Best Tomato Sauce Substitutes
The best substitute for tomato sauce is Canned crushed tomatoes at a Use 133% ratio. There are 4 other alternatives below, each with exact ratios and usage notes.
Best Substitute
Canned crushed tomatoes
Use 133%
You can use Canned crushed tomatoes in place of tomato sauce when needed. Use 133% of the original amount to start, then adjust if needed. It is especially useful in sauces. Taste near the end and fine-tune if the dish needs a little more punch.
What are the other substitutes for tomato sauce?
Can of Diced Tomatoes
Use 133%
You can use Can of Diced Tomatoes in place of tomato sauce when needed. Use 133% of the original amount to start, then adjust if needed. This option is more concentrated than tomato sauce, so small adjustments make a noticeable difference. 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 whole tomatoes (blended)
Use 133%
You can use Canned whole tomatoes (blended) in place of tomato sauce when needed. Use 133% of the original amount to start, then adjust if needed. It is especially useful in sauces. If you are building the substitute from multiple ingredients, mix it fully before it goes into the recipe.
Ketchup
Use 75%
Ketchup works as a substitute for tomato sauce in many recipes. Use 75% of the original amount to start, then adjust if needed. This option is more concentrated than tomato sauce, so small adjustments make a noticeable difference. It is especially useful in baking and sauces.
Tomato paste (diluted)
Same amount (1:1)
You can use Tomato paste (diluted) in place of tomato sauce when needed. Use the same amount as the original ingredient. This option is more concentrated than tomato sauce, so small adjustments make a noticeable difference. It is especially useful in sauces. If you are building the substitute from multiple ingredients, mix it fully before it goes into the recipe.
What should you know before substituting tomato sauce?
Tomato paste thinned with water is usually the most controllable substitute because you can tune both thickness and intensity. If you use canned tomatoes instead, blend first when you need a smoother sauce.
How do you substitute tomato sauce in a recipe?
A tomato sauce substitute has to cover acidity, body, and cooked tomato flavor. These swaps work in pasta, casseroles, braises, meatballs, and simmered sauces.
The best substitute for tomato sauce depends on what role it plays in your recipe. Our top recommendation is Canned crushed tomatoes (Use 133%), which works well for most recipes.
If you need a different option, Can of Diced Tomatoes (Use 133%) is another reliable choice. You can use Can of Diced Tomatoes in place of tomato sauce when needed. Use 133% of the original amount to start, then adjust if needed. This option is more concentrated than tomato sauce, so small adjustments make a noticeable difference. 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 tomato sauce, 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 tomato sauce?
Tomato paste mixed with water is usually the best substitute because it lets you rebuild the same tomato flavor while controlling thickness.
Can I use tomato paste instead of tomato sauce?
Yes. Thin the paste first so the final dish does not turn too dense or too intense.