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Ingredient substitute

What can you use instead of tomato paste?

Sun-dried tomato paste, Tomato sauce (reduced) and Crushed tomatoes (reduced) are the easiest swaps. Below: 4 options with the right amount to use, what changes in the dish and which diets they suit.

The quick answer

Sun-dried tomato paste. Use the same amount. Intense. Sweet-tart.

Adjust: Dissolve in a bit of warm water.

  1. Sun-dried tomato paste

    Small adjustment

    Use the same amount (ratio 1:1)

    Intense. Sweet-tart.

    Flavor
    Intense, sweet-tart.
    Texture
    Same.
    Moisture
    Thicker.
    Adjust
    Dissolve in a bit of warm water.
    Best for
    Any recipe

    vegan

  2. Tomato sauce (reduced)

    Small adjustment

    Use 3× the amount (ratio 3:1)

    Simmer 3 cups sauce → 1 cup concentrated.

    Flavor
    Same.
    Texture
    Thicker after reduction.
    Moisture
    Reduce on stove.
    Adjust
    Low heat 30-40 min. Watch for burning.
    Best for
    Any recipe needing paste

    vegan

  3. Crushed tomatoes (reduced)

    Small adjustment

    Use 3× the amount (ratio 3:1)

    Same reduction method.

    Flavor
    Same.
    Texture
    Same.
    Moisture
    Reduce on stove.
    Adjust
    Low heat simmer until thick.
    Best for
    Any recipe

    vegan

  4. Ketchup

    Changes flavor or texture

    Use the same amount (ratio 1:1)

    Adds sugar and vinegar.

    Flavor
    Sweet/tangy.
    Texture
    Same.
    Moisture
    Same.
    Adjust
    Reduce sugar in recipe.
    Best for
    In a pinch

    vegan

Common questions

What is the best substitute for tomato paste?

Sun-dried tomato paste is the closest swap. Use the same amount. Intense. Sweet-tart.

What is a vegan substitute for tomato paste?

Good vegan options are Sun-dried tomato paste, Tomato sauce (reduced), Crushed tomatoes (reduced) and Ketchup.

How much should I use instead of tomato paste?

It depends on the swap. Sun-dried tomato paste: Use the same amount. Tomato sauce (reduced): Use 3× the amount. Crushed tomatoes (reduced): Use 3× the amount.

Recipes that use tomato paste

Scale it to your recipe

Enter the amount you need and the substitution tool works out the exact quantity. Or ask the chef how the swap will change your dish.

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