What Can You Substitute for Tomato Paste?
Tomato paste is a thick, intensely tomato-flavored ingredient that gives many recipes their characteristic tang, depth of flavor and vibrant color. But sometimes you simply don’t have any in the kitchen, or you’d like to try something different — here are a few tried-and-tested substitutes.
The best substitute in short: reduce canned tomatoes or a thick passata in a pan until the excess water evaporates — this is the fastest way to get an intensity and thickness close to tomato paste, without having to buy anything extra.
Tomato Passata (Purée)
Tomato passata, also known as tomato purée, is one of the closest substitutes for tomato paste. It has a slightly thinner consistency but a bold tomato flavor, though often a touch sweeter. When using passata instead of paste, it’s worth reducing it in a pan to get rid of excess water and thicken the sauce. This way, your dish (e.g. soup, goulash) will gain a similar intensity of flavor and thickness.
Canned Tomatoes (Reduced)
Tomatoes from a can (whole or chopped) can be blended and then simmered over low heat to evaporate excess liquid. The resulting mixture makes a great substitute for tomato paste while keeping the tomatoes’ natural sweetness. Depending on the recipe, you can add a pinch of salt, sugar or your favorite herbs (e.g. basil) to enhance the flavor. For dishes that need extra thickness, you can also add a teaspoon of potato starch or flour.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes (Soaked and Blended)
Sun-dried tomatoes (see also: How to store dried plums?), especially ones in oil, have an intense, slightly sweet and tangy flavor. After soaking (if they’re not in oil) and blending with a small amount of water or olive oil, you can get a thick tomato paste. This base has a strong aroma, so it will replace tomato paste even in small amounts. Just be careful not to overdo it, as the flavor of sun-dried tomatoes can easily dominate the dish.
Ketchup (Lower in Sugar)
Although ketchup is mostly associated with a dip for fries or sandwiches, in some situations it can successfully replace tomato paste. It’s worth choosing lower-sugar or more natural varieties so you don’t oversweeten the dish. Ketchup works well, for example, in quick pasta sauces, meat dishes or braised vegetables, giving them a slightly sweet touch. Since it’s thinner in consistency, you can reduce it over heat if needed.
Tomato Juice (With Added Thickener)
Tomato juice has a thinner consistency than tomato paste, but it has natural tanginess and a pleasant tomato aroma. To use it, simply simmer it in a saucepan to evaporate excess liquid, or thicken it with a bit of flour or potato starch. This base can be added to sauces, soups or stews to achieve a flavor similar to tomato paste. With longer cooking, the juice develops a fuller tomato flavor and aroma.
Tomato-Based Chili Paste
Stores increasingly carry chili pastes with added tomatoes — they’re spicy, but also have a distinct tomato flavor. They work especially well in dishes that could use a bit more heat and depth (e.g. stews, pasta sauces). Just add a small amount to boost flavor and color, keeping in mind that the intensity will be stronger than with regular tomato paste. If you prefer milder dishes, combine the chili paste with passata or canned tomatoes.
Homemade Tomato and Vegetable Paste
If you have the time and inclination, you can make your own paste by combining tomatoes (fresh or canned) with vegetables like onion or bell pepper, then simmering them over low heat. After cooking longer and letting the water evaporate, you’ll get a thick, aromatic paste that can be blended smooth. This homemade substitute will replace tomato paste and add extra layers of flavor to your dishes. You can adjust the recipe by adding your favorite spices (e.g. oregano, basil or garlic).
Tomato Paste Substitutes – Quick Comparison
A summary of the alternatives described above, so you can compare them at a glance.
| Substitute | Flavor Intensity | Consistency | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tomato Passata (Purée) | Moderate | Thinner, needs reducing | Sauces, soups |
| Canned Tomatoes (Reduced) | Moderate–High | Thickens with longer cooking | Sauces, stews |
| Sun-Dried Tomatoes (Soaked, Blended) | High, concentrated | Thick paste | Mediterranean sauces |
| Ketchup (Lower Sugar) | Sweet-Tangy | Thick | Quick sauces, marinades |
| Tomato Juice + Thickener | Milder | Depends on thickener | Soups, lighter sauces |
| Tomato-Based Chili Paste | Spicy, intense | Thick | Spicy dishes |
| Homemade Tomato-Vegetable Paste | Balanced | Thick | Sauces, braised dishes |
Tomato Paste Substitutes – Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the fastest way to substitute tomato paste when you’re out of it?
Canned tomatoes reduced in a pan, or a thick passata, are the fastest way to get a similarly intense tomato flavor.
Can ketchup be used as a full substitute for tomato paste?
Yes, but because of the added sugar and vinegar, it’s a good idea to cut back on other sweet and sour ingredients in the recipe so the dish doesn’t become too intense.
How do you thicken tomato juice to replace tomato paste?
It’s best to simmer tomato juice over low heat for a longer time until excess water evaporates, or add a small amount of corn starch for quicker thickening.
How many canned tomatoes do you need to replace 1 tablespoon of tomato paste?
As a rough guide, about 3-4 tablespoons of blended, reduced canned tomatoes are equivalent to 1 tablespoon of tomato paste — cook them until they’ve thickened significantly.
Will these substitutes affect the color of the dish?
In most cases, no — passata, canned tomatoes and sun-dried tomatoes all give a similarly deep red color; only tomato juice or ketchup might result in a slightly lighter shade.
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