Out of Tomato juice, one case
Tomato juice substitutes
9 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use V8 juice
Same amount as the tomato juice
The best tomato juice substitutes are V8 juice (1:1), tomato sauce diluted with water (1:2 ratio), tomato puree diluted with water (1:2 ratio), or fresh tomatoes blended (1:1). For drinks, use V8 juice. For cooking, use tomato sauce or puree diluted with water.
- Best for —
- drinks
One casethe full tomato card
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of tomato juice | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | V8 juicedrinks | Same amount | No verdict on record |
| 2 | Tomato sauce + watercooking | 1 part sauce to 2 parts waterWorks | Works |
| 3 | Tomato puree + watercooking | 1 part puree to 2 parts waterWorks | Works |
| 4 | Fresh tomatoes blendedwhen you want fresh flavor | Same amount | No verdict on record |
| 5 | Crushed tomatoes + watercooking | 1 part crushed tomatoes to 2 parts waterTweak it | Tweak it |
| 6 | Diced tomatoes + watercooking | 1 part diced tomatoes to 2 parts waterTweak it | Tweak it |
| 7 | Tomato paste + watercooking | 1 part paste to 4 parts water | No verdict on record |
| 8 | Ketchup + wateremergency substitute | 1 part ketchup to 3 parts water | No verdict on record |
| 9 | Stewed tomatoes + watercooking | 1 part stewed tomatoes to 2 parts waterTweak it | Tweak it |
V8 juice
similar with vegetable notes · similar texture
Vegetable juice blend that contains tomato juice along with other vegetables. Provides similar flavor and consistency to tomato juice. Often contains added salt and seasonings.
- Best for
- drinks, cocktails, when you want vegetable blend, quick recipes, emergency substitute
V8 juice contains other vegetables besides tomatoes, so it has a slightly different flavor. Often contains added salt, so adjust seasoning in recipes accordingly.
Tomato sauce + water
similar taste and texture
Smooth tomato sauce diluted with water to achieve similar consistency. Provides similar flavor and can be adjusted to desired thickness.
- Best for
- cooking, soups, stews, when you want smooth consistency, emergency substitute
Mix 1 cup tomato sauce with 2 cups water to equal about 3 cups tomato juice. Adjust water amount based on desired consistency.
Tomato puree + water
similar taste and texture
Thick tomato puree diluted with water to achieve similar consistency. Provides similar flavor and can be adjusted to desired thickness.
- Best for
- cooking, soups, stews, when you want smooth consistency, emergency substitute
Mix 1 cup tomato puree with 2 cups water to equal about 3 cups tomato juice. Adjust water amount based on desired consistency.
Fresh tomatoes blended
enhanced, fresh · similar texture
Fresh tomatoes blended to achieve similar consistency. Provides the most authentic flavor. Best choice when you have access to good quality fresh tomatoes.
- Best for
- when you want fresh flavor, summer cooking, when you have good fresh tomatoes, all recipes
Use ripe, firm tomatoes. Peel, seed, and blend before using. May need to strain to remove seeds and skin. Provides the most authentic tomato flavor.
Crushed tomatoes + water
similar taste, different texture
Chunky tomato product diluted with water to achieve similar consistency. Provides similar flavor with more texture.
- Best for
- cooking, soups, stews, when you want chunky texture, emergency substitute
Mix 1 cup crushed tomatoes with 2 cups water to equal about 3 cups tomato juice. May need to blend or strain for smooth consistency.
Diced tomatoes + water
similar taste, different texture
Chunky tomato product diluted with water to achieve similar consistency. Provides similar flavor with more texture.
- Best for
- cooking, soups, stews, when you want chunky texture, emergency substitute
Mix 1 cup diced tomatoes with 2 cups water to equal about 3 cups tomato juice. May need to blend or strain for smooth consistency.
Tomato paste + water
enhanced, intense · similar texture
Concentrated tomato paste diluted with water to achieve similar consistency. Provides intense tomato flavor.
- Best for
- cooking, soups, stews, when you want intense flavor, emergency substitute
Mix 1 tablespoon tomato paste with 4 tablespoons water to equal about 5 tablespoons tomato juice. Adjust water amount based on desired consistency.
Ketchup + water
enhanced with sweetness · similar texture
Sweetened tomato condiment diluted with water to achieve similar consistency. Provides tomato flavor with added sweetness and tang.
- Best for
- emergency substitute, when you want sweetness, quick recipes
Ketchup adds sweetness and tang to dishes. Reduce sugar in recipe if using ketchup. Works well in emergency situations.
Stewed tomatoes + water
enhanced taste, different texture
Canned tomatoes that have been cooked with seasonings, diluted with water. Provides similar flavor with added seasonings.
- Best for
- cooking, soups, stews, when you want seasoned flavor
Stewed tomatoes often contain added seasonings like basil and oregano. Drain excess liquid before using. May need to adjust other seasonings in recipe.
How it behaves in this recipe
Tomato juice serves as a liquid base in many recipes, providing acidity, sweetness, and tomato flavor with a thin, drinkable consistency. The best substitutes work because they provide similar tomato flavor and can be adjusted to achieve the desired consistency. The choice of substitute depends on whether you need it for drinks (V8 juice) or cooking (tomato sauce diluted with water).
Tips for substituting tomato juice
12 tips- For 1 cup tomato juice, use 1 cup V8 juice or 1/3 cup tomato sauce + 2/3 cup water
- For 2 cups tomato juice, use 2 cups V8 juice or 2/3 cup tomato sauce + 1 1/3 cups water
- When using tomato sauce as substitute, mix with water first: 1 cup sauce + 2 cups water = 3 cups juice
- For concentrated flavor, use tomato paste diluted with water (1:4 ratio)
- Fresh tomatoes need to be peeled and seeded - blanch in boiling water for 30 seconds, then peel
- If using crushed or diced tomatoes, blend them first for smooth consistency
- For emergency situations, use ketchup diluted with water (1:3 ratio) though this adds sweetness
- When substituting with tomato puree, mix with water first: 1 cup puree + 2 cups water = 3 cups juice
- For Italian-style dishes, use tomato sauce diluted with water for 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 juice is often used as a base for cocktails like Bloody Mary - V8 juice works well for this
Notes on tomato juice
- For a quick substitute, use 1 can of tomato sauce + 2 cans of water for every 3 cans of tomato juice
- Make your own tomato juice by blending fresh tomatoes and straining
- For emergency situations, use ketchup diluted with water (1:3 ratio) though this adds sweetness
- Consider using tomato paste diluted with water (1:4 ratio) for intense flavor in small amounts
- For a different approach, use tomato puree diluted with water (1:2 ratio) for similar consistency
Questions
10 questionsWhat's the best substitute for tomato juice in chili?
Tomato sauce diluted with water works best in chili. Use a 1:2 ratio (1 cup sauce + 2 cups water = 3 cups juice). This provides similar flavor and consistency without the need for pure tomato juice.
Can I substitute V8 juice for tomato juice?
Yes, V8 juice can substitute for tomato juice in a 1:1 ratio. V8 contains tomato juice along with other vegetables, so it has a slightly different flavor but works well in most recipes.
How much tomato sauce equals 1 cup tomato juice?
1 cup tomato juice equals about 1/3 cup tomato sauce + 2/3 cup water. Mix 1/3 cup tomato sauce with 2/3 cup water to achieve similar consistency and flavor.
What's the best substitute for tomato juice in soup?
Tomato sauce or tomato puree diluted with water work best in soup. Use a 1:2 ratio (1 cup sauce/puree + 2 cups water = 3 cups juice). This provides similar flavor and consistency.
Can I substitute tomato paste for tomato juice?
Yes, but you'll need to dilute it. Mix 1 tablespoon tomato paste with 4 tablespoons water to equal about 5 tablespoons tomato juice. This creates a similar consistency and flavor.
What's the best substitute for tomato juice in Bloody Mary?
V8 juice works best for Bloody Mary cocktails. Use a 1:1 ratio. V8 provides similar flavor and consistency, and the added vegetables enhance the drink's flavor profile.
Can I substitute fresh tomatoes for tomato juice?
Yes, fresh tomatoes can substitute for tomato juice in a 1:1 ratio. Peel, seed, and blend the tomatoes first. You may need to strain to remove seeds and skin for smooth consistency.
What's the best substitute for tomato juice in cooking?
Tomato sauce or tomato puree diluted with water work best in cooking. Use a 1:2 ratio (1 cup sauce/puree + 2 cups water = 3 cups juice). This provides similar flavor and consistency.
Can I substitute ketchup for tomato juice?
Yes, but you'll need to dilute it. Mix 1 tablespoon ketchup with 3 tablespoons water to equal about 4 tablespoons tomato juice. However, ketchup adds sweetness and tang, so adjust seasonings accordingly.
What's the best substitute for tomato juice in stew?
Tomato sauce or tomato puree diluted with water work best in stew. Use a 1:2 ratio (1 cup sauce/puree + 2 cups water = 3 cups juice). This provides similar flavor and consistency without the need for pure tomato juice.