Substitutes for Tomato Paste

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Highly concentrated tomato product used to add rich tomato flavor and body to sauces and stews.

Can't find Tomato Paste in your kitchen? No problem! Below are 4 tested substitutes with exact ratios, perfect for baking, cooking, and everything in between.

Substitute Ratio Best For Dietary
Tomato Sauce (reduced) 3 tbsp tomato sauce reduced to 1 tbsp per 1 tbsp paste pasta sauces, soups, stews
Vegan Gluten-Free
Ketchup 1:1 replacement sauces, marinades, meatloaf
Vegan Gluten-Free
Canned Diced Tomatoes (blended) 3 tbsp blended per 1 tbsp paste pasta sauces, soups, braises
Vegan Gluten-Free
Sun-Dried Tomatoes (blended) 3 pieces blended with 1 tbsp oil per 2 tbsp paste pasta sauces, dips, spreads
Vegan Gluten-Free

How to Use

Simmer to reduce water content. Takes 5-10 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best substitute for Tomato Paste?
The best substitute depends on your recipe, but Tomato Sauce (reduced) is a reliable choice for most applications. Use 3 tbsp tomato sauce reduced to 1 tbsp per 1 tbsp paste.
What's a vegan substitute for Tomato Paste?
Tomato Sauce (reduced) is an excellent vegan option. Use 3 tbsp tomato sauce reduced to 1 tbsp per 1 tbsp paste.
Can I use any of these substitutes interchangeably?
Most substitutes work well in their recommended use cases, but they may produce slightly different results. The notes above explain the differences and best practices.
Will the taste be affected?
Some substitutes may subtly change the flavor profile of your dish, but they'll work great in the recommended use cases. Start with the suggested ratio and adjust to your taste.