Tomato substitutes
Tomato substitutes — 4 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Also called fresh tomatoes, fresh tomato, ripe tomatoes
Use Cherry tomatoes
Same amount as the tomato
Smaller version of the same fruit.
The best substitutes for tomato are cherry tomatoes, tomato paste, or canned tomatoes, depending on the use.
- Verdict —
- Works
- Best for —
- salads
Updated 26 Jul 2026 · no sponsored swaps
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of tomato | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cherry tomatoessalads | Same amountWorks | Works |
| 2 | Tomato pastewhen you need tomato flavour and no bulk | 1 tbsp + 3 tbsp water | No verdict on record |
| 3 | Canned tomatoesany cooked dish, all year round | 1 can per 4 tomatoes | No verdict on record |
| 4 | Red bell peppersroasting | Same amountYou'll taste it | You'll taste it |
Cherry tomatoes
similar taste and texture
Smaller version of the same fruit.
- Best for
- salads, snacking, roasting, pasta dishes
Sweeter flavor, similar texture.
Tomato paste
deeper, cooked
Concentrated cooked tomato: flavour and colour with none of the bulk or the fresh bite.
- Best for
- when you need tomato flavour and no bulk, sauces, soups and braises, boosting a sauce that tastes thin
- Texture
- smooth
Use 1 tbsp of paste plus 3 tbsp of water per medium tomato, and fry the paste in the pan's oil first so it loses its tinny edge.
Canned tomatoes
deeper, cooked
Ripe summer fruit picked and packed at its peak, which is why it beats a pale winter tomato.
- Best for
- any cooked dish, all year round, when fresh tomatoes are pale and out of season, sauces and stews where texture is flexible
- Texture
- softer
One 14.5 oz can stands in for about 4 medium fresh tomatoes. Out of season the can is genuinely the better tomato.
Red bell peppers
different taste and texture
Different vegetable with similar color.
- Best for
- roasting, grilling, stir-frying, salads
Sweeter flavor, no acidity.
Questions
3 questionsAre tomatoes a fruit or vegetable?
Botanically, tomatoes are fruits, but they're commonly used as vegetables in cooking.
Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh?
Yes, canned tomatoes often have better flavor than fresh tomatoes, especially when fresh ones are out of season.
How do I remove tomato skins?
Score the bottom of the tomato with an X, blanch in boiling water for 30 seconds, then transfer to ice water. The skins will peel off easily.
Tips for substituting tomato
4 tips- Tomatoes add acidity and sweetness to dishes
- Don't refrigerate tomatoes to maintain flavor
- Tomatoes pair well with basil, garlic, and olive oil
- Use different tomato varieties for different purposes