Best Tomato Paste Substitutes
Out of tomato paste? These are the best tomato paste substitutes you can use in cooking and baking — ranked by how well they work in most recipes. Whether you need a dairy-free swap, a pantry staple alternative, or just ran out mid-recipe, one of these 4 options will have you covered.
Tomato Paste Substitution Options
¼ cup Tomato Sauce, reduced to 2 tbsp
Use instead of Tomato Paste
Simmer tomato sauce over medium heat until reduced by half — this concentrates the flavor and removes excess moisture, replicating tomato paste. Takes 5–10 minutes and produces an equivalent result.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes, pureed
Use instead of Tomato Paste
Sun-dried tomatoes (in oil or rehydrated from dry) have an intensely concentrated tomato flavor. Blend into a smooth paste with a splash of water. Best in sauces, stews, and braises.
Ketchup
Use instead of Tomato Paste
Ketchup contains tomato paste along with sugar, vinegar, and spices. Use 1:1 but reduce other sweeteners in the recipe. Works in a pinch for sauces, meatloaf, and marinades.
Red Pepper Paste (e.g., harissa or ajvar)
Use instead of Tomato Paste
Red pepper paste adds concentrated umami and sweetness with a roasted pepper flavor. Use where tomato paste is a background flavoring — stews, soups, and braises. It changes the flavor profile slightly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best substitute for tomato paste?
The best substitutes for tomato paste are ¼ cup Tomato Sauce, reduced to 2 tbsp, Sun-Dried Tomatoes, pureed, Ketchup. Simmer tomato sauce over medium heat until reduced by half — this concentrates the flavor and removes excess moisture, replicating tomato paste. Takes 5–10 minutes and produces an equivalent result.
Can I use Sun-Dried Tomatoes, pureed instead of tomato paste?
Sun-dried tomatoes (in oil or rehydrated from dry) have an intensely concentrated tomato flavor. Blend into a smooth paste with a splash of water. Best in sauces, stews, and braises.
How do I substitute tomato paste in baking?
When substituting tomato paste in baking, it's important to match the ratio carefully. Check the individual substitution notes above for exact measurements and tips for each swap.