Tomato sauce substitutes
Tomato sauce substitutes — 6 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Tomato paste
¼ cup paste + ¾ cup water for every 1 cup tomato sauce
Concentrated tomato puree with similar flavor.
The best substitutes for tomato sauce are tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, or a mixture of tomato paste and water, depending on the use.
Canned tomato sauce is cooked tomato thinned to a smooth, pourable sauce, so it is both the liquid the dish simmers in and where its savoury tomato depth, its sourness and its red colour come from.
- Verdict —
- Tweak it
- What changes —
- similar taste, different texture
- Best for —
- cooking
Updated 19 Aug 2026 · no sponsored swaps
- Jobs
- Moisture & hydrationprimary
- Acidsecondary
- Umami & savory depthsecondary
- Browning & colorsecondary
Every option, one card
Ranked · per 1 cup tomato sauce| # | Substitute | Instead of 1 cup tomato sauce | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tomato pastecooking | ¼ cup paste + ¾ cup waterTweak it | Tweak it |
| 2 | Crushed tomatoescooking | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 3 | Diced tomatoescooking | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 4 | Tomato pureecooking | Same amountWorks | Works |
| 5 | Marinara saucecooking | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 6 | Pizza saucecooking | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
Tomato paste
similar taste, different texture
Concentrated tomato puree with similar flavor.
- Covers
- Moisture & hydration
- Acid
- Umami & savory depth
- Browning & color
- Best for
- cooking, sauces, stews, soups
More concentrated, adjust liquid.
Crushed tomatoes
similar taste, different texture
Similar tomatoes with chunky texture.
- Covers
- Moisture & hydration
- Acid
- Umami & savory depth
- Browning & color
- Best for
- cooking, sauces, stews, soups
Chunkier texture, similar flavor.
Diced tomatoes
similar taste, different texture
Similar tomatoes with chunky texture.
- Covers
- Moisture & hydration
- Acid
- Umami & savory depth
- Browning & color
- Best for
- cooking, sauces, stews, soups
Chunkier texture, similar flavor.
Tomato puree
similar taste and texture
Similar tomatoes with smooth texture.
- Covers
- Moisture & hydration
- Acid
- Umami & savory depth
- Browning & color
- Best for
- cooking, sauces, stews, soups
Similar texture, similar flavor.
Marinara sauce
different taste, similar texture
Similar sauce with herbs and spices.
- Covers
- Moisture & hydration
- Acid
- Umami & savory depth
- Browning & color
- Best for
- cooking, sauces, stews, soups
More seasoned, similar texture.
Pizza sauce
different taste, similar texture
Similar sauce with herbs and spices.
- Covers
- Moisture & hydration
- Acid
- Umami & savory depth
- Browning & color
- Best for
- cooking, sauces, stews, soups
More seasoned, similar texture.
Questions
7 questionsCan I use tomato paste instead of tomato sauce?
Yes, tomato paste is a good substitute for tomato sauce. Use ¼ cup paste mixed with ¾ cup water to make 1 cup of sauce.
What's the difference between tomato sauce and tomato paste?
Tomato sauce is a smooth, thick sauce made from cooked tomatoes, while tomato paste is a concentrated puree. Tomato paste is more concentrated and needs to be diluted.
Can I use crushed tomatoes instead of tomato sauce?
Yes, crushed tomatoes can work as a substitute, though they have a chunkier texture. You may need to blend them for a smoother consistency.
Why is tomato sauce so popular in Italian cooking?
Tomato sauce is popular in Italian cooking because it adds acidity, flavor, and helps bind ingredients together. It's also a traditional ingredient in many Italian recipes.
What's the difference between tomato sauce and tomato paste?
Tomato sauce is smooth and ready to use, while tomato paste is concentrated and needs to be diluted with water or other liquids.
Can I use tomato sauce instead of crushed tomatoes?
Yes, but tomato sauce is smoother, so you may need to adjust the texture of your dish accordingly.
Is tomato sauce the same as marinara sauce?
No, marinara sauce is tomato sauce with added herbs and seasonings, while plain tomato sauce is just cooked tomatoes.
Tips for substituting tomato sauce
7 tips- Tomato sauce adds acidity and flavor to dishes
- Tomato sauce can be used in both sweet and savory dishes
- Tomato sauce pairs well with herbs, spices, and vegetables
- Tomato sauce works well in pasta dishes and casseroles
- Tomato sauce can be used to make soups and stews
- Store tomato sauce in the refrigerator or pantry
- Tomato sauce is a versatile base for many dishes