Ingredient substitution guide
Best substitutes for tomato paste
Best swap for tomato paste: Tomato puree, use 3x the amount; simmer to reduce liquid.
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 Tomato Paste?
The best swap for Tomato Paste is Tomato Puree, use 3x the amount; simmer to reduce liquid. Another option is Canned Crushed Tomatoes, use 3-4 tbsp reduced down; less concentrated. The table below also lists Sun-Dried Tomato Paste, 3 swaps in all.
| Swap | Ratio and notes |
|---|---|
| Tomato puree | use 3x the amount; simmer to reduce liquid |
| Canned crushed tomatoes | use 3-4 tbsp reduced down; less concentrated |
| Sun-dried tomato paste | 1:1; more intense, slightly sweeter |
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.