tomato paste vs. Sauce - What's the difference?

There are many differences between tomato paste and tomato sauce. In fact, the only similarity is that both are made with tomatoes.

What is the difference between tomato paste and tomato sauce?  Tomato paste, unlike tomato sauce, has a more concentrated flavor, its texture is much thicker, and it is used in dishes to enhance other flavors. Unlike tomato sauce, pasta does not act as the “tomato” ingredient in dishes, but rather as a base ingredient to provide rich flavors.

Read on to find out how these seemingly similar elements are different and how you can use them effectively.

Differences Between Sauce and Tomato Paste

Have you ever seen tomato paste in little jars and tubes in the supermarket aisles? You have probably thought that such a small amount of product is not worth buying.

Surprisingly, a teaspoon of tomato paste goes a long way . It is a rich concentrate made from tomatoes that have been cooked to lose all moisture.

The tomato sauce , on the other hand, is not so concentrated . It contains tomatoes briefly boiled in a good amount of liquid and can be a tasty sauce for pasta, pizza, meatballs, etc.

Here’s how tomato paste and tomato sauce differ.

Consistency

One of the main differences between tomato sauce and tomato paste is the consistency.

The tomato sauce is quite watery . If you pour it on a plate, it will spread very quickly. Tomato paste, on the other hand, is very thick.

It will only start to loosen up if you mix it with some kind of liquid or put it in a hot pan with oil.

The consistency of both products differs depending on the number of tomato solids they contain. 

Tomato sauce has a much looser and lighter consistency than tomato paste. Contains up to 24% tomato solids.

Tomato paste , however, contains more than 24% tomato solids . The thickness of the tomato paste has to do with the manufacturing process.

The tomatoes are cooked so long that the water content is reduced to a minimum, leaving a thick paste.

Both products are made with peeled tomatoes. Seeds are also removed. 

Taste

The flavor of tomato paste is similar to that of dried tomatoes . It has a remarkable acidity that is not present in tomato sauce. The latter has a flavor similar to that of fresh tomatoes.

Because the tomato paste is so concentrated, it tastes very meaty . It is often added to dishes to give them an umami flavor or enhance the flavor of other ingredients.

In general, tomato paste is considered to have remarkable flavor potential. If a recipe calls for a teaspoon of tomato paste, don’t add more. The smallest amount of this pasta brings an explosion of flavors to the dish.

Ketchup tastes more like fresh tomatoes , although in most cases it is cooked.

It is common for store-bought tomato sauces to contain salt and other seasonings, such as garlic and onion powder, and various herbs.

Homemade tomato sauce can be made even tastier by adding fresh garlic, onion, and high-quality olive oil.

Ingredients

Both tomato paste and tomato sauce can be easily found in stores. Although there are differences between store-bought and homemade, the ingredient list for these two tomato products is pretty straightforward if you decide to make either one at home.

Tomato paste is known for its sour taste . The secret is in the ingredient list. Unlike tomato paste, which gets its flavor from spices and herbs, tomato paste contains none except salt.

The citric acid used in tomato paste enhances sour and tart flavors. Citric acid is also a natural preservative that prevents food spoilage.

Olive oil is another key ingredient if you are making tomato paste at home.

The ingredient list for the tomato sauce is slightly longer and more “tasty” . This is the list of ingredients used to make a delicious tomato sauce:

• Garlic (or garlic powder)
• Onion (or onion powder)
• Salt
• Sugar
• Herbs
• Olive oil

Use

Tomato paste is used in very small quantities, as it has a very intense flavor. It is used as a base ingredient for sauces and stews. Tomato paste also gives a nice color and richness when used in soups.

The secret to making the most of this tasty pasta is knowing how to use it correctly. 

Even though pasta tomatoes have been cooked, you can’t just mix them with other ingredients and expect them to work wonders.

The correct way to “activate” the tomato paste is to “fry” it with a little olive oil until the paste changes color.

Although tomato paste is usually darker than tomato sauce, when cooked, the color becomes even deeper and darker. This will take up to 5 minutes, but the taste of your dish will be remembered for much longer.

The caramelization process begins when you get the brick red color of the tomato paste. If the pasta sticks to the pan, deglaze it with water or another liquid, such as meat or vegetable broth. You will get your dish to have a sauce full of umami flavor.

Tomato sauce is generally used to make other more complex sauces or a simple pasta or pizza sauce.

In canned sauces, the tomatoes are only boiled briefly.  When using canned tomato sauce, keep in mind that the tomatoes have been exposed to heat during the canning process. This implies that they are cooked to a certain point. Not so cooked to eat as is, but enough to keep well.

Therefore, if you want to use it to cover the pasta, do not pour the tomato directly on the food. Cook over low heat for a few minutes.

If it’s a tomato sauce with no added ingredients or seasonings, add some garlic, onion, and herbs to take a can of store-bought sauce to the next level.

nutritional data

Although tomato paste is used in small amounts in cooking, it is good to know what nutrients it contains.

As for tomato sauce, 100 grams of canned tomato sauce is less nutritious than 100 grams of tomato paste . However, it is important to note that, as opposed to using just a few tablespoons of pasta, the sauce is used in larger amounts.

Is tomato paste healthier than tomato sauce?

Although we all know that fresh tomatoes are high in antioxidants and have many health benefits, few people know that tomato paste is not far behind either.

The antioxidant in tomatoes is lycopene . It prevents cell damage, is good for heart health, and reduces the risks of various types of cancer.

One study suggests that the lycopene in tomato paste is better absorbed, making this common kitchen ingredient a potent source of an important antioxidant.

This benefit of tomato paste is a result of the method used to make it. Research suggests that processed tomatoes are a better source of lycopene than uncooked tomatoes.

Therefore, in terms of antioxidant content , tomato paste outperforms fresh tomatoes and undercooked tomato sauce.

Related questions

Can tomato sauce be substituted for tomato paste?

You can substitute tomato sauce for tomato paste. And you can expect a similar but not the same result. Here’s why.

Tomato paste is more concentrated than tomato sauce. It has almost no liquid content. Therefore, you will have to dilute it with water.

The taste of tomato paste is slightly acidic . If you use it instead of tomato sauce, use an ingredient that balances the acidity. A pinch of sugar or a small amount of vinegar will work well for this.

How do you make tomato sauce with tomato paste?

If you’ve run out of your favorite canned tomato sauce, you can make one with tomato paste. However, if you have fresh tomatoes on hand, you’re better off using them to make a sauce. It requires a little more effort, but it guarantees a better result and an authentic tomato sauce flavor.

Making tomato sauce with tomato paste is easy. Combine one part of the pasta with one part of water. Mix well until you get a smooth consistency .

To get it to taste like tomato sauce, you’ll need to add some garlic, onion, and herbs.

Heat the pan with a little olive oil and sauté the chopped onion. Add the garlic.

When both ingredients are soft, add the pasta mixture and water. Season with salt. To increase the sweetness of the sauce, add a pinch of sugar. Allow the mixture to simmer until the sauce thickens to the desired consistency.