Cherry tomatoes substitutes
Cherry tomatoes substitutes — 6 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Grape tomatoes
Same amount as the cherry tomatoes
Oval-shaped small tomatoes with similar sweetness.
The best substitutes for cherry tomatoes are grape tomatoes, plum tomatoes, or other small tomatoes like cocktail tomatoes or pear tomatoes, depending on the use.
- The tweak —
- May need to adjust cooking time slightly.
- Best for —
- roasting
Updated 19 Aug 2026 · no sponsored swaps
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of cherry tomatoes |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Grape tomatoesroasting | Same amount |
| 2 | Plum tomatoesroasting | Same amount |
| 3 | Cocktail tomatoesroasting | Same amount |
| 4 | Pear tomatoesroasting | Same amount |
| 5 | Regular tomatoescooking | Same amount |
| 6 | Sun-dried tomatoespasta dishes | Same amount |
Grape tomatoes
Slightly sweeter and less acidic
Oval-shaped small tomatoes with similar sweetness.
- Best for
- roasting, grilling, stir-fries, salads
- Texture
- Similar firm texture, less juicy
- Prep
- May need to adjust cooking time slightly.
Slightly sweeter and less juicy than cherry tomatoes.
Plum tomatoes
Similar sweetness, less acidic
Oval-shaped tomatoes with meaty texture.
- Best for
- roasting, grilling, stir-fries, sauces
- Texture
- Meatier and less juicy
- Prep
- May need to adjust cooking time slightly.
Meatier texture with less juice, good for cooking.
Cocktail tomatoes
Similar sweetness and acidity
Small, round tomatoes with similar size.
- Best for
- roasting, grilling, stir-fries, salads
- Texture
- Very similar to cherry tomatoes
- Prep
- May need to adjust cooking time slightly.
Very similar to cherry tomatoes in size and texture.
Pear tomatoes
Slightly sweeter and less acidic
Pear-shaped small tomatoes with similar sweetness.
- Best for
- roasting, grilling, stir-fries, salads
- Texture
- Similar firm texture, less juicy
- Prep
- May need to adjust cooking time slightly.
Slightly sweeter and less acidic than cherry tomatoes.
Regular tomatoes
Similar sweetness and acidity
Larger tomatoes that can be cut to size.
- Best for
- cooking, roasting, grilling, stir-fries
- Texture
- More watery and less firm
- Prep
- Cut into cherry tomato-sized pieces before using.
Cut into pieces for similar size, may be more watery.
Sun-dried tomatoes
Much more intense and concentrated
Dried tomatoes with concentrated flavor.
- Best for
- pasta dishes, salads, pizza toppings, when you want intense flavor
- Texture
- Chewy and concentrated when rehydrated
- Prep
- Rehydrate in warm water for 30 minutes before using.
Much more intense flavor, need to rehydrate.
Questions
4 questionsCan I use grape tomatoes instead of cherry tomatoes?
Yes, grape tomatoes are a good substitute for cherry tomatoes. They have a similar texture and sweetness, though they're slightly less juicy and more oval-shaped.
What's the difference between cherry tomatoes and grape tomatoes?
Cherry tomatoes are round and have intense flavor, while grape tomatoes are oval and have a slightly sweeter, less acidic flavor. Both have similar texture and can be used interchangeably.
Can I use plum tomatoes instead of cherry tomatoes?
Yes, plum tomatoes can work as a substitute, though they have a meatier texture and less juice. They're good for cooking applications where you want less liquid.
Why are cherry tomatoes so popular in cooking?
Cherry tomatoes are popular because they're sweet, juicy, and convenient to use. They don't need to be cut for most recipes and add bright flavor to dishes.
Tips for substituting cherry tomatoes
6 tips- Cherry tomatoes add sweet, juicy flavor to dishes
- They're good for roasting, grilling, and stir-frying
- Pair well with herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme
- Great for salads, pasta dishes, and pizza toppings
- Can be halved for more even cooking
- Store at room temperature for best flavor, refrigerate only if overripe