Sun-dried tomatoes are a delicious and healthy snack that can be enjoyed on their own or added to recipes.
They are packed with nutrients, including antioxidants, and provide health benefits.
Plus, they’re easy to make at home.
We’ll show you how to make sun-dried tomatoes using your oven or a dehydrator in this post.
Whether you’re looking for a healthy snack or an easy way to add flavor to your recipes, sun-dried tomatoes are a great option.
But what if you can’t find sun-dried tomatoes? What are some good substitutes for sun-dried tomatoes?
Depending on what you’re looking for, you can substitute sun-dried tomatoes with several other ingredients.
If you’re looking for a similar flavor, you can try using oven-dried or dehydrated tomatoes.
These will have a slightly different texture but will still be packed with flavor.
You can also use roasted red peppers, dried, canned tomatoes, fresh plum tomatoes, tomato paste, or tomato sauce.
These ingredients will add a different flavor to your dish, so be sure to experiment until you find the perfect combination for your taste buds.
What is Sun-Dried Tomato?

For many people, sun-dried tomato is a new ingredient.
It’s become popular in the last several years as chefs have discovered its versatility and flavor.
Sun-dried tomatoes are made by removing water from fresh tomatoes using either the sun or an oven.
The result is a chewy, intensely flavored fruit that can be used in various dishes.
Sun-dried tomatoes are available in most supermarkets, either in the form of whole fruits or as a paste.
Here are some tips for using sun-dried tomatoes:
- Add them to pasta sauces for a burst of flavor.
- Use them as a pizza topping.
- Mix them into dips or spreads.
- Make a sun-dried tomato pesto.
- Add them to salads for a flavor punch.
In terms of nutrition, sun-dried tomatoes are a good source of lycopene.
This antioxidant has been linked to heart health and cancer prevention.
They’re also a good source of vitamins A and C.
Compared to fresh tomatoes, sun-dried tomatoes have a higher concentration of nutrients.
The dehydration process removes water, which dilutes vitamins and minerals.
If you’re looking for a way to add flavor to your dishes, sun-dried tomatoes are a great option.
And they’re good for you, too.
The 5 Best Substitutes for Sun-Dried Tomatoes
There are several good substitutes for those who can’t find sun-dried tomatoes or don’t like them.
Here are some of the best substitutes for sun-dried tomatoes:
1. Dried Canned Tomatoes

Dried canned tomatoes are a good substitute for sun-dried tomatoes.
They have a similar flavor and can be used in the same way.
The main difference is that they’re not as intense, so you may need to use more of them to get the same flavor.
Dried canned tomatoes are available in most supermarkets.
Look for them in the ethnic food aisle or near the other dried fruits.
To use dried, canned tomatoes, soak them in hot water for about 15 minutes.
This will rehydrate them and make them easier to use.
Dried canned tomatoes can be used in any dish that calls for sun-dried tomatoes.
Try them in pasta sauces, dips, spreads, or pesto.
2. Tomato Paste

One of the best substitutes for sun-dried tomatoes is tomato paste.
Tomato paste is made from cooked tomatoes that have been strained to remove the seeds and skin.
The result is a thick, concentrated product with a deep red color and intense flavor.
Tomato paste is available in most supermarkets.
It’s usually sold in small cans or tubes and can be found in the ethnic food aisle.
To use tomato paste, add it to the dish you’re making.
It can be used in place of sun-dried tomatoes in any recipe.
Tomato paste is a great option to add flavor to your dish without changing the texture.
Just keep in mind that it’s very concentrated, so you may need to use less than the recipe calls for.
3. Tomato Sauce

Compared to tomato paste, tomato sauce is thinner and has a more liquid consistency.
It’s also not as concentrated, so it has a milder flavor.
Tomato sauce is available in most supermarkets.
It can be found in the pasta aisle or near the other canned tomatoes.
Depending on the recipe, you may need to thin out the sauce with some water.
This is because sun-dried tomatoes are more concentrated.
Tomato sauce can be a good substitute for sun-dried tomatoes if you’re looking for something with a similar consistency.
The flavor will be milder, but it will still work in most recipes.
4. Fresh Plum Tomatoes

These are probably the most common type of fresh tomato found in stores.
Plum potatoes have a firmer texture and fewer seeds than other types of fresh tomatoes.
When substituting sun-dried tomatoes, use about half as many plum tomatoes as the recipe calls for sun-dried tomatoes.
Plum tomatoes can be used in any dish that calls for sun-dried tomatoes.
They are especially good in pasta dishes, stews, and sauces.
Consider roasting or grilling plum tomatoes for a smoky flavor.
They will add more moisture to a dish, so you may need to adjust the other ingredients accordingly.
In terms of flavor, plum tomatoes are not as intense as sun-dried tomatoes, so you may want to add additional seasonings to your dish.
5. Roasted Red Peppers

Roasted red peppers are the next best thing for those who want the sun-dried tomato flavor without the cost or hassle of making them at home.
Sun-dried tomatoes are made by slowly drying them in the sun or a dehydrator, intensifying their flavor.
Roasted red peppers are roasted over an open flame until their skin is blackened and blistered.
This also intensifies their flavor and makes them sweeter than sun-dried tomatoes.
Compared to sun-dried tomatoes, roasted red peppers are cheaper and easier to find.
They can be found in the international aisle of most grocery stores.
Sun-dried tomatoes can be difficult to find and are more expensive.
Roasted red peppers can be used in a variety of dishes.
They can be added to salads, pasta dishes, or pizza toppings.
Sun-dried tomatoes can also be used in these dishes, but their intense flavor can be overwhelming.
Conclusion
Sun-dried tomatoes have a unique flavor that can be difficult to replicate.
Roasted red peppers are the next best thing and are more affordable and easier to find.
When using either ingredient, it is important to consider the intensity of the flavor.
Sun-dried tomatoes can be overwhelming in some dishes, while roasted red peppers add a sweet smokiness.
Ultimately, the decision to use depends on personal preference and the dish being made.
What are your thoughts on sun-dried tomatoes? Have you ever used roasted red peppers as a substitute?
The 5 Best Substitutes for Sun Dried Tomatoes

Ingredients
- Dried Canned Tomatoes
- Tomato Paste
- Tomato Sauce
- Fresh Plum Tomatoes
- Roasted Red Peppers
Instructions
- Pick your favorite substitute from the list above.
- Follow cooking directions for your selected substitute with the proper ratio of ingredients.