🥬 Vegetables & Aromatics

Diced Tomatoes Substitutes: for Tomato Products Guide

Find the best substitutes for diced tomatoes including tomato sauce, crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and fresh tomatoes. Learn proper ratios, conversions, and when to use each substitute.

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Quick Answer

The best diced tomatoes substitutes are crushed tomatoes (1:1), tomato sauce (1:1), fresh diced tomatoes (1:1), or tomato paste diluted with water (1:3 ratio). For 14 oz cans, use 1.75 cups of substitute.

Best Substitutes

Crushed Tomatoes

1:1

The closest substitute to diced tomatoes with similar chunky texture. Made from the same tomatoes but crushed instead of diced. Perfect for most recipes calling for diced tomatoes.

Best for:

chilisoupsstewspasta saucescasseroleswhen you want chunky texture

Crushed tomatoes have a slightly different texture but work in almost all recipes. They're often more affordable than diced tomatoes.

Tomato Sauce

1:1

Smooth tomato product that works well when you don't need chunky texture. Made from pureed tomatoes, often with added seasonings. Great for sauces and soups.

Best for:

pasta saucessoupswhen you want smooth texturechilistews

Tomato sauce is smoother than diced tomatoes, so it works best in recipes where texture isn't critical. May need to adjust seasonings.

Fresh Diced Tomatoes

1:1

Fresh tomatoes cut into small pieces. Provides the most authentic flavor and texture. Best choice when you have access to good quality fresh tomatoes.

Best for:

all recipeswhen you want fresh flavorsummer cookingwhen you have good fresh tomatoes

Use ripe, firm tomatoes. Remove seeds and excess liquid if needed. May need to cook longer to break down and release juices.

Tomato Paste + Water

1:3 (1 part paste to 3 parts water)

Concentrated tomato paste diluted with water to achieve similar consistency. Provides intense tomato flavor. Good for when you only have tomato paste available.

Best for:

saucessoupswhen you want intense tomato flavoremergency substitute

Mix 1 tablespoon tomato paste with 3 tablespoons water to equal about 1/4 cup diced tomatoes. Adjust water amount based on desired consistency.

Stewed Tomatoes

1:1

Canned tomatoes that have been cooked with seasonings. Similar to diced tomatoes but often with added herbs and spices. May need to drain excess liquid.

Best for:

soupsstewscasseroleswhen you want seasoned tomatoes

Stewed tomatoes often contain added seasonings like basil and oregano. Drain excess liquid before using. May need to adjust other seasonings in recipe.

Tomato Puree

1:1

Smooth, thick tomato product made from pureed tomatoes. Similar to tomato sauce but thicker consistency. Good for sauces and soups.

Best for:

pasta saucessoupswhen you want thick consistencypizza sauce

Tomato puree is thicker than tomato sauce. May need to thin with water or broth if recipe calls for thinner consistency.

Rotel (Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies)

1:1

Diced tomatoes with added green chilies and spices. Adds heat and flavor to dishes. Perfect for Tex-Mex and spicy recipes.

Best for:

chiliTex-Mex dishesspicy soupswhen you want heatsalsa recipes

Rotel adds spiciness to dishes. If you don't want heat, use regular diced tomatoes instead. Great for adding flavor to bland recipes.

Fire-Roasted Diced Tomatoes

1:1

Diced tomatoes that have been fire-roasted for smoky flavor. Adds depth and complexity to dishes. Perfect for recipes where you want smoky notes.

Best for:

chilisoupssauceswhen you want smoky flavorgrilled dishes

Fire-roasted tomatoes add smoky flavor that regular diced tomatoes don't have. Great for enhancing the flavor profile of dishes.

Salsa

1:1

Chunky tomato-based condiment with added vegetables and spices. Adds flavor and texture to dishes. Good for Tex-Mex and Mexican-inspired recipes.

Best for:

chiliTex-Mex disheswhen you want added flavorquick recipes

Salsa often contains onions, peppers, and spices. May need to adjust other seasonings in recipe. Choose mild or hot based on preference.

Cooking Tips

  • 💡For 14 oz cans of diced tomatoes, use 1.75 cups of substitute (14 oz = 1.75 cups)
  • 💡For 28 oz cans, use 3.5 cups of substitute (28 oz = 3.5 cups)
  • 💡When using tomato paste as substitute, mix with water first: 1 tbsp paste + 3 tbsp water = 1/4 cup diced tomatoes
  • 💡Fresh tomatoes need to be peeled and seeded for best results - blanch in boiling water for 30 seconds, then peel
  • 💡If using crushed tomatoes, you may want to drain some liquid to match diced tomato consistency
  • 💡Stewed tomatoes often contain added seasonings - taste before adding other herbs and spices
  • 💡For Italian-style dishes, look for Italian-style diced tomatoes or add Italian herbs to regular substitutes
  • 💡Fire-roasted tomatoes add smoky flavor - perfect for chili and grilled dishes
  • 💡Rotel adds heat - use mild version if you don't want spiciness
  • 💡When substituting fresh for canned, you may need to cook longer to break down and release juices
  • 💡For smooth sauces, tomato sauce or puree work better than chunky substitutes
  • 💡For chunky dishes like chili, crushed tomatoes or fresh diced work best

Frequently Asked Questions

How much tomato sauce equals 14 oz diced tomatoes?

14 oz of diced tomatoes equals 1.75 cups. Use the same amount (1.75 cups) of tomato sauce as a substitute. The texture will be smoother but the flavor will be similar.

Can I substitute tomato paste for diced tomatoes?

Yes, but you need to dilute it. Mix 1 tablespoon tomato paste with 3 tablespoons water to equal about 1/4 cup diced tomatoes. For 14 oz diced tomatoes, use about 7 tablespoons paste with 21 tablespoons water.

What's the difference between diced and crushed tomatoes?

Diced tomatoes are cut into small, uniform pieces, while crushed tomatoes are crushed into irregular chunks. Both work as substitutes, but crushed tomatoes have a slightly different texture.

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned diced tomatoes?

Yes, fresh tomatoes work great as a substitute. Use the same amount by volume. Peel and seed them first, then dice. You may need to cook them longer to break down and release juices.

Can I substitute stewed tomatoes for diced tomatoes?

Yes, stewed tomatoes work as a substitute. They're similar to diced tomatoes but often have added seasonings. Drain excess liquid before using and adjust other seasonings in your recipe.

What's the best substitute for diced tomatoes in chili?

Crushed tomatoes or fresh diced tomatoes work best in chili. They provide the right texture and flavor. Fire-roasted diced tomatoes add extra smoky flavor that's great in chili.

Can I use Rotel instead of diced tomatoes?

Yes, Rotel (diced tomatoes with green chilies) works as a substitute and adds spiciness to your dish. Use the same amount. If you don't want heat, use regular diced tomatoes instead.

How do I substitute tomato sauce for diced tomatoes?

Use the same amount by volume (1:1 ratio). Tomato sauce is smoother than diced tomatoes, so it works best in recipes where texture isn't critical, like soups and smooth sauces.

Can I substitute crushed tomatoes for diced tomatoes?

Yes, crushed tomatoes are an excellent substitute for diced tomatoes. Use the same amount (1:1 ratio). They have a slightly different texture but work in almost all recipes.

What's the best substitute for Italian-style diced tomatoes?

Use regular diced tomatoes and add Italian herbs like basil, oregano, and garlic. Or look for Italian-style crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce as substitutes.

Summary

Find the best substitutes for diced tomatoes including tomato sauce, crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and fresh tomatoes. Learn proper ratios, conversions, and when to use each substitute.