Out of Ketchup, one case
Ketchup substitute no tomato: best non-tomato alternatives
5 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Plum sauce + vinegar
Same amount as the ketchup
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 for —
- Asian dishes
One casethe full ketchup card
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of ketchup |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Plum sauce + vinegarAsian dishes | Same amount |
| 2 | Apricot jam + vinegar + saltcooking and baking | Same amount |
| 3 | Beet ketchupwhen you want similar color | Same amount |
| 4 | Carrot ketchupnightshade-free diets | Same amount |
| 5 | Commercial non-tomato ketchupconvenience | Same amount |
Plum sauce + vinegar
sweet and tangy
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 dishes, dipping sauces, marinades, when you want sweet-tangy flavor, general cooking
- Texture
- smooth sauce
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
sweet and tangy
Homemade non-tomato ketchup using apricot jam as the base with vinegar and salt for the good sweet-tangy balance.
- Best for
- cooking and baking, meatloaf, sloppy joes, when you want homemade control, general use
- Texture
- smooth jam-like
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
sweet with earthy notes
Homemade ketchup made from beets instead of tomatoes. Provides similar color and texture with a slightly earthy flavor.
- Best for
- when you want similar color, cooking applications, dips and spreads, health-conscious cooking
- Texture
- smooth sauce
Blend cooked beets with vinegar, sugar, and spices. Simmer until thickened. The natural sweetness of beets works well as a ketchup base.
Carrot ketchup
sweet with carrot notes
Carrot-based ketchup alternative with natural sweetness and vibrant color. Good for those avoiding nightshades.
- Best for
- nightshade-free diets, cooking applications, when you want natural sweetness, health-focused cooking
- Texture
- smooth sauce
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
varies by brand
Store-bought ketchup alternatives made without tomatoes, often using fruits or vegetables as the base.
- Best for
- convenience, when you want ready-made option, consistent flavor, general use
- Texture
- smooth sauce
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.
Tips for substituting ketchup
5 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
Questions
3 questionsWhy would someone need a no-tomato ketchup substitute?
People may need no-tomato ketchup substitutes due to tomato allergies, nightshade sensitivities, dietary restrictions, or personal preferences. Some people avoid tomatoes due to acid reflux or other health concerns.
Do no-tomato ketchup substitutes taste the same?
No-tomato substitutes will have different flavor profiles since they don't contain tomatoes. However, they can provide similar sweet-tangy characteristics that work well in many recipes.
Can I make ketchup from other fruits?
Yes! Many fruits can be used as ketchup bases including plums, apricots, peaches, and even berries. The key is balancing sweetness with acidity (vinegar) to mimic ketchup's flavor profile.