Tomato paste is a common ingredient in many recipes, but sometimes it can be hard to find or expensive. Here, I've rounded up 20 best substitutes for tomato paste. They are easy to find and affordable, so you can make your favorite recipes without worrying about missing out on the flavor of tomato paste!
What is tomato paste used for?
Tomato paste is a thick, concentrated tomato sauce made by cooking tomatoes down to a thick paste. It can be found in most grocery stores. Tomato paste is a versatile ingredient used for adding flavor to sauces, soups, and rice dishes (like this Nigerian jollof rice) making pizza sauce, and adding color to dishes.
Canned tomato paste vs. tube tomato paste
Tomato paste can come in a can or a tube. The two are largely the same, with some minor differences.
- Flavor and texture: Canned tomato paste is often thicker, more concentrated than tube paste. I prefer canned tomato paste because it has a more intense flavor and easier to measure out since you can just scoop it out of the can.
- Shelf stability: Canned tomato paste is also shelf-stable, meaning it can be stored at room temperature for a long time. Tube tomato paste typically needs to be refrigerated after opening.
- Convenience: Tube tomato paste is more convenient if you only need a small amount or if you are traveling!
Now, let's get into substitutes. I've divided this post into three sections:
- Tomato-based tomato paste substitutes (for flavor and color)
- Non tomato-based substitutes (for flavor and color)
- Tomato paste substitutes (for thickening)
Top 10 Tomato-Based Tomato Paste Substitutes
The alternatives below all include tomatoes as a major ingredient. They have a burst of tomato flavor, but not as concentrated. When you require a tomato-flavored substitute, these are the finest options available. My top picks are:
- Homemade tomato paste (from canned tomatoes)
- Tomato passata (reduced down)
- Tomato sauce (reduced down)
Homemade Tomato Paste
Homemade tomato paste is the best alternative to tomato paste.
You basically cook tomatoes down to a thick paste. How long it takes depends on the type of tomatoes you use. If using fresh tomatoes, you need to peel and de-seed before cooking, which adds time. If you use canned tomatoes, it is a faster process, and results in a more concentrated flavor.
Tomato Passata
Tomato passata is a tomato paste of sorts, except it's not overly concentrated. The flavor is the same, but it's a little more watery. Tomato passata is easy to find in most grocery stores, and it is affordable.
Tomato paste is usually used in small amounts, so you will need to use more tomato passata if you are replacing it with paste. Tomato passata is also not as concentrated as tomato paste, so the flavor will be less intense.
Works Best In: Most recipes that call for tomato paste!
Ratio: To substitute tomato paste with passata, use a 1:3 ratio. So, for every one tablespoon of tomato paste, use three tablespoons of tomato passata. If you find it too liquid, cook it down on low heat until it thickens. Then, use a 1:1 ratio.
Fresh Tomato
Fresh tomato is a good substitute for tomato paste when you simmer them until they have a thick texture.
You can also peel and puree fresh tomatoes to get a smoother texture when using it as a replacement for tomato paste.
Works Best In: Stews, soups
Ratio: You'll need one medium-sized fresh tomato per tablespoon of tomato paste.
Tomato Sauce
Tomato sauce is a good substitute for tomato paste, it is easy to find in most grocery stores, and affordable. However, it is not as thick as tomato paste, so the texture will be a bit different. I suggest cooking down the tomato sauce to remove excess liquid, and then using that instead of straight tomato sauce.
Works Best In: Pasta sauces, pizzas, soups, and stews. Works best when combined with other ingredients such as onions, garlic, herbs, and spices.
Ratio: Use a 1:3 ratio (3 tablespoons of tomato sauce to one tablespoon of tomato paste) if it's not cooked down already. If cooked down, use a 1:1 ratio.
Tomato Puree
If you run out of tomato paste while cooking, you can definitely use tomato purée. However, you'll need to cook it down in a saucepan until it thickens to a paste texture so it doesn't water down your dish.
Works Best In: Dishes such as stews and soups where a delicate flavor profile is required, and the texture is not impacted too much by using a sauce.
Ratio: You need three tablespoons of tomato puree for every one tablespoon of tomato paste.
Tomato Ketchup
Don't be mad, but tomato ketchup is one of the most practical alternative since it can be found in nearly any kitchen.
Tomato ketchup has a sweeter flavor, and is not as thick as tomato paste, so use less of it if necessary.
Works Best In: Soups, stews, and pasta sauces.
Ratio: I use a 1:1 ratio, despite the texture, because it can make a dish too sweet otherwise.
Marinara Sauce
Marinara sauce (or spaghetti sauce) is the closest to tomato paste and tomato passata in flavor. It can also be cooked down to the right texture. However, just make sure you pick a variety that is not flavored with basil or garlic, so you can avoid extra flavors.
Works Best In: Most recipes that call for tomato paste!
Ratio: When substituting tomato paste with the marinara sauce you must use a ratio of 1:2. So if you are using one tablespoon of tomato paste then substitute it with two tablespoons of marinara sauce.
Canned Diced Tomatoes
Canned tomatoes are peeled, de-seeded, and cooked down, so much like tomato passata, they are a great substitute for tomato paste, but a bit watery.
Use a food processor or blender to purée the canned tomatoes until smooth and simmer it in a pan for 15 minutes to cook down the water. When you're satisfied with the consistency, drain and use in place of tomato paste.
Works Best In: Most recipes that call for tomato paste!
Ratio: Once cooked down, I use a 1:1 ratio to substitute canned tomatoes for tomato paste!
Crushed Tomatoes
Crushed tomatoes are typically ground up or crushed into a thick, pasty sauce. So they are a great substitute for tomato paste.
The texture of crushed tomatoes can vary depending on the type of tomato used and how finely they are ground (so it can be very smooth or have a chunky texture). This matters while substituting for tomato paste.
Further, make sure you're picking a simple unflavored variety of crushed tomatoes so that the added flavors don't influence the final dish!
Works Best In: Most recipes that call for tomato paste!
Ratio: You will need to use two tablespoons of crushed tomatoes for every one tablespoon of tomato paste.
Tomato Soup
I know, hear me out! But tomato soup is a bit sweeter and more watery, it is a great substitute for tomato paste because it has a similar flavor and texture.
I typically use a 14.5 oz can, and cook it down significantly until it has a paste-like texture, and then add up to 2-3 tablespoons to any dish that call for 1 tablespoon of tomato paste. You can store leftovers in an airtight container in a fridge. But watch the additional flavors and adjust!
Works Best In: Soups, stews and sauces.
Ratio: 1:2 ratio, once cooked down to a paste-like texture
Top 5 Non-Tomato Based Substitutes
If you are looking for a tomato paste substitute that doesn't include tomatoes or tomato products, I have you covered as well.
Pureed Roasted Red Peppers
Pureed roasted red bell peppers are a good option to substitute tomato paste. They are a thick sauce, and have a slightly sweet and smoky flavor that goes well with many dishes. You can either find them in the grocery store or if you have fresh bell peppers, you can roast them yourself at home.
The red peppers should be puréed until smooth before being added to your dish. Although the dish will not be as thick, it will still have a rich flavor.
Just keep in mind that you need
Works Best In: Most recipes that call for tomato paste, but note that the flavor profile will be slightly different - more peppery!
Ratio: 1 tablespoon of pureed roasted red pepper paste for every tablespoon of tomato paste!
Harissa
Harissa is a North African chili pepper paste that has a deep, smoky flavor. It can be used in dips, sauces, and marinades. It's also a great substitute for tomato paste because it has a similar paste-like consistency and flavor. You can find harissa in many grocery stores these days!
To make your own harissa: roasting red peppers as described above, add them to the food processor along with garlic, cumin, coriander, caraway seeds, and chili peppers. Blend until the mixture is smooth, then add olive oil and lemon juice. Taste and adjust the seasoning as necessary.
Works Best In: Recipes that have a Mediterranean flavor profile, or a spicy kick to them.
Ratio: 1 tablespoon of harissa for every tablespoon of tomato paste!
Nomato Sauce
"Nomato" sauce usually made from beets, carrots, or pumpkin. It is a good substitute for tomato paste because it can give your dish more depth of flavor.
Works Best In: Pasta sauces, pizzas, soups, and stews. Works best when combined with other ingredients such as onions, garlic, herbs, and spices.
Ratio: 3 tablespoons of nomato sauce, cooked down, for every tablespoon of tomato paste!
Tomato Free Ketchup
Tomato-free ketchup is a type of ketchup that does not contain tomatoes. It is made with other types of vegetables or fruits, such as pumpkin, beet, apple, or blackberry. This type of ketchup is also called fruit ketchup or vegetable ketchup. It can be found in the condiments section of most supermarkets!
Tomato-free ketchup is a great alternative for those who have tomato allergy or do not like the taste of tomatoes. I like this brand the most!
Works Best In: Soups, stews, and pasta sauces.
Ratio: I use a 1:1 ratio, despite the texture, because it can make a dish too sweet otherwise.
Soy Sauce
Soy sauce is a good substitute for tomato paste because it has a similar flavor and can be used in the same way. A small amount of soy sauce can take the place of tomato paste's umami-heavy flavors.
Works Best In: Stir fries, soups, and sauces where you want a less sweet, more savory option.
Ratio: I use a 1:1 ratio, taste and adjust as necessary.
Top 5 Tomato Paste Substitutes for Thickening
Tomato paste is often used to thicken sauces. So, if you run out of tomato paste, and you're not looking for a flavor match, you can also try one of the following suggestions as a thickening agent.
Roux
Roux is a mixture of flour and fat (typically butter) used to thicken sauces, soups, and gravies. It is made by cooking the flour and fat together until the flour is cooked. Roux is also easy to make and can be prepared in just a few minutes.
Works Best In: Most dishes that use tomato paste for thickening!
Ratio: I use one tablespoon of roux for every two tablespoons of tomato paste.
Corn Starch
Corn starch is used to thicken sauces, soups, and gravies, or as a binder in burgers and vegan meatballs, sometimes. You can boil water over medium heat and add corn starch, stirring it frequently to avoid inconsistencies. Then use it as a replacement for tomato paste in your dish for thickening.
Works Best In: Most dishes that use tomato paste for thickening!
Ratio: I use one tablespoon of corn starch slurry for every two tablespoons of tomato paste.
Cream Cheese
Hear me out! Cream cheese can be a great substitute for tomato paste because it has a similar consistency. However, it is white, so it will lighten the color of your dish and potentially add a more sweet / sour flavor, so be cautious where you use it.
Works Best In: Pasta dishes, where you also use cheese.
Ratio: I use one tablespoon of cream cheese for every tablespoon of tomato paste, and adjust the flavorings accordingly.
Mozzarella or Other Shreddable Cheese
Cheese can be used as a substitute for tomato paste in some recipes (mostly pasta and pizza). It will add a creamy texture and flavor to the dish. If you are using cheese as a substitute for tomato paste in a recipe that will be cooked, make sure to add the cheese at the end of cooking so that it does not curdle!
To substitute cheese for tomato paste,
Works Best In: Pasta dishes, where you also use cheese.
Ratio: Use one part of cheese for every two parts of tomato paste. For example, if a recipe calls for one cup of tomato paste, use half a cup of cheese.
Pureed Vegetables
Pureed vegetables make a good substitute for tomato paste because they are similarly thick and have a strong flavor. Pureed vegetables can be used in any recipe that calls for tomato paste, and are a great way to add more vegetables to your diet.
Some of the best vegetables to use for pureeing are carrots, sweet potatoes, squash, and pumpkin. These vegetables all have a high water content, so they will blend into a smooth puree quickly and easily. Then, you can cook them down easily to mimic the texture of tomato paste.
If you want to add a little more flavor to your puree, you can also add garlic, onion, or herbs. Just be sure to taste your puree before using it in a recipe, and adjust the seasoning as needed.
Once you have your puree, it can be stored in the fridge for up to a week, or in the freezer for up to six months. If you find that your puree is too thick, you can thin it out with a little water or vegetable broth. And if it's not thick enough, you can cook it down a bit until it reaches the desired thick consistency.
Works Best In: Most dishes that call for tomato paste!
Ratio: Use one tablespoon of puree, after cooking it down, for every tablespoon of tomato pate.
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