Best Ketchup Substitutes
What Can I Use Instead of Ketchup in a Recipe?
Use the same amount as the original. Use 2 tbsp tomato paste thinned with 1 tbsp water, 0.5 tbsp vinegar, 0.5 tbsp sugar per 1 tbsp ketchup needed.
Need to replace Ketchup in a recipe? These 3 alternatives have you covered. From pantry staples to specialty swaps, this guide walks through every practical Ketchup replacement you can use in cooking and baking — with the ratios you need to get it right. Ideal if you need to save money at the store. The top pick is Tomato paste + water + vinegar + sugar (2:1:0.5:0.5) — it's the closest match for most recipes. Use 2 tbsp tomato paste thinned with 1 tbsp water, 0.5 tbsp vinegar, 0.5 tbsp sugar per 1 tbsp ketchup needed.
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Get ratios for Ketchup →All Ketchup Substitutes (3 options)
Use 2 tbsp tomato paste thinned with 1 tbsp water, 0.5 tbsp vinegar, 0.5 tbsp sugar per 1 tbsp ketchup needed.
Smokier and often thicker with molasses sweetness. Use slightly less as flavor is more pronounced.
Use 1 tbsp tomato liquid, then add 1-2 tsp sugar and 0.5 tsp vinegar to approximate ketchup.
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Tips for Substituting Ketchup
For most recipes, Tomato paste + water + vinegar + sugar (2:1:0.5:0.5) is the best starting point. Use 2 tbsp tomato paste thinned with 1 tbsp water, 0.5 tbsp vinegar, 0.5 tbsp sugar per 1 tbsp ketchup needed. Watching your grocery budget? Tomato paste + water + vinegar + sugar (2:1:0.5:0.5) is the most wallet-friendly swap and does a solid job in most uses. If you're unsure which Ketchup substitute to use, think about why the original is in the recipe: flavor, texture, moisture, or binding? Choose the substitute that best matches that function.
Common Questions About Ketchup Substitutes
The best substitute for Ketchup is Tomato paste + water + vinegar + sugar (2:1:0.5:0.5). Use the same amount. Use 2 tbsp tomato paste thinned with 1 tbsp water, 0.5 tbsp vinegar, 0.5 tbsp sugar per 1 tbsp ketchup needed.
This guide lists 3 Ketchup alternatives. The best one depends on your recipe, dietary needs, and what you have on hand — check the substitution cards above for details on each.
Also commonly substituted
Related ingredients
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