Whether enjoying a nutritional glass of tomato juice with breakfast or in a Bloody Mary, there is no doubt that this is one ingredient that should always be in the pantry. What can you use as a substitute if you are out of tomato juice?
Our 2 favorite substitutes for tomato juice are:
- Tomato sauce
- Whole or diced, canned tomatoes
Contents
Tomato Sauce Substitute
Canned tomato sauce may contain high amounts of sodium and onion and garlic flavoring. Always check labels for ingredients.
To create one cup of tomato juice from tomato sauce:
= 1/2 cup water plus 1/2 cup tomato sauce.
Tomato Paste Substitute
Tomato paste is made by cooking out all the juice from tomatoes. Some brands of the canned paste may add salt and sugar as flavor.
To use tomato paste as a substitute to make 1-1/4 cups of tomato juice:
= 1/4 cup tomato paste plus 1 cup of water.
Whole or Diced Canned Tomatoes Substitute
Use a blender or food processor. Pour in the tomatoes, including juice, and blend until smooth. Strain any pulp or seeds, if desired. Most canned tomatoes are 15 ounces, so that the result will be about the same.
Consider adding other cooked vegetables and herbs such as carrots, celery, onion, peppers, parsley, etc., to blend and create a vegetable cocktail—salt and pepper to taste.
Ketchup Substitute
If there are no other options, use ketchup to create tomato juice. Ketchup will contain sweeteners and often onions so that the flavor may be different. We don’t suggest using stewed tomatoes or tomato puree.
To make 1/2 cup of tomato juice, substitute:
= 1 tablespoon ketchup plus 1/2 cup water.
Nutritional Value and Health Benefits
Tomato juice’s antioxidant properties, beta-carotene, and lycopene are responsible for helping reduce the risk of developing heart diseases and cancer. But did you also know:
Fights Free Radicals to Protect Cells
It is well-known that the tomato’s powerful antioxidants and phytonutrients also defend your body from free radicals and keep your cells safe from damage.
Helps With Constipation
But, did you also know that the fiber-rich glass of tomato juice acts as a mild laxative as it stimulates bowel movement?
Reduces Cholesterol
If your cholesterol is too high, consider adding a glass of tomato juice to one meal daily. The lycopene, vitamin C and E, and beta-carotene in tomatoes help strengthen the walls of blood vessels and remove cholesterol from the blood.
Assists in Detoxifying the Body
Tomatoes help your liver and kidneys in their detoxification process and also remove fat-soluble toxins. Tomatoes work to reduce water retention with their potassium properties, too.
FAQ
Can I substitute tomato sauce for tomato juice?
Tomato sauce can be used to make tomato juice. Check the ingredients on the can for salt and added flavors. The ratio for creating juice from the sauce is 1 to 1.
=1/2 cup sauce plus 1/2 cup water
Can I make tomato juice from canned tomatoes?
Use a blender or food processor to make tomato juice from canned tomatoes. Pour in the tomatoes, including juice, and blend until smooth. Strain any pulp or seeds, if desired. Most canned tomatoes are 15 ounces, so that the result will be about the same.
Consider adding other cooked vegetables and herbs such as carrots, celery, onion, peppers, parsley, etc., to blend and create a vegetable cocktail—salt and pepper to taste.
Can I make tomato juice from tomato paste?
Tomato paste is made by cooking out all the juice from tomatoes. Some brands of the canned paste may add salt and sugar as flavor. You may want to add salt, sugar, or other spices to taste.
To use tomato paste as a substitute to make 1-1/4 cups of tomato juice:
= 1/4 cup tomato paste plus 1 cup of water.
