Ingredient substitute
What can you use instead of tomato sauce?
Crushed tomatoes (blended), Marinara sauce and Passata are the easiest swaps. Below: 6 options with the right amount to use, what changes in the dish and which diets they suit.
The quick answer
Crushed tomatoes (blended). Use the same amount. Chunkier — blend until smooth.
Adjust: Pulse in food processor.
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Crushed tomatoes (blended)
Drop-in swapUse the same amount (ratio 1:1)
Chunkier — blend until smooth.
- Flavor
- Same, slightly fresher.
- Texture
- Close to sauce once blended.
- Moisture
- Same.
- Adjust
- Pulse in food processor.
- Best for
- Any recipe
vegan
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Marinara sauce
Drop-in swapUse the same amount (ratio 1:1)
Already seasoned. Subtract herbs from recipe.
- Flavor
- Italian-seasoned.
- Texture
- Chunky.
- Moisture
- Same.
- Adjust
- Adjust salt/seasoning in recipe.
- Best for
- Any recipe
vegan
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Passata
Drop-in swapUse the same amount (ratio 1:1)
Italian strained tomatoes. Smooth.
- Flavor
- Pure tomato.
- Texture
- Smooth.
- Moisture
- Same.
- Adjust
- Direct swap.
- Best for
- Any recipe
vegan
-
Tomato paste + water
Small adjustmentUse ¼ of the amount (ratio 1:4)
Richer. Needs seasoning.
- Flavor
- More concentrated.
- Texture
- Thicker.
- Moisture
- Less — rely on water addition.
- Adjust
- Mix 1/4 cup paste + 3/4 cup water per cup of sauce.
- Best for
- Stews, Sauces, Gravy
vegan
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Roasted red peppers (blended)
Changes flavor or textureUse the same amount (ratio 1:1)
Smoky, sweeter. Not acidic.
- Flavor
- Roasted/sweet.
- Texture
- Smooth.
- Moisture
- Same.
- Adjust
- Add lemon juice for acidity if needed.
- Best for
- Soups, Cream sauces
vegan
-
Ketchup (sparingly)
Changes flavor or textureUse the same amount (ratio 1:1)
Sweeter. Contains vinegar and sugar.
- Flavor
- Sweet/tangy.
- Texture
- Same.
- Moisture
- Same.
- Adjust
- Reduce other sugar. Use sparingly.
- Best for
- Only in a pinch
vegan
Common questions
What is the best substitute for tomato sauce?
Crushed tomatoes (blended) is the closest swap. Use the same amount. Chunkier — blend until smooth.
What is a vegan substitute for tomato sauce?
Good vegan options are Crushed tomatoes (blended), Marinara sauce, Passata and Tomato paste + water.
How much should I use instead of tomato sauce?
It depends on the swap. Crushed tomatoes (blended): Use the same amount. Marinara sauce: Use the same amount. Passata: Use the same amount.
Recipes that use tomato sauce
More swaps
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.