What can I substitute for tomato paste?

Running low on tomato paste? Here are the best verified substitutes, including how to adjust your measurements.

tomato paste — ingredient substitution guide — Photo by The Design Lady on Pexels

About tomato paste

Tomato paste is a thick, deeply concentrated tomato product made by cooking tomatoes for several hours to reduce their moisture content, then straining out the seeds and skins. It contributes intense umami richness, a deep red colour, and a sweet-savoury tomato flavour to dishes without adding excess liquid. Its high concentration of glutamates makes it a powerful flavour-building base in sauces, braises, stews, and soups.

Best substitute

tomato purée (passata)

Tomato purée is less concentrated than paste but delivers the same core tomato flavour. Use a larger quantity and simmer it down to reduce excess liquid, or simply increase the amount and allow the dish to cook longer to compensate.

Use 3 tbsp for every 1 tbsp — simmer to reduce liquid if needed

saucessoupsbraisesstewssmall-quantity recipes where extra liquid is problematic

Alternative

canned crushed tomatoes

Crushed tomatoes can substitute in a pinch by cooking them down significantly to reduce moisture and concentrate flavour. Drain off excess liquid first, then simmer until thick and paste-like before adding to your recipe.

Use ¼ cup for every 1 tbsp, reduce by simmering until paste consistency

saucessoupsstewsbraisesquick recipessmall-quantity use

What is tomato paste called in other countries?

Country	Name
Australia	tomato paste
Canada	tomato paste
New Zealand	tomato paste
United Kingdom	tomato purée
United States	tomato paste

Common names for tomato paste

concentrated tomato pastedouble concentrate tomato pastetomato concentrate

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sundried tomato paste

Sundried tomato paste is highly concentrated with an even deeper, slightly sweeter and more intense flavour than regular tomato paste. It works as a direct swap but can add a slightly more complex, smoky-sweet note to the dish.

Use ¾ tbsp for every 1 tbsp — use slightly less due to stronger flavour

saucespastabraisesdipsdelicate flavour profiles

Alternative

tomato ketchup

Tomato ketchup contains vinegar, sugar, and spices which alter the flavour profile considerably, but it can work in cooked dishes where those notes are not unwelcome. Reduce added sugar in the recipe slightly and be aware the result will be noticeably sweeter.

Use 1 tbsp for every 1 tbsp — reduce any added sugar in the recipe

marinadesmeat saucesglazessavoury braisesauthentic Italian saucesdelicate dishes

Alternative

red capsicum paste (ajvar)

Ajvar or roasted red capsicum paste provides a similar thick, deeply coloured base with rich savoury-sweet flavour, though the tomato character is absent. It works best in robust dishes where the slight pepper-forward flavour will complement the other ingredients.

Use 1 tbsp for every 1 tbsp — expect a slightly different flavour profile

stewsbraisespasta saucesrecipes requiring distinct tomato flavourpizza sauce