17 Best Tomato Paste Substitutes To Stock Up In Your Pantry

Tomato sauce can be a great substitute for tomato paste. Tomato sauce is made by simmering tomatoes with other ingredients like onions, garlic, herbs, and spices, resulting in a flavorful and versatile sauce.

It has a similar consistency to tomato paste, albeit slightly thinner. If a recipe calls for tomato paste, you can use tomato sauce, but you may need to reduce it slightly to achieve the desired thickness. One thing to consider here is that the sauce might be slightly sweeter in taste due to added ingredients like sugar or basil.

 Similar to tomato sauce, tomato puree also serves the same function as a substitute. It is made by cooking and straining fresh tomatoes to create a smooth, thick, and concentrated sauce-like consistency. In terms of flavor, tomato puree is seasoned with salt and some citrus to preserve the tomatoes.

Tomato puree also offers a smoother texture compared to tomato paste, making it easier to blend into recipes and distribute evenly. Unlike tomato paste, which is sometimes harder to find, tomato puree is commonly stocked in grocery stores and can be easily obtained.

Tomato ketchup is a popular condiment that is widely used around the world. It is a thick and tangy sauce made primarily from tomatoes, vinegar, sugar, and various spices. Its flavor profile closely resembles that of tomato paste, making it an excellent alternative in certain dishes.

When using tomato ketchup as a substitute for tomato paste, it is important to consider the slight differences in texture and sweetness. Ketchup tends to be slightly thinner and sweeter compared to tomato paste, so adjustments may be needed to achieve the desired consistency and taste in recipes. To compensate for the sweetness, it is advisable to reduce the amount of sugar or sweeteners in the dish.

Yet another tomato-based substitute on this list is tomato juice. As compared to tomato paste, tomato juice provides a more liquid consistency, which can work well in certain dishes. When using tomato juice as a substitute for tomato paste, it is important to consider the difference in concentration.

Tomato paste is typically much thicker and has a more intense flavor than tomato juice. To compensate for this, you may need to use a larger quantity of tomato juice to achieve the desired taste. Tomato juice can be an excellent substitute in recipes that require a liquid base or where a thinner consistency is desired.

Sun-dried tomatoes possess an intense and rich flavor that can add depth and complexity to your recipes. The taste and flavors are similar to a tomato paste. These tomatoes are dried under the sun, which causes the moisture to evaporate, leaving behind a burst of concentrated flavor.

These tomatoes have a thick and chewy texture, similar to tomato paste. When rehydrated, they can be easily blended or processed to achieve a smooth consistency, making them an ideal replacement for tomato paste in sauces, soups, and stews. In addition to their flavor and texture, sun-dried tomatoes offer a longer shelf life compared to tomato paste.

Crushed tomatoes are made by crushing whole tomatoes, including their skins and seeds, into a chunky consistency. They retain their natural juices and have a slightly thinner texture compared to tomato paste. Since tomatoes are easier to find in the pantry, they make for a feasible alternative.

To use crushed tomatoes as a substitute for tomato paste, you can simply reduce the liquid in the recipe to compensate for the added moisture. For every tablespoon of tomato paste required, you can use three tablespoons of crushed tomatoes. This ratio allows you to maintain the desired tomato flavor while adjusting the texture accordingly.

Tomato soup is similar to tomato juice to tomato paste; however, it is packed with more flavors and textures. It is made by blending fresh or canned tomatoes with other ingredients like onions, garlic, and herbs. One advantage of using tomato soup as a tomato paste alternative is its consistency.

Tomato paste is thick and concentrated, which means it needs to be diluted with water or other liquids. Tomato soup, on the other hand, is already in a liquid form, making it easier to incorporate into dishes. Using tomato soup as a tomato paste alternative also adds a touch of creaminess to dishes. Many tomato soup recipes include dairy products like cream or milk, giving a velvety texture to the final result.

Canned diced tomatoes are easy to find in grocery stores. These have been a convenient choice over fresh tomatoes for years, and now they are slowly taking over tomato paste. These diced tomatoes provide a lighter and fresher flavor profile while still offering the essence of tomatoes.

Since tomato paste can sometimes be intense and overpowering, diced tomatoes offer a milder taste that allows other ingredients in the dish to shine through. They provide a more subtle tomato flavor, making them suitable for a wider range of recipes.

Tomato powder is a form of intensified tomato flavor prepared from dehydrated tomatoes. It is essentially the concentrated form of tomato paste, preserving the rich flavor and nutritional value of fresh tomatoes. Unlike tomato paste, which requires refrigeration and can spoil quickly once opened, tomato powder can be stored in a cool, dry place for an extended period without losing its potency.

However, tomato powder is not as easy to find as some other alternatives on this list. But once you find this, it will last you far longer than tomato paste or other substitutes.

Red bell peppers are similar in color but not so much in taste to tomatoes. However, when they are roasted, it provides them with a slightly sweet and smoky flavor, which could resemble a tomato. Once roasted and blended, they become smooth and thick, just like tomato paste.

In terms of taste, roasted red bell peppers offer a milder and sweeter flavor compared to tomato paste. This can be a desirable alternative for those who prefer a less acidic or tangy taste. This can be a feasible alternative for individuals with dietary restrictions or allergies. Additionally, for those following a low-carb or keto diet, roasted red bell peppers offer a lower carbohydrate content compared to tomato paste.

While tomato paste is known for its rich, thick consistency and tangy flavor, red pepper flakes offer a different taste profile that is more spicy. Red pepper flakes are made from dried and crushed red chili peppers, resulting in a spicy and smoky flavor. When used as a tomato paste substitute, they bring a hint of heat and a vibrant red color to your recipes.

Keep in mind that while red pepper flakes can provide a similar color and heat to tomato paste, they may not offer the same thickening properties. Therefore, you may need to adjust the other ingredients in your recipe to achieve the desired texture.

If your dish calls for a smoky flavor, adding barbecue sauce to it can be a great substitute for tomato paste. Barbecue sauce typically contains a combination of tomato base, vinegar, sweeteners like molasses or brown sugar, and an array of spices such as paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.

So, it is important to consider the sweetness and tanginess it brings to the dish. Adjustments in other ingredients may be needed to maintain the desired balance of flavors. For instance, reducing the amount of sweeteners or vinegar in the recipe can help offset the sweetness and tanginess of the barbecue sauce, ensuring a harmonious taste.

Similar to barbecue sauce, Worcestershire sauce also has a more complex flavor. It contains a blend of ingredients such as vinegar, molasses, tamarind, garlic, onions, and various spices. In spite of its distinctive taste, it can be used as a substitute for tomato paste as it provides tangy and slightly sweet flavors to the dish.

When using Worcestershire sauce as a substitute, it is important to consider the consistency. To compensate for the thickness of tomato paste, one can reduce the amount of liquid in the recipe or combine Worcestershire sauce with other ingredients like soy sauce or balsamic vinegar.

We are no strangers to pizza sauce. Even though many of us make pizza sauce from scratch, there are many different variations of this dish available in the grocery store. The main differences between pizza sauce and tomato sauce is the seasoning. Pizza sauce typically contains a blend of herbs and spices.

It is easily available, similar in flavor profile, and can be cooked off to achieve the desired consistency. One thing you'll have to consider here is that the flavors might get proportionally intense once you thicken the sauce. So, adjust the concentration of these ingredients in your recipe accordingly.

Tomatoes are the primary ingredient in salsa. In addition, it also contains additional ingredients such as onions, garlic, peppers, and spices. So, when using salsa as a tomato paste substitute, it is essential to consider the consistency and flavor profile of the salsa.

Depending on the recipe, you may need to adjust the amount of salsa used to achieve the desired consistency. If the salsa is too watery, it is recommended to simmer it over low heat to reduce the liquid content and thicken it. However, it is important to be mindful of the additional flavors in the salsa, as they may not always complement the other ingredients in your dish.

Originating from North Africa, particularly Tunisia, harissa paste is made by combining roasted red peppers, chili peppers, garlic, spices such as cumin and coriander, and olive oil. It is commonly used in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisines to add a spicy and tangy kick to dishes.

As an alternative to tomato paste, this paste works best with dishes that have a fiery heat and smoky undertones. In recipes like stews, soups, marinades, or even pasta sauces, using harissa paste can elevate the taste and add a new dimension. However, since it is spicier than tomato paste, it is advisable to adjust the quantity according to personal preference.

Tamarind paste is especially popular in Southeast Asian, Indian, and Middle Eastern cooking. It is made from the pulp of the tamarind fruit, which is native to tropical regions. Tamarind paste has a unique tangy and slightly sweet flavor. If you choose to substitute tomato paste with tamarind paste, there are a few things to consider.

While both ingredients offer a thick and concentrated texture, they differ in taste. Tomato paste has a rich, savory flavor, whereas tamarind paste brings a tangy and sweet note to dishes. While replacing tomato paste with tamarind paste, you'll need to balance the tanginess by adding a touch of sweetness, such as sugar or honey, to mimic the flavor profile of tomato paste.