Whole Tomatoes vs Tomato paste

A side-by-side guide to substituting Tomato paste for Whole Tomatoes (or vice versa).

Quick answer

Use 0.25 cup of Tomato paste for every 1 can of Whole Tomatoes.

Side-by-side

Whole Tomatoes

Base unit: can

Read the full guide: Whole Tomatoes

Tomato paste

Conversion: Use 25% as much (0.25 cup per 1 can)

Tags: common

Notes: Extremely concentrated; mix 1/4 cup paste with 3/4 cup water for 1 can whole tomatoes. Adds deeper color and umami.

Read the full guide: Tomato paste

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When to use Tomato paste instead of Whole Tomatoes

Extremely concentrated; mix 1/4 cup paste with 3/4 cup water for 1 can whole tomatoes. Adds deeper color and umami. The conversion is use 25% as much (0.25 cup per 1 can).

Common questions

Can I substitute Tomato paste for Whole Tomatoes?

Yes — Extremely concentrated; mix 1/4 cup paste with 3/4 cup water for 1 can whole tomatoes. Adds deeper color and umami. Ratio: Use 25% as much (0.25 cup per 1 can).

What's the conversion ratio for Whole Tomatoes to Tomato paste?

Use 25% as much (0.25 cup per 1 can). For other quantities, use the SubSwap calculator.

Are Whole Tomatoes and Tomato paste interchangeable?

They are similar in most uses, but Extremely concentrated; mix 1/4 cup paste with 3/4 cup water for 1 can whole tomatoes..

Is Tomato paste a better substitute than other options for Whole Tomatoes?

Tomato paste is one of the options SubSwap lists for Whole Tomatoes. The 'best' choice depends on your recipe — see the full list of Whole Tomatoes substitutes.

Looking for more Whole Tomatoes substitutes beyond Tomato paste?

See all Whole Tomatoes swaps →