enter.
Refrigerate the salsa at or below 40 degrees Fahrenheit
Place the jar in the back section of the fridge to keep it cooler. The door space and front of the fridge can be higher at times that the rest of the fridge as we open and close the door.
Keep Tostitos salsa in the fridge for a maximum of 3 days
Keep the salsa in the fridge for a maximum of 3 days after opening. Keep the lid on tight and discard the salsa if you see any sign of mold, bad smells or a change in color.
How long Tostitos salsa lasts after opening
Here is a general guide for how long Tostitos salsa lasts after opening, depending on how it is stored.
| Storage Method | How Long Tostitos Salsa Lasts |
| Unopened | 6 Months |
| Opened and refrigerated | 3 days |
| Opened and unrefrigerated | 2 hours |
How to store Tostitos salsa
Here are some tips on how to store Tostitos salsa
| Tostitos salsa | Storage method |
| Unopened | Store the salsa in a cool, dark cupboard for up to 6 months or up to the use by date. |
| Opened | Store it in the fridge in the jar it was bought in and put the lid on tight for up to 3 days. Transfer it to another air tight container if you like. |
Refrigerating Tostitos Salsa – FAQ
Can Tostitos salsa be left out?
Tostitos salsa can be left out, unrefrigerated for up to 2 hours if you want to eat it again at a later day. Return the uneaten salsa to the fridge and keep it cold. Tostitos salsa can be left out for a maximum of 4 hours if you are not planning on eating it at a later date.
If there is any salsa left in the jar after the 4 hours, discard it.
Does Tostitos salsa go bad if not refrigerated?
Tostitos salsa can go bad if it is not refrigerated. Microbes can grow on the surface of the salsa, entering the jar in the air or from the food you dip into it. refrigerating the salsa after opening will slow the growth of the bacteria and will keep for up to 3 days.
Salsa can be frozen however it can lose some of its taste. Place it in a separate air tight container that is freezer safe. Allow around ½ an inch of space at the top of the container to allow for expansion as it cools.
How long is Tostitos salsa good for after opening unrefrigerated?
Tostitos salsa is good for 4 hours after opening if unrefrigerated. After this time the leftover salsa should be thrown out. If you are planning on eating it again at a later date, the leftover salsa should be refrigerated after 2 hours.
How do I tell if Tostitos salsa has gone bad?
Look out for any surface mold that is green, white or brown. If the salsa smells like vinegar or has an unusual taste or color it has gone bad. Keeping salsa refrigerated after opening is the best way to keep it in good condition to eat again. Store Tostitos salsa for a maximum of 3 days after opening in the fridge.
Does Tostitos Salsa Need to be Refrigerated? | Summary
Tostitos salsa should be refrigerated within 2 hours of opening if you want to eat the salsa again on another day. Keeping it at or below 40 degrees Fahrenheit keeps the bacterial and fungal growth low so it can be eaten up to 3 days after opening.
I am an accredited practicing dietitian, experienced gardener and a dedicated cook. I love writing and sharing my experience so you can learn from my successes and mistakes.