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
1:1Sweet and tangy plum sauce enhanced with vinegar to mimic ketchup's flavor profile. Great for Asian-inspired dishes and general use.
Best for:
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
1:1Homemade non-tomato ketchup using apricot jam as the base with vinegar and salt for the perfect sweet-tangy balance.
Best for:
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
1:1Homemade ketchup made from beets instead of tomatoes. Provides similar color and texture with a slightly earthy flavor.
Best for:
Blend cooked beets with vinegar, sugar, and spices. Simmer until thickened. The natural sweetness of beets works well as a ketchup base.
Carrot Ketchup
1:1Carrot-based ketchup alternative with natural sweetness and vibrant color. Good for those avoiding nightshades.
Best for:
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
1:1Store-bought ketchup alternatives made without tomatoes, often using fruits or vegetables as the base.
Best for:
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.