This homemade substitute for ketchup (easy!) is ready in just 10 minutes. If you are looking for a healthy substitute, this homemade ketchup alternative is here to save your fries.
P.S. I think you will love serving this ketchup with my Cheetos Mac and Cheese recipe or my Ragitoni Al Forno recipe next.

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BEST KETCHUP SUBSTITUTE
This ketchup replacement is rich, tangy, slightly sweet, and honestly? Better than the bottled stuff. Plus, it goes with everything—fries, eggs, pizza, meatballs, meat loaf, and more.
❤️ WHY THIS IS A CHEAPER + HEALTHIER OPTION
- Budget-friendly ingredients – It’s made with pantry staples like tomato paste and vinegar.
- No hidden sugars or additives – You control the sweetness and skip preservatives, artificial flavors, and high-fructose corn syrup.
- Zero waste potential – Make just what you need, store extras easily, and avoid plastic packaging.

👩🏼🍳 HOW TO MAKE HOMEMADE KETCHUP
Note: Please scroll to the full printable recipe card at the bottom for ingredient quantities and the method
In a small pot, add all the ingredients.
Whisk to combine, breaking up any lumps.
Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low and let it simmer for 5 minutes, stirring often.
Remove from heat and let cool.
Pour into a glass jar, pop it in the fridge, and you’ve got yourself a homemade ketchup-style sauce!
Store in the fridge for up to one month.
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STORAGE
Fridge: Store in a sealed glass container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. The flavor actually gets better after a day or two!
Freezer: Freeze in ice cube trays, then pop the cubes into a freezer bag. Perfect for small portions, you can thaw anytime you need a quick fix.

Did you make this recipe? Let me know what you think by leaving a ★★★★★ star rating & comment below. It genuinely helps me & I really appreciate your support! Nikki 💚
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HOMEMADE SUBSTITUTE FOR KETCHUP (EASY!)
- Total Time: 2 min Prep Time + 5 min cook time = 7 min Total time
- Yield: 1 cup
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This homemade substitute for ketchup (easy!) is ready in just 10 minutes. If you are looking for a healthy substitute, this easy homemade ketchup alternative is here to save your fries.
Ingredients
½ cup tomato paste (I use tomato paste with no added salt)
½ cup water
1 ½ tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon light brown sugar (or maple syrup for a refined sugar-free version!)
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
In a small pot, add all the ingredients.
Whisk to combine, breaking up any lumps.
Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low and let it simmer for 5 minutes, stirring often.
Remove from heat and let cool.
Pour into a glass jar, pop it in the fridge, and you’ve got yourself a homemade ketchup-style sauce!
Store in the fridge for up to one month.
Notes
Fridge: Store in a sealed glass container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. The flavor actually gets better after a day or two!
- Method: Stove Top
- Cuisine: American
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