Substitute for Canned Tomatoes: 4 Easy Alternatives
The best substitute for canned tomatoes is Fresh Tomatoes at a 1 (14 oz) can = about 5-6 medium fresh tomatoes, peeled and chopped ratio. It works best for sauces, salsas, soups, braises. There are 3 other alternatives below, each with exact ratios and usage notes.
Best Substitute
Fresh Tomatoes
1 (14 oz) can = about 5-6 medium fresh tomatoes, peeled and chopped
The most natural substitute. Blanch, peel, seed, and chop fresh tomatoes. Best when tomatoes are in season.
Flavor & Texture Change
Brighter and fresher tasting than canned. In-season tomatoes will taste better; off-season ones will taste watery and flat.
When Not to Use
Fresh tomatoes have more water and less concentrated flavor than canned. Simmer sauces longer to reduce. Out-of-season fresh tomatoes will taste inferior to canned.
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What are the other substitutes for canned tomatoes?
Tomato Paste + Water
2 tbsp tomato paste + 1/2 cup water = about 1/2 cup canned tomatoes
Concentrated tomato flavor that can be diluted to replace canned tomatoes. Good pantry backup.
Flavor/texture:Deeper, more concentrated tomato flavor. The result will be richer but may lack the fresh, bright notes of canned tomatoes.
Avoid when:Tomato paste is much more concentrated and sweeter than canned tomatoes. Over-using it makes sauces overly thick and sweet. Dilute well and taste as you go.
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Tomato Sauce
1 cup tomato sauce = 1 cup canned tomatoes
Already smooth and seasoned. Works as a direct swap in recipes where tomato chunks are not needed.
Flavor/texture:Smoother and often pre-seasoned. Check the label — plain tomato sauce is closest to canned tomatoes. Avoid flavored varieties unless the recipe benefits from the extra seasoning.
Avoid when:Tomato sauce is already smooth, so the texture will differ from diced or whole canned tomatoes. Some brands contain added sugar, salt, or herbs that will change the recipe flavor.
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Roasted Red Peppers (jarred)
1:1 (drained and chopped)
A creative swap for tomato-free diets or nightshade sensitivities. Provides similar sweetness and color.
Flavor/texture:Sweet, smoky, and mild. The dish will taste different but can be delicious in its own right. Works best when blended into sauces.
Avoid when:Not a true tomato replacement. The flavor is completely different — sweet and smoky rather than acidic. Add a splash of vinegar or lemon juice to mimic tomato acidity.
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What should you know before substituting canned tomatoes?
One 14.5 oz can of tomatoes equals about 1.75 cups including liquid. For recipes needing chunky tomatoes, dice fresh ones or use whole canned tomatoes and crush by hand. For smooth sauces, tomato paste diluted with water gives the most concentrated flavor.
How do you substitute canned tomatoes in a recipe?
Tomatoes that are peeled, processed, and sealed in cans at peak ripeness. Available as whole, diced, crushed, or pureed. A kitchen essential for sauces, soups, stews, chili, and braises that provides consistent tomato flavor year-round.
The best substitute for canned tomatoes depends on what role it plays in your recipe. Our top recommendation is Fresh Tomatoes (1 (14 oz) can = about 5-6 medium fresh tomatoes, peeled and chopped), which works well for sauces, salsas, soups, braises.
If you need a different option, Tomato Paste + Water (2 tbsp tomato paste + 1/2 cup water = about 1/2 cup canned tomatoes) is another reliable choice. Concentrated tomato flavor that can be diluted to replace canned tomatoes. Good pantry backup.
When substituting canned tomatoes, consider the flavor profile, texture, and cooking method of your recipe. For vegan alternatives, look for the options marked with the vegan badge above.
Substitution ratios verified against USDA FoodData Central and FoodSafety.gov. See our testing methodology for details.
Which canned tomatoes substitute should you use?
Each substitute works differently depending on your recipe. Read the detailed guides below for exact ratios, step-by-step instructions, and troubleshooting tips.
Fresh Tomatoes for Canned Tomatoes
Exact ratio, how-to steps, and tips →
Tomato Paste + Water for Canned Tomatoes
Exact ratio, how-to steps, and tips →
Tomato Sauce for Canned Tomatoes
Exact ratio, how-to steps, and tips →
Roasted Red Peppers (jarred) for Canned Tomatoes
Exact ratio, how-to steps, and tips →
Frequently Asked Questions
How many fresh tomatoes equal one can?
One 14.5 oz can of tomatoes equals about 5-6 medium fresh tomatoes, peeled and chopped. Simmer longer when using fresh tomatoes since they contain more water.
Can I use tomato paste instead of canned tomatoes?
Yes. Mix 2 tablespoons of tomato paste with 1/2 cup of water to approximate 1/2 cup of canned tomatoes. Adjust the ratio to taste — tomato paste is very concentrated.
What can I substitute for canned tomatoes in chili?
Tomato sauce works as a 1:1 substitute in chili. You can also use fresh tomatoes (about 5-6 per can) or diluted tomato paste. For tomato-free chili, roasted red peppers with a splash of vinegar add similar body.