Best Ketchup Substitutes at Home
The best substitute for ketchup is Tomato paste + water + vinegar + sugar (2:1:0.5:0.5) at a Same amount (1:1) ratio. There are 2 other alternatives below, each with exact ratios and usage notes.
Best Substitute
Tomato paste + water + vinegar + sugar (2:1:0.5:0.5)
Same amount (1:1)
You can use Tomato paste + water + vinegar + sugar (2:1:0.5:0.5) in place of ketchup when needed. Use the same amount as the original ingredient. Taste near the end and fine-tune if the dish needs a little more punch.
What are the other substitutes for ketchup?
Barbecue sauce
Use 80%
Barbecue sauce is a workable stand-in for ketchup. Use 80% of the original amount to start, then adjust if needed. Texture runs thicker than the original, so a splash of liquid may help in thinner preparations. Texture runs looser than the original, which matters most in baking and creamy sauces. It is especially useful in baking and sauces.
Canned crushed tomatoes (sweetened)
Same amount (1:1)
Canned crushed tomatoes (sweetened) works as a substitute for ketchup in many recipes. Use the same amount as the original ingredient. Taste near the end and fine-tune if the dish needs a little more punch.
What should you know before substituting ketchup?
A tomato paste blend is the closest homemade fallback because you can tune the sweetness and acidity. Barbecue sauce works when a smokier profile is acceptable, while sweetened crushed tomatoes help most in cooked recipes.
How do you substitute ketchup in a recipe?
A ketchup substitute has to balance sweetness, acidity, tomato flavor, and thickness. These options work best in burgers, dipping sauces, meatloaf, glazes, and quick pantry fixes.
The best substitute for ketchup depends on what role it plays in your recipe. Our top recommendation is Tomato paste + water + vinegar + sugar (2:1:0.5:0.5) (Same amount (1:1)), which works well for most recipes.
If you need a different option, Barbecue sauce (Use 80%) is another reliable choice. Barbecue sauce is a workable stand-in for ketchup. Use 80% of the original amount to start, then adjust if needed. Texture runs thicker than the original, so a splash of liquid may help in thinner preparations. Texture runs looser than the original, which matters most in baking and creamy sauces. It is especially useful in baking and sauces.
When substituting ketchup, 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best substitute for ketchup?
A quick tomato paste mixture is usually the closest substitute because it lets you rebuild the tomato base, tang, and sweetness that ketchup brings.
Can I use barbecue sauce instead of ketchup?
Yes, but expect a smokier and usually sweeter result. It works best in glazes, burgers, meatloaf, and cooked sauces where that flavor shift is acceptable.
How do I make ketchup from pantry ingredients?
The easiest version starts with tomato paste plus water, vinegar, and a little sugar. From there, taste and adjust for tang and sweetness.