Ketchup Substitute: 1 Best Replacements

Ketchup is a sweet-tangy tomato condiment used in sauces, meatloaf glaze, and barbecue sauce. Whether you ran out mid-recipe or need a dietary swap, here are the best substitutes for ketchup, with exact amounts.

1

Tomato paste + vinegar + sugar

Use: 1/2 cup tomato paste + 2 tbsp vinegar + 2 tbsp sugar for 1 cup ketchup

Simmer 5 minutes; season with salt.

Tastes remarkably close.

vegangluten-free

Frequently asked questions

What is the best substitute for ketchup?

The best all-round substitute is Tomato paste + vinegar + sugar: use 1/2 cup tomato paste + 2 tbsp vinegar + 2 tbsp sugar for 1 cup ketchup. Simmer 5 minutes; season with salt. Tastes remarkably close.

What is a vegan substitute for ketchup?

Vegan options: Tomato paste + vinegar + sugar.

More ingredient substitutes

Missing something else? Search all 48 ingredients in the substitute finder.