🍯 Sauces & Condiments

Ketchup Substitute No Tomato: Best Non-Tomato Alternatives

Find the best ketchup substitutes without tomato for allergies, dietary restrictions, or preferences. Learn about fruit-based, vegetable-based, and other non-tomato alternatives.

Quick Answer

The best no-tomato ketchup substitutes are fruit-based sauces (plum sauce, apricot jam + vinegar), vegetable-based alternatives (beet ketchup, carrot ketchup), or commercial non-tomato ketchups. Use 1:1 ratio for most substitutes.

Best Substitutes

Plum Sauce + Vinegar

1:1

Sweet and tangy plum sauce enhanced with vinegar to mimic ketchup's flavor profile. Great for Asian-inspired dishes and general use.

Best for:

Asian dishesdipping saucesmarinadeswhen you want sweet-tangy flavorgeneral cooking

Mix plum sauce with a splash of vinegar (rice vinegar or white vinegar) to add the tangy element that ketchup provides. Adjust vinegar to taste.

Apricot Jam + Vinegar + Salt

1:1

Homemade non-tomato ketchup using apricot jam as the base with vinegar and salt for the perfect sweet-tangy balance.

Best for:

cooking and bakingmeatloafsloppy joeswhen you want homemade controlgeneral use

Mix apricot jam with vinegar (start with 1 tbsp per cup of jam) and salt to taste. Simmer briefly to combine flavors. Adjust sweetness and tanginess to your preference.

Beet Ketchup

1:1

Homemade ketchup made from beets instead of tomatoes. Provides similar color and texture with a slightly earthy flavor.

Best for:

when you want similar colorcooking applicationsdips and spreadshealth-conscious cooking

Blend cooked beets with vinegar, sugar, and spices. Simmer until thickened. The natural sweetness of beets works well as a ketchup base.

Carrot Ketchup

1:1

Carrot-based ketchup alternative with natural sweetness and vibrant color. Good for those avoiding nightshades.

Best for:

nightshade-free dietscooking applicationswhen you want natural sweetnesshealth-focused cooking

Blend cooked carrots with vinegar, sugar, and spices. The natural sweetness of carrots makes this a great ketchup substitute. Simmer until desired consistency.

Commercial Non-Tomato Ketchup

1:1

Store-bought ketchup alternatives made without tomatoes, often using fruits or vegetables as the base.

Best for:

conveniencewhen you want ready-made optionconsistent flavorgeneral use

Look for brands that make ketchup from fruits like plums, apricots, or other vegetables. These are often found in health food stores or specialty markets.

Cooking Tips

  • 💡Fruit-based substitutes work best for sweet applications like meatloaf and sloppy joes
  • 💡Vegetable-based alternatives provide more savory options for cooking
  • 💡Always taste and adjust seasoning when making homemade substitutes
  • 💡Commercial non-tomato ketchups may have different flavor profiles than traditional ketchup
  • 💡Consider the dish you're making when choosing a substitute - some work better for certain applications

Frequently Asked Questions

Summary

Find the best no-tomato ketchup substitutes including fruit-based sauces, vegetable alternatives, and commercial options for allergies and dietary restrictions.