🍯 Sauces & Condiments

Tomato Paste Substitutes: Complete Guide

Find the best substitutes for tomato paste including tomato sauce, ketchup, crushed tomatoes, and more. Learn proper ratios, conversions, and when to use each substitute for perfect results.

✓

Quick Answer

The best tomato paste substitutes are tomato sauce (1:1), ketchup (1:1), crushed tomatoes (1:1), or tomato puree (1:1). For concentrated flavor, use sun-dried tomatoes (1:2 ratio). Each works differently depending on your recipe needs.

Best Substitutes

Tomato Sauce

1:1

Smooth, liquid tomato product that works well when you need similar flavor but don't need the thick consistency of paste. Made from pureed tomatoes, often with added seasonings.

Best for:

soupsstewspasta sauceschiliwhen you want smooth consistencyquick cooking

Tomato sauce is thinner than paste, so it works best in recipes where you don't need the thickening power of paste. May need to reduce cooking time or add thickener.

Ketchup

1:1

Sweetened tomato condiment that provides tomato flavor with added sweetness and tang. Contains vinegar, sugar, and spices that can enhance or change the flavor profile.

Best for:

saucesmarinadeswhen you want sweetnessquick recipesemergency substitute

Ketchup adds sweetness and tang to dishes. Reduce sugar in recipe if using ketchup. Works well in barbecue sauces and sweet-sour dishes.

Crushed Tomatoes

1:1

Chunky tomato product that provides similar flavor with more texture. Made from crushed tomatoes, often with added seasonings. Good for recipes where texture isn't critical.

Best for:

chilisoupsstewswhen you want chunky texturepasta sauces

Crushed tomatoes have more texture than paste. May need to puree or cook longer to achieve smooth consistency. Often more affordable than paste.

Tomato Puree

1:1

Smooth, thick tomato product that's closer to paste in consistency. Made from pureed tomatoes without added seasonings. Provides similar flavor and texture.

Best for:

saucessoupsstewswhen you want smooth consistencymost cooking applications

Tomato puree is thicker than sauce but thinner than paste. May need to reduce or add thickener to achieve paste-like consistency.

Sun-Dried Tomatoes

1:2 (1 tbsp paste = 2 tbsp sun-dried tomatoes)

Intensely flavored dried tomatoes that provide concentrated tomato flavor. Rich, sweet, and slightly chewy. Perfect for adding depth to dishes.

Best for:

pasta sauceswhen you want intense flavorMediterranean dishespizzasalads

Sun-dried tomatoes are very concentrated. Soak in warm water for 10-15 minutes before using. Chop finely for paste-like consistency.

Diced Tomatoes

1:1

Chunky tomato product that provides similar flavor with more texture. Made from diced tomatoes, often with added seasonings. Good for recipes where texture isn't critical.

Best for:

chilisoupsstewswhen you want chunky texturecasseroles

Diced tomatoes have more texture than paste. May need to puree or cook longer to achieve smooth consistency. Often more affordable than paste.

Marinara Sauce

1:1

Seasoned tomato sauce that provides similar flavor with added herbs and spices. Often contains basil, oregano, and garlic. Good for Italian-style dishes.

Best for:

pasta saucesItalian disheswhen you want seasoned flavorpizza sauce

Marinara sauce contains added seasonings. Adjust other herbs and spices in recipe accordingly. May need to reduce to achieve paste-like consistency.

Tomato Juice

1:2 (1 tbsp paste = 2 tbsp juice)

Liquid tomato product that provides similar flavor but much thinner consistency. Made from pureed tomatoes. Good for when you need liquid consistency.

Best for:

soupsstewswhen you want liquid consistencydrinksquick recipes

Tomato juice is much thinner than paste. May need to reduce or add thickener to achieve paste-like consistency. Often contains added salt.

Fresh Tomatoes

1:3 (1 tbsp paste = 3 tbsp fresh tomatoes)

Fresh tomatoes that provide the most authentic flavor. Best choice when you have access to good quality fresh tomatoes. Requires more preparation.

Best for:

when you want fresh flavorsummer cookingwhen you have good fresh tomatoesall recipes

Use ripe, firm tomatoes. Peel, seed, and puree before using. May need to reduce to achieve paste-like consistency. Provides the most authentic flavor.

Cooking Tips

  • 💡For 6 oz cans of tomato paste, use 3/4 cup of substitute (6 oz = 3/4 cup)
  • 💡For 12 oz cans, use 1.5 cups of substitute (12 oz = 1.5 cups)
  • 💡When using ketchup as substitute, reduce sugar in recipe by 1-2 tablespoons
  • 💡For concentrated flavor, use sun-dried tomatoes: 1 tbsp paste = 2 tbsp sun-dried tomatoes
  • 💡Fresh tomatoes need to be peeled and seeded - blanch in boiling water for 30 seconds, then peel
  • 💡If using tomato sauce or puree, you may need to reduce to achieve paste-like consistency
  • 💡For emergency situations, use ketchup (1:1 ratio) though this adds sweetness and tang
  • 💡Sun-dried tomatoes should be soaked in warm water for 10-15 minutes before using
  • 💡When substituting with crushed or diced tomatoes, puree them first for smooth consistency
  • 💡For Italian-style dishes, marinara sauce works well and adds authentic flavor
  • 💡Tomato juice is much thinner - reduce by half or add thickener for paste-like consistency
  • 💡For best results, taste and adjust seasonings after substituting

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the best substitute for tomato paste in chili?

Crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce work best in chili. Use a 1:1 ratio. Crushed tomatoes provide chunky texture, while tomato sauce gives smooth consistency. Both maintain the tomato flavor needed for chili.

Can I substitute ketchup for tomato paste?

Yes, ketchup can substitute for tomato paste in a 1:1 ratio. However, ketchup adds sweetness and tang, so reduce sugar in your recipe by 1-2 tablespoons. It works well in sauces and marinades.

How much tomato sauce equals 6 oz tomato paste?

6 oz of tomato paste equals 3/4 cup. Use the same amount (3/4 cup) of tomato sauce as a substitute. The texture will be thinner, so you may need to reduce the sauce or add a thickener.

What's the best substitute for tomato paste in pasta sauce?

Tomato puree or marinara sauce work best in pasta sauce. Use a 1:1 ratio. Marinara sauce adds authentic Italian flavor with herbs, while tomato puree provides similar consistency to paste.

Can I substitute crushed tomatoes for tomato paste?

Yes, crushed tomatoes can substitute for tomato paste in a 1:1 ratio. Puree them first for smooth consistency, or use as-is for chunky texture. They provide similar flavor and are often more affordable.

What's the best substitute for tomato paste in soup?

Tomato sauce or tomato puree work best in soup. Use a 1:1 ratio. Both provide similar flavor without the need for the thickening power of paste. Tomato puree is closer in consistency to paste.

Can I substitute sun-dried tomatoes for tomato paste?

Yes, but use 2 tablespoons sun-dried tomatoes for every 1 tablespoon tomato paste. Soak them in warm water for 10-15 minutes first, then chop finely. They provide intense, concentrated flavor.

What's the best substitute for tomato paste in beef stew?

Tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes work best in beef stew. Use a 1:1 ratio. Tomato sauce provides smooth consistency, while crushed tomatoes add chunky texture. Both enhance the flavor of the stew.

Can I substitute tomato paste for tomato sauce?

Yes, but you'll need to dilute it. Mix 1 tablespoon tomato paste with 3 tablespoons water to equal about 1/4 cup tomato sauce. This creates a similar consistency and flavor.

What's the best substitute for tomato paste in sloppy joes?

Ketchup or tomato sauce work best in sloppy joes. Use a 1:1 ratio. Ketchup adds sweetness that complements the dish, while tomato sauce provides similar flavor without the sweetness.

Summary

Find the best substitutes for tomato paste including tomato sauce, ketchup, crushed tomatoes, and more. Learn proper ratios, conversions, and when to use each substitute for perfect results.