🍲 Soups

Tomato Soup Substitutes: Complete Guide

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

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Quick Answer

The best tomato soup substitutes are tomato sauce (1:1), tomato puree (1:1), crushed tomatoes (1:1), or tomato paste diluted with water (1:2 ratio). For condensed soup, use tomato paste. For regular soup, use tomato sauce or puree. 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 soup. Made from pureed tomatoes, often with added seasonings.

Best for:

cookingsaucesstewswhen you want smooth consistencyquick recipes

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

Tomato Puree

1:1

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

Best for:

cookingsaucesstewswhen you want smooth consistencymost cooking applications

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

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 soup. May need to puree or cook longer to achieve smooth consistency. Often more affordable than soup.

Tomato Paste + Water

1:2 (1 part paste to 2 parts water)

Concentrated tomato paste diluted with water to achieve similar consistency. Provides intense tomato flavor and can be adjusted to desired thickness.

Best for:

saucessoupsstewswhen you want intense flavoremergency substitute

Mix 1 tablespoon tomato paste with 2 tablespoons water to equal about 3 tablespoons tomato soup. Adjust water amount based on desired 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 soup. May need to puree or cook longer to achieve smooth consistency. Often more affordable than soup.

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. Often more flavorful than plain tomato soup.

Fresh Tomatoes

1:2 (1 cup soup = 2 cups 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 soup-like consistency. Provides the most authentic flavor.

Stewed Tomatoes

1:1

Canned tomatoes that have been cooked with seasonings. Similar to tomato soup but often with added herbs and spices. May need to drain excess liquid.

Best for:

soupsstewscasseroleswhen you want seasoned tomatoes

Stewed tomatoes often contain added seasonings like basil and oregano. Drain excess liquid before using. May need to adjust other seasonings in recipe.

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.

Cooking Tips

💡For 1 can condensed tomato soup, use 1 can tomato paste + 1 can water
💡For 1 can regular tomato soup, use 1 can tomato sauce or 1 can tomato puree
💡When using tomato paste as substitute, mix with water first: 1 tbsp paste + 2 tbsp water = 3 tbsp soup
💡For concentrated flavor, use tomato paste diluted with water (1:2 ratio)
💡Fresh tomatoes need to be peeled and seeded - blanch in boiling water for 30 seconds, then peel
💡If using crushed or diced tomatoes, puree them first for smooth consistency
💡For emergency situations, use ketchup (1:1 ratio) though this adds sweetness and tang
💡When substituting with tomato sauce or puree, you may need to reduce to achieve soup-like consistency
💡For Italian-style dishes, marinara sauce works well and adds authentic flavor
💡Stewed tomatoes often contain added seasonings - taste before adding other herbs and spices
💡For best results, taste and adjust seasonings after substituting
💡Tomato soup is often used as a base for casseroles - tomato sauce works well for this

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Tomato sauce or tomato puree work best in casserole. Use a 1:1 ratio. Both provide similar flavor and consistency. Tomato puree is closer in consistency to soup.

Can I substitute tomato paste for tomato soup?

Yes, but you'll need to dilute it. Mix 1 tablespoon tomato paste with 2 tablespoons water to equal about 3 tablespoons tomato soup. This creates a similar consistency and flavor.

How much tomato sauce equals 1 can tomato soup?

1 can tomato soup equals about 1 can tomato sauce. Use the same amount (1 can) 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 soup in meatloaf?

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

Can I substitute crushed tomatoes for tomato soup?

Yes, crushed tomatoes can substitute for tomato soup 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 soup in chili?

Crushed tomatoes or diced tomatoes work best in chili. Use a 1:1 ratio. They provide the chunky texture that's perfect for chili while maintaining the tomato flavor needed for the dish.

Can I substitute tomato soup for tomato sauce?

Yes, tomato soup can substitute for tomato sauce in a 1:1 ratio. Tomato soup is thicker than sauce, so it works well in recipes where you need the thickening power of soup.

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

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

Can I substitute diced tomatoes for tomato soup?

Yes, diced tomatoes can substitute for tomato soup 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 soup in stew?

Tomato sauce or tomato puree work best in stew. Use a 1:1 ratio. Both provide similar flavor and consistency. Tomato puree is closer in consistency to soup.

Summary

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