Tomato Paste Substitutes: 5 Easy Cooking Alternatives
The best substitute for tomato paste is Tomato Sauce at a 3 tbsp tomato sauce = 1 tbsp tomato paste ratio. It works best for soups, stews, chili. There are 4 other alternatives below, each with exact ratios and usage notes.
Best Substitute
Tomato Sauce
3 tbsp tomato sauce = 1 tbsp tomato paste
Reduce tomato sauce by simmering to thicken, or use 3x the amount and reduce other liquids in the recipe. Less concentrated than paste.
What are the other substitutes for tomato paste?
Canned Crushed Tomatoes
3 tbsp crushed tomatoes (drained) = 1 tbsp tomato paste
Drain excess liquid and cook down for a few minutes to concentrate the flavor. Adds a chunkier texture than paste.
Ketchup
2 tbsp ketchup = 1 tbsp tomato paste
Contains sugar, vinegar, and spices, so it adds sweetness and tang. Best as a quick substitute in recipes where the added flavors are compatible.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes (blended)
2 tbsp blended sun-dried tomatoes = 1 tbsp tomato paste
Soak in hot water for 10 minutes, then blend to a paste. Very concentrated tomato flavor with a slightly sweet, chewy quality.
Roasted Red Peppers (blended)
2 tbsp blended roasted red peppers = 1 tbsp tomato paste
Not a true tomato flavor, but provides similar color, sweetness, and thick consistency. Works in recipes where tomato is not the dominant flavor.
What should you know before substituting tomato paste?
Tomato paste is a concentrated flavor bomb: you typically only need a tablespoon or two. When substituting with tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes, use triple the amount and simmer to reduce. Freeze leftover tomato paste in 1-tablespoon portions in ice cube trays for easy future use.
How do you substitute tomato paste in a recipe?
A thick, concentrated form of tomatoes cooked down to an intense, rich paste. Tomato paste adds deep tomato flavor, body, and color to sauces, soups, stews, braises, and pizza dough.
The best substitute for tomato paste depends on what role it plays in your recipe. Our top recommendation is Tomato Sauce (3 tbsp tomato sauce = 1 tbsp tomato paste), which works well for soups, stews, chili.
If you need a different option, Canned Crushed Tomatoes (3 tbsp crushed tomatoes (drained) = 1 tbsp tomato paste) is another reliable choice. Drain excess liquid and cook down for a few minutes to concentrate the flavor. Adds a chunkier texture than paste.
When substituting tomato paste, 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
How much tomato sauce equals tomato paste?
Use 3 tablespoons of tomato sauce for every 1 tablespoon of tomato paste. Simmer the sauce to reduce and thicken it, or reduce other liquids in your recipe by 2 tablespoons.
Can I use ketchup instead of tomato paste?
Yes, use 2 tablespoons of ketchup for every 1 tablespoon of tomato paste. Keep in mind that ketchup adds sugar, vinegar, and spices, so it works best in recipes like meatloaf or barbecue sauce.
How do I store leftover tomato paste?
Freeze leftover tomato paste in 1-tablespoon dollops on a parchment-lined tray, then transfer to a freezer bag. They keep for up to 3 months and can be added directly to hot dishes.
What can I use instead of tomato paste?
Tomato sauce is the easiest swap - use 3 tablespoons per 1 tablespoon of paste and simmer to thicken. Ketchup, blended sun-dried tomatoes, and canned crushed tomatoes also work with ratio adjustments.