Substitutes for Ketchup: 12 Best Alternatives +FAQs!

Ketchup is arguably the most well-known condiment on the planet. It’s recognized for its thick texture and vinegary, slightly sweet flavor.

It goes well with meat and vegetables, and it’s also sometimes used to thicken and flavor sauces. You might not have ketchup on hand when you need it, despite how readily available it is and how many things you can use for it.

Instead of ketchup, you can use tomato paste, barbecue sauce, salsa, tomato jam, and sriracha, among other things.

Let’s have a look at some tomato ketchup alternatives.

Best ketchup substitutes

If you don’t have any ketchup on hand, you can still enjoy your dinner by using the components in the following section.

No. 1 Tomato paste

Because of its similar flavor and texture, tomato paste is one of the most incredible tomato ketchup replacements. Ketchup is made with it as well.

The acidity of tomato paste is lower. As a result, if you’re going to use it in a meal, you can always add a drop of vinegar to make it taste more like ketchup.

When used to add flavor to foods and make sauces, tomato paste is a fantastic substitute for ketchup, but it’s too strong to use for dipping.

No. 2 Barbecue sauce

One of the best ketchup alternatives is barbecue sauce. It has a similar flavor profile to ketchup; therefore, it can substitute for ketchup. It can also be added to sauces and topped on meatloaf instead of ketchup. However, be cautious when mixing barbecue sauce with other sauces because the flavor may be compromised.

When it comes to dipping, barbeque sauce is the most acceptable substitute for ketchup.

No. 3 Sriracha sauce is number three

Sriracha is a hot chili sauce that has gained much popularity worldwide. It is created in the same way as ketchup, but instead of tomatoes, it uses chili.

Because of its acidic flavor, it’s an excellent spicy alternative to ketchup. You may use it as a condiment or add it to sauces in the same way you would add ketchup, and it will give any food a fantastic flavor.

Remember that sriracha is hot, so start with a small amount and adjust the spice level as needed.

No. 4 Tomato Jam

Tomato jam is a more acceptable form of ketchup since it is sweeter and less processed than ketchup. It has a sweet, acidic flavor and is a perfect substitute for ketchup. It may be bought in supermarkets or created by yourself.

Tomato jam is a versatile condiment that you may use in sauces, stews, and topping for potatoes and crisps. Tomato jam is a better option than ketchup if you want something a little nicer. It’s also a lot chunkier than ketchup, so it’ll give some texture to your dishes.

No. 5 Apple cider vinegar

The acidic vinegary flavor of apple cider vinegar ketchup is well-known. If you’re missing it in your sauces, try substituting a teaspoon or two of apple cider vinegar. Because apple cider vinegar has a slightly sweet flavor, it will provide the same notes as ketchup without the tomato. Apple cider vinegar is far too powerful to be used as a condiment. However, instead of ketchup, you can use it to flavor meals.

No. 6 Tomato sauce

Canned tomato sauce will suffice if you don’t have ketchup on hand but still want to add a tomato taste to your food.

Jarred tomato sauce is rich and has the same flavor as fresh tomato sauce. You may also sprinkle a dash of apple cider vinegar to add a kick to it.

Tomato sauce is a must-have in any kitchen. As a result, it can be used in ketchup in the kitchen, but it is not a good condiment alternative for ketchup.

No. 7 Sun-dried tomatoes

Sun-dried tomatoes are an excellent item on hand because they are typically preserved in oil and may last longer. They provide an excellent tomato umami taste to any recipe.

You may prepare them in sauces and stews. You may also combine them to get a paste-like consistency that you can use as a condiment or add to any dish.

Sun-dried tomatoes will not contribute an acidic aspect to your food, so you can add a dash of vinegar instead. Still, they will add that rich tomato taste that ketchup adds to any dish.

No. 8 Salsa

Salsa is chunkier than ketchup, but it’s also produced from tomatoes and has a rich, sweet flavor, so it’s an excellent dip alternative to ketchup.

You should not use salsa in place of ketchup in sauces because it is much chunkier, but it can be used if necessary. Salsa is fantastic for dipping and has many flavors derived from onions and spices.

No. 9 Chili jam

Chili jam, like tomato jam, is regarded as a more sophisticated alternative to ketchup. It’s not created with tomatoes, yet it has a sweet, slightly spicy taste. It can also be used as a condiment or added to sauces to increase the taste.

Chili jam has a higher heat level than ketchup. It’s fantastic for spreading on sandwiches, adding to sauces, or using as a condiment, and it adds a lovely, sweet flavor to your cuisine along with a subtle spicy kick. As a result, you may want to start with less and taste as you go.

You may buy chili jam or make your own at your local grocery.

No. 10 Pesto with red peppers

The cousin of green pesto, red pesto, is commonly made with sundried tomatoes, walnuts, and garlic and served on pizza or pasta. You can also use it to flavor sauces.

It’s a terrific substitute for ketchup because it’s less sweet and acidic and adds much flavor to veggies and sauces. However, it is not recommended for use in meatloaf or as a condiment, as it is better when added to something and baked.

Red pesto is available at your neighborhood store. Alternatively, if you have a blender or a food processor, you may manufacture your own.

No. 11 Hummus

Hummus may appear to be an unusual ketchup substitute. On the other hand, hummus is an excellent alternative to ketchup as a condiment.

The most exciting part? Hummus is a thick and creamy dip made from chickpeas. You may get hummus in various flavors, including red pepper hummus, which has a savory flavor similar to ketchup.

When it comes to condiments, hummus is a fantastic substitute for ketchup. However, you should not use it in cooking because it may affect the flavor and texture of your sauce.

No. 12 Creating your ketchup is number twelve

Many people are unaware of how simple it is to manufacture their ketchup at home. All you need is tomato paste, vinegar, sugar, and spices, which you’ll simmer down until they’re a sauce.

You may use homemade ketchup in the same way you would use regular ketchup. You can also experiment with other spices and flavors to create a ketchup that suits your tastes better.

You can keep ketchup produced at home in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.

FAQs

What are some meatloaf ketchup substitutes?

Ketchup is used in the meatloaf mix and on the top before baking to add flavor. If you don’t have ketchup, tomato paste or barbecue sauce are suitable substitutes due to their similar flavors and textures. Barbecue sauce will give the meatloaf a unique flavor. It will, nevertheless, have a superb flavor, and tomato paste will perform the same function as ketchup.

What are some barbecue sauce substitutes for ketchup?

When producing homemade barbecue sauce, ketchup is an essential ingredient. Suppose you don’t have ketchup on hand. In that case, you may replace it with tomato sauce, sugar, and apple cider vinegar, and your barbecue sauce will have the same outcomes and flavor profile.

You can also use tomato paste alone. However, while producing your barbecue sauce, you may need to tweak the flavors.

What can be used instead of ketchup in a sweet and sour sauce?

In a sweet and sour sauce, tomato paste is the most acceptable substitute for ketchup. It has a similar taste and texture. You can also use a lower amount of tomato sauce or chili sauce. However, keep in mind that adding chili sauce to the sweet and sour sauce will make it spicier.

What can I use instead of 1 cup of ketchup?

It is dependent on the type of replacement you’re employing. However, the best approach is to start with a small alternative and watch how the flavor changes.

If you’re making a sauce, start with a third of a cup and add more as needed. Add roughly a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar and taste as you go. It is also true of sriracha, which is much hotter than ketchup.