9 Best Substitutes for Diced Tomatoes

Diced tomatoes are a culinary mainstay that have long graced our kitchens with their versatility and vibrant flavors. These cubed bits of tomato can be fresh or canned, and are often used as a base ingredient in an array of recipes, from soups to casseroles, stews to stir-fries. The best diced tomatoes are those that offer a balanced blend of acidity and sweetness, have a firm yet tender texture, and can easily meld into a dish to elevate its richness and depth.

While diced tomatoes are invaluable, running out of them mid-recipe can feel like a culinary catastrophe. But there’s no need to hit the panic button just yet. As it turns out, there are plenty of substitutes that can not only fill the void but also add unique nuances to your dish. Whether you’re in the middle of making a family favorite or experimenting with a new recipe, knowing how to swap out diced tomatoes can save the day. This article offers an in-depth look at the best alternatives, guiding you through each option’s texture, flavor, and best uses, ensuring your cooking endeavor remains on course.

What is Diced Tomatoes?

Diced tomatoes are essentially fresh tomatoes that have been chopped into small, cube-shaped pieces. They are commonly used in a variety of dishes including stews, soups, chilis, and casseroles. Often, they are canned and come with additional flavors like garlic, basil, or oregano. The key advantage of using diced tomatoes is that they can easily integrate into a dish, providing both moisture and flavor without overwhelming the other ingredients.

Quick Tomato Tidbits: Substitutes For Diced Tomatoes At A Glance

• Crushed Tomatoes
• Tomato Sauce
• Fresh Tomatoes
• Tomato Paste + Water
• Canned Stewed Tomatoes
• Canned Whole Tomatoes
• Cherry Tomatoes
• Sun-dried Tomatoes
• Red Bell Peppers

Best Substitutes For Diced Tomatoes

Life doesn’t always give us tomatoes, but that doesn’t mean you can’t make a stunning ratatouille or an irresistible pot of chili. Here’s where creativity meets culinary artistry. Let’s explore some of the best substitutes for diced tomatoes.

Crushed Tomatoes

Arguably the closest relative to diced tomatoes, crushed tomatoes offer a seamless transition when you find your pantry lacking. They provide a near-identical texture and a comparable flavor profile that your recipe likely calls for.

Textural Aspects: Crushed tomatoes are a bit smoother than diced tomatoes but can closely mimic the textural elements in many dishes. For recipes that need a chunkier texture, consider adding a few vegetables like diced zucchinis or bell peppers.

Flavor Dynamics: Crushed tomatoes offer the right balance of acidity and sweetness, making them a versatile option. Sometimes they come with additional seasonings, so always check the label to ensure it fits within the flavor boundaries of your dish.

Practical Use: To substitute diced tomatoes with crushed tomatoes, use a one-to-one ratio. For every cup of diced tomatoes, you can use a cup of crushed tomatoes.

Tomato Sauce

Though smoother and often thinner, tomato sauce can effectively replace diced tomatoes, especially in dishes where texture isn’t paramount.

Textural Aspects: Tomato sauce offers a silky texture. Although it won’t offer the chunky bite that diced tomatoes provide, it’s ideal for dishes that are pureed or have a smoother consistency.

Flavor Dynamics: Generally milder and less acidic than diced or crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce may require an adjustment in spices or acid content, like adding a dash of vinegar or lemon juice.

Practical Use: Use a smaller quantity of tomato sauce to replace diced tomatoes to avoid making the dish too runny. Adding vegetables like finely chopped onions can lend some of the lost textural depth.

Fresh Tomatoes

Sometimes, going back to the basics is the best course of action. Fresh tomatoes, while requiring more prep work, offer the most straightforward substitution.

Textural Aspects: Freshly diced tomatoes provide the same chunkiness as canned diced tomatoes. The key is to choose ripe yet firm tomatoes to avoid a mushy outcome.

Flavor Dynamics: Fresh tomatoes are incredibly versatile, allowing you to manipulate their flavor profile by adding your preferred seasonings.

Practical Use: To replace a 14.5-ounce can of diced tomatoes, use about 1 ½ to 2 cups of fresh, diced tomatoes.

Canned Stewed Tomatoes

Don’t let the name fool you; stewed tomatoes can be a dynamic substitute for diced tomatoes. Often cooked with seasonings and sometimes sugar, they provide a unique flair.

Textural Aspects: Stewed tomatoes are softer due to the pre-cooking process, which means they won’t offer the same bite as diced tomatoes. However, they can be chopped to more closely mimic the desired texture.

Flavor Dynamics: These tomatoes are cooked with seasonings like celery, bell pepper, and various spices, adding a nuanced flavor profile to your dishes. They can be an exciting option if you want to add some complexity.

Practical Use: Use a one-to-one ratio for substituting. But be mindful of the extra seasonings in stewed tomatoes; you may need to adjust the other spices in your dish accordingly.

Canned Whole Tomatoes

Talk about going full circle! Whole tomatoes are like the uncut diamonds of the tomato world — a little work and you can make them shine in any form.

Textural Aspects: These tomatoes are usually packed in juice, making them soft yet versatile. You can chop them into any size you prefer, giving you complete control over the texture.

Flavor Dynamics: Often less processed than other canned tomato products, whole tomatoes offer a clean, rich tomato flavor that can be manipulated with your choice of spices and herbs.

Practical Use: Drain and chop the whole tomatoes to mimic the size of diced tomatoes. One 14.5-ounce can of whole tomatoes can be used as a substitute for a similar-sized can of diced tomatoes.

Cherry Tomatoes

These tiny bursts of flavor can surprisingly act as a delightful substitute for diced tomatoes.

Textural Aspects: Cherry tomatoes provide a juicy, yet firm texture. When cooked, they can soften but generally hold their shape quite well.

Flavor Dynamics: They are sweeter and less acidic, adding a different but enjoyable flavor dimension to your cooking.

Practical Use: Halve or quarter the cherry tomatoes depending on your texture preference. A pint can serve as a substitute for a 14.5-ounce can of diced tomatoes.

Sun-dried Tomatoes

An unconventional but savory choice, sun-dried tomatoes can offer a concentrated tomato flavor that’s truly unique.

Textural Aspects: These are chewy and can add an interesting textural contrast to dishes that traditionally use softer diced tomatoes.

Flavor Dynamics: They are rich and intense, adding both sweetness and umami. But beware, they can dominate a dish if used excessively.

Practical Use: Rehydrate them in hot water, then chop to your desired size. A half-cup of chopped, rehydrated sun-dried tomatoes can replace a 14.5-ounce can of diced tomatoes.

Red Bell Peppers

While not a tomato product, red bell peppers can be a vibrant alternative, both in color and flavor.

Textural Aspects: They offer a crunchy bite when raw and a softer texture when cooked, making them suitable for a variety of dishes.

Flavor Dynamics: The sweetness of red bell peppers can complement many dishes that would normally use tomatoes, but without the acidity.

Practical Use: Dice the red bell peppers and use them as you would diced tomatoes. A medium-sized bell pepper can replace about a half-cup of diced tomatoes.

Substitutes for Diced Tomatoes: Nutritional Profile

Substitute	Gluten	Calories	Fat	Carbs	Fiber	Protein
Crushed Tomatoes	0g	22	0g	5g	1g	1g
Tomato Sauce	0g	20	0g	4g	1g	1g
Fresh Tomatoes	0g	5	0g	1g	0g	0g
Stewed Tomatoes	0g	32	0g	7g	2g	1g
Whole Tomatoes	0g	25	0g	5g	1g	1g
Cherry Tomatoes	0g	18	0g	4g	1g	1g
Sun-dried Tomatoes	0g	139	7g	30g	7g	7g
Red Bell Peppers	0g	37	0g	9g	3g	1g

Tomato Alchemy: Transmuting Absence into Culinary Gold

Let the absence of diced tomatoes be a spark for your culinary creativity rather than a hindrance. With the wide array of substitutes available—ranging from canned wonders to vibrant fresh produce—you’re well-equipped to adapt and conquer any recipe that comes your way. A good chef knows the secret isn’t just in following a recipe to the letter but understanding how to adapt and innovate. Your culinary journey need not hit a roadblock; think of it more as a scenic detour on the way to Deliciousville. Bon appétit!