Substitute for Tomato Paste
A thick, concentrated tomato product used to add depth, color, and tomato flavor to sauces, soups, and stews.
The Best Substitute
The Professor's top pick for replacing tomato paste is Tomato Sauce (reduced) at a ratio of 3 tablespoons tomato sauce, simmered until reduced by half = 1 tablespoon tomato paste. This works well for soups, stews, sauces, chili. There are 2 total substitutes listed below, each suited for different situations. Scroll down for complete details on every option, including what to use each one for and what to avoid.
Best Substitutes
Tomato Sauce (reduced)
Flavor impact: Lighter tomato flavor than paste. Reducing it concentrates the flavor.
Dairy-freeKetchup
Flavor impact: Adds sweetness and vinegar tang. Works in casual recipes but changes the profile in delicate dishes.
Dairy-free
Tomato sauce reduced by half is the cleanest swap. Ketchup works in meatloaf and BBQ sauce, but the Professor would not put it in a marinara.
Frequently Asked Questions
Tomato paste is much thicker and more concentrated. It is made by cooking tomatoes for several hours, straining, and reducing.
The Bottom Line
If you are out of tomato paste, the best all-around substitute is tomato sauce (reduced). Pay attention to the ratio, since substitutes rarely work at exactly 1:1. Consider what role tomato paste plays in your recipe; whether it provides flavor, texture, acidity, or structure; and choose the substitute that best fills that specific role. When in doubt, start with less and adjust to taste.
Source: Culinary reference | Last verified: March 19, 2026 | Our methodology