Ingredient substitution guide
Best substitutes for marinara sauce
Best swap for marinara sauce: Tomato sauce, 1:1; add garlic, basil, and oregano to season.
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
What can I use instead of Marinara Sauce?
The best swap for Marinara Sauce is Tomato Sauce, 1:1; add garlic, basil, and oregano to season. Another option is Crushed Tomatoes, 1:1; simmer briefly with garlic and olive oil. The table below also lists Pizza Sauce, 3 swaps in all.
| Swap | Ratio and notes |
|---|---|
| Tomato sauce | 1:1; add garlic, basil, and oregano to season |
| Crushed tomatoes | 1:1; simmer briefly with garlic and olive oil |
| Pizza sauce | nearly identical; pizza sauce is slightly thicker How to use it: Use the same amount; thin it with a little water if it is too thick. |
Source and limits
These swaps come from the substitution list Well Stockd uses to match recipes to your kitchen, last updated . 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:
- Ingredient Substitutions (FN198), NDSU Extension (opens in a new tab)
- Ingredient Substitutions (9.329), Colorado State University Extension (opens in a new tab)
Browse every ingredient and read how these swaps are sourced.