Out of Ketchup, one case
Substitute for ketchup
6 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Tomato paste + sugar + vinegar
Same amount as the ketchup
The best substitutes for ketchup are tomato paste with sugar and vinegar, barbecue sauce, or marinara sauce. Use 1:1 ratio for most substitutes, adjusting sweetness and acidity based on your recipe requirements.
- Verdict —
- Works
- Best for —
- cooking and baking
One casethe full ketchup card
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of ketchup |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tomato paste + sugar + vinegarcooking and baking | Same amountWorks |
| 2 | Barbecue saucegrilled meats | Same amount |
| 3 | Marinara saucepasta dishes | Same amount |
| 4 | Tomato saucecooking applications | Same amount |
| 5 | Srirachawhen you want heat | Same amount |
| 6 | Hot saucewhen you want heat without sweetness | Same amount |
Tomato paste + sugar + vinegar
similar taste and texture
Homemade ketchup using concentrated tomato paste with added sweetness and acidity to match ketchup's flavor profile. Most similar to ketchup in taste and texture.
- Best for
- cooking and baking, meatloaf, sloppy joes, barbecue sauce, when you want to control sweetness, making large batches
Mix 1 part tomato paste with 1 part water, 1-2 tbsp sugar, 1 tbsp vinegar, and salt to taste. Simmer until thickened. Adjust sweetness and acidity to your preference.
Barbecue sauce
different with smoky notes · similar texture
Sweet and tangy sauce with smoky, complex flavors that works well as a ketchup substitute in many recipes. Adds depth and smokiness.
- Best for
- grilled meats, barbecue dishes, meatloaf, sloppy joes, when you want smoky flavor, marinades and glazes
Has similar sweet-tangy profile but with added smokiness and spices. May be thinner than ketchup. Works well for meat dishes and grilling applications.
Marinara sauce
different with herb notes · different texture
Italian tomato sauce with herbs and garlic that can be used as a ketchup substitute in cooking applications. Adds Italian flavor profile.
- Best for
- pasta dishes, pizza sauce, meatloaf, when you want Italian flavors, cooking applications, soups
Thinner than ketchup and has Italian herbs (oregano, basil). Add sugar and vinegar to make it more ketchup-like. Best for cooking rather than as a condiment.
Tomato sauce
different, needs enhancement · different texture
Plain tomato sauce without added seasonings that can be enhanced to work as a ketchup substitute. Most neutral option.
- Best for
- cooking applications, meatloaf, sloppy joes, when you want neutral tomato flavor, making homemade ketchup, pasta dishes
Much thinner than ketchup and lacks sweetness. Add sugar, vinegar, and spices to make it more ketchup-like. Reduce by simmering to thicken if needed.
Sriracha
different with heat · similar texture
Spicy chili sauce with garlic and vinegar that can work as a ketchup substitute for those who enjoy heat and Asian flavors.
- Best for
- when you want heat, Asian-inspired dishes, spicy condiments, dipping sauces, burgers, wings
Much spicier than ketchup with garlic and vinegar notes. Add sugar to make it sweeter. Works well for those who like spicy condiments.
Hot sauce
different with heat · different texture
Spicy vinegar-based sauce that can be enhanced to work as a ketchup substitute for heat lovers. Adds spice without sweetness.
- Best for
- when you want heat without sweetness, spicy condiments, dipping sauces, marinades, wings, burgers
Much thinner and spicier than ketchup. Add sugar and tomato paste to make it more ketchup-like. Choose milder varieties if you want less heat.
Tips for substituting ketchup
6 tips- Ketchup adds sweet and tangy flavor to dishes - good for balancing spicy or salty foods
- Use ketchup substitutes in meatloaf, meatballs, and burgers for moisture and flavor
- Mix ketchup substitutes with mayonnaise for a quick thousand island dressing
- Add ketchup substitutes to barbecue sauce for extra tang and sweetness
- Ketchup substitutes work well in baked beans, sloppy joes, and chili
- Store homemade ketchup substitutes in the refrigerator for up to 6 months
Questions
8 questionsWhat's the best substitute for ketchup in meatloaf?
Tomato paste with sugar and vinegar, barbecue sauce, or marinara sauce work best in meatloaf. They provide similar moisture and flavor to ketchup.
Can I use tomato paste instead of ketchup?
Yes, tomato paste is a good substitute for ketchup. Add sugar and vinegar to make it more ketchup-like, or use it as-is for a less sweet option.
What's the difference between ketchup and tomato paste?
Ketchup is sweet and tangy with added ingredients, while tomato paste is more concentrated and has a different flavor. Both have similar texture and can be used interchangeably with adjustments.
Can I use barbecue sauce instead of ketchup?
Yes, barbecue sauce can work as a substitute, though it may have a different flavor. It has similar texture and can be used in most recipes that call for ketchup.
Which ketchup substitute works best for sloppy joes?
Tomato paste with sugar and vinegar or barbecue sauce work best for sloppy joes. They provide the right balance of sweetness and tanginess.
Can I use marinara sauce instead of ketchup?
Yes, marinara sauce can work as a ketchup substitute in cooking applications. Add sugar and vinegar to make it more ketchup-like if needed.
How do I make ketchup at home?
Mix tomato paste with water, sugar, vinegar, and salt. Simmer until thickened. Adjust sweetness and acidity to your preference.
Are there any healthy alternatives to ketchup?
Yes! Use tomato paste with natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup, or try sriracha for a lower-sugar option with heat.