No tomatoes? No worries. These Tomato Substitutes will save dinner (and your sanity) when you’re fresh out or just not feeling the tomato vibe.
We’ve all been there — like when you’re halfway through a recipe and realize there’s not a single tomato in sight. Or maybe you’re just not into the whole tomato thing (no judgment here). Whether you’re avoiding acidity, skipping nightshades, or simply forgot to restock, having a few solid tomato substitutes up your sleeve is a total game changer. Trust me, your sauce, soup, or chili doesn’t have to suffer— in fact, it won’t…like ever again!
Sometimes tomatoes just don’t make the cut— whether they’re out of season, your pantry’s looking a little sad, or your stomach just says no thanks. Whatever the reason, there are still plenty of tomato alternatives that bring the same depth, tang, or richness to your favourite dishes. So, from pantry staples to clever veggie hacks, I’ve rounded up the best of the best. Because nobody should have to give up pizza night over one missing ingredient. Am I right?!
BEST TOMATO SUBSTITUTES FOR EVERY RECIPE (EVEN THE SAUCY ONES)
TOMATO SUBSTITUTES FOR CANNED TOMATOES, SAUCES & SOUPS
1. RED BELL PEPPERS (ROASTED OR COOKED)
Why it works: They have natural sweetness, vibrant colour, and a similar texture when blended.
How to use: Roast them yourself or sauté, then blend into a sauce. Add a splash of vinegar or lemon juice to boost acidity.
Best for: Pasta sauces, chili, soups, stews.
2. PUMPKIN PUREE OR BUTTERNUT SQUASH PUREE
Why it works: Smooth, rich, and slightly sweet—great for building a hearty base.
How to use: Use 1:1 in recipes calling for tomato puree, but add vinegar and a pinch of smoked paprika to balance flavours.
Best for: Curries, stews, pasta sauces, chili.
3. BEET PUREE (MIXED WITH OTHER VEGGIES)
Why it works: Deep red colour and earthy flavour actually mimic the colour and depth of tomato.
How to use: Blend with roasted red peppers or carrots for a tomato-free sauce.
Best for: Bolognese-style sauces, pizza sauce, or even ketchup alternatives.
TOMATO SUBSTITUTES FOR FLAVOUR & ACIDITY
4. TAMARIND PASTE
Why it works: Bold tanginess and depth— therefore, perfect for replacing the acidity in tomatoes.
How to use: Use sparingly—½ to 1 tsp mixed into soups, stews, or sauces.
Best for: Indian dishes, stir-fries, curry bases.
5. VINEGAR + SUGAR COMBO
Why it works: Mimics the acidic-sweet balance of tomatoes.
How to use: Add 1–2 tsp of vinegar (apple cider, red wine, or balsamic) and a pinch of sugar per cup of sauce.
Best for: Soups, sauces, stir-fries— basically anywhere you need a little zing.
6. LEMON JUICE + PAPRIKA
Why it works: Bright acidity + smoky depth = tomato-like flavour.
How to use: Use lemon juice to deglaze or brighten, and smoked paprika to add that umami warmth.
Best for: Quick sauces, beans, Mediterranean dishes.
TOMATO SUBSTITUTES FOR PASTES & CONCENTRATES
7. RED PEPPER PASTE (AJVAR, HARISSA, OR HOMEMADE)
Why it works: Thick, bold, and packed with flavour—great stand-in for tomato paste.
How to use: Use 1:1 for tomato paste in savory dishes. Harissa will add heat, so adjust accordingly.
Best for: Sauces, soups, marinades, dips.
8. MISO PASTE
Why it works: Deep umami flavour that can replace the savory backbone tomatoes provide.
How to use: Use ½ to 1 tsp in place of paste; dissolve into warm liquids.
Best for: Asian-style dishes, broths, vegan sauces.
BONUS TIP: If you’re not avoiding tomatoes altogether and just need something concentrated and bold, sun-dried tomatoes can save the day. They pack a punch and can be blended into sauces, soups, or spreads when you’re out of tomato paste. Here’s how I make them from scratch. Or take it up a notch with my sun-dried tomato pesto—it’s rich, umami-packed, and makes a dreamy stand-in for tomato paste in pasta dishes, dips, or even as a sandwich spread.
TOMATO-FREE STORE-BOUGHT ALTERNATIVES
9. NOMATO SAUCE (AKA NIGHTSHADE-FREE “TOMATO” SAUCE)
Why it works: Specifically made to mimic tomato sauce without tomatoes or nightshades.
How to use: Use as-is in any recipe calling for tomato sauce or ketchup.
Best for: Allergy-friendly cooking, AIP diets, pasta, pizza.
10. CARROT-BASED SAUCE OR PUREE
Why it works: Natural sweetness and bright colour. When paired with vinegar and spices, it’s a strong tomato stand-in.
How to use: Blend steamed carrots with a splash of vinegar, garlic, and seasonings.
Best for: Pasta, chili, or any dish needing a sauce base.
FRESH TOMATO SUBSTITUTES
11. COOKED OR ROASTED RED BELL PEPPERS (AGAIN!)
Why it works: Fresh or lightly charred, they give similar texture and colour.
How to use: Dice or slice and use in salads, salsas, or on sandwiches.
Best for: Topping burgers, tacos, bruschetta, or grain bowls.
12. WATERMELON OR STRAWBERRIES (IN COLD DISHES)
Why it works: Hear me out—both bring a sweet-tart freshness, especially in summer salads.
How to use: Chop and toss with herbs and olive oil for a tomato-free twist.
Best for: Caprese-style salads, salsas, bruschetta.
QUICK REFERENCE: TOMATO SUBSTITUTE CHEAT SHEET
Need a quick pick? Here’s a cheat sheet that matches tomato substitutes to your specific cooking needs.
| USE CASE | BEST SUBSTITUTES |
| Tomato Sauce | Red peppers, pumpkin, Nomato |
| Tomato Paste | Red pepper paste, miso, harissa |
| Fresh Tomatoes | Roasted peppers, strawberries, watermelon |
| Acidity/Flavour | Vinegar + sugar, tamarind, lemon juice + paprika |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Tomatoes belong to the nightshade family, and for some people, those sensitive to nightshades may experience inflammation or digestive issues. However, for most folks, tomatoes are healthy and anti-inflammatory thanks to their antioxidants. If you’re unsure, swapping them out with tomato substitutes can be a gentle alternative.
Totally! While nothing beats the real thing, you can get pretty close by combining sweet, tangy, and umami flavours—think roasted red bell peppers with a splash of vinegar or lemon juice, plus a touch of smoked paprika. These tomato substitutes help replicate that familiar tomato vibe without using actual tomatoes.
Flavours that balance sweetness, acidity, and umami come close— for example, roasted red peppers, tamarind paste, and even certain fermented pastes like miso all share some tomato-like qualities, making them great tomato alternatives.
If you’re allergic to tomatoes, red bell peppers (roasted or cooked), pumpkin puree, and even certain store-bought nightshade-free sauces like Nomato are your best friends. They provide flavour, colour, and texture similar to tomatoes but without triggering allergies.
Roasted red peppers, pumpkin or butternut squash puree, and carrot-based sauces work well as diced tomato substitutes. However, depending on the recipe, you might want to add a bit of vinegar or lemon juice to bring back that tomato acidity.
For your classic BLT, try roasted or fresh red bell peppers sliced thin, or even juicy slices of watermelon or strawberries for a fresh, sweet twist. They add colour and moisture with a little different but delicious flavour.
When life (or your recipe) calls for tomatoes but you just can’t use them, these tomato substitutes have your back. Whether you’re dodging allergies, avoiding nightshades, or just craving something a little different, there’s a flavourful swap for every dish. From roasted red peppers to tangy tamarind, the world of tomato alternatives is surprisingly delicious and versatile. So next time you need a tomato substitute, don’t stress—get creative and enjoy the fresh twist on your favourite recipes!
No matter what you’re cooking, if you know your tomato alternatives, it can seriously up your kitchen game. These tomato replacements not only keep your dishes tasting great but also open the door to new flavour combos you might never have tried. Feel free to mix things up with pumpkin puree, a splash of vinegar, or even some juicy strawberries— after all, it’s about keeping your meals tasty and interesting without the tomato. Honestly, some of the best kitchen wins come from those unexpected swaps that turn out way better than you’d think!
LOVE THIS LIST? PINT IT FOR LATER!
Got a favourite tomato substitute I missed? Drop it in the comments — I’d love to hear!
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