Ingredient substitution guide

Best substitutes for ketchup

Best swap for ketchup: Tomato paste, use half the amount; add a pinch of sugar and splash of vinegar to mimic sweetness and tang.

How we checked this: these swaps come from the substitution list Well Stockd uses to match recipes, and their ratios follow ordinary kitchen practice rather than one published chart. For exact amounts on many common swaps, see the NDSU and Colorado State University extension tables listed below. Editorial policy

Recipe grid with a badge on each recipe showing how many items are missing, and Can make now where nothing is — When you allow a swap, recipes count it toward what you can make now. Free

What can I use instead of Ketchup?

The best swap for Ketchup is Tomato Paste, use half the amount; add a pinch of sugar and splash of vinegar to mimic sweetness and tang. Another option is Tomato Sauce, use equal amount; reduce to concentrate, add sugar and vinegar. The table below also lists Bbq Sauce, 3 swaps in all.

All 3 swaps for ketchup, best first.
Swap	Ratio and notes
Tomato paste	use half the amount; add a pinch of sugar and splash of vinegar to mimic sweetness and tang
Tomato sauce	use equal amount; reduce to concentrate, add sugar and vinegar How to use it: For 1 cup ketchup, mix 1 cup tomato sauce with 1/2 cup sugar and 2 tablespoons vinegar. Limits: Not as a table ketchup; the mix is meant for cooking.
Bbq sauce	1:1; smokier and sweeter - works in glazes and meatloaf

Source and limits

These swaps come from the substitution list Well Stockd uses to match recipes to your kitchen, last updated November 3, 2026. We remove swaps known to be unsafe, but not every swap has been tested in a kitchen, and a swap is cooking guidance, not an allergen or nutrition equivalent. Check labels and what the recipe needs before substituting.

The ratios and usage notes follow ordinary kitchen practice rather than a single published chart. These two university extension tables list exact amounts for many common swaps:

Browse every ingredient and read how these swaps are sourced.

Buying more? Storage times for ketchup