According to What's Cooking America, 22 million jars of Vegemite are produced every year, but only a mere three percent of them are shipped outside the continent. And it's not just that non-Aussies don't have a taste for it—it's that they hate it.
MELBOURNE, Australia — Next to kangaroos and more dangerous animals, perhaps nothing else evokes Australian stereotypes like Vegemite. The yeasty spread, beloved there and virtually nowhere else, is considered such a national nosh that some people say it is a must-eat on Australia Day.
Around 98% of VEGEMITE is sold in Australia; the other 2% is sold overseas.
Despite the numerous attempts, over 22 million jars of VEGEMITE spread are sold every year, and loved by children, teenagers and adults both in Australia and overseas there is with no doubt this is Australia's most iconic spread.
Aussies love it, most overseas tourists hate it, but there's no denying Vegemite is one of Australia's most popular and iconic brands. It is an ingredient in many Australian lunchboxes but what is Vegemite?
What does Vegemite taste like? Vegemite might be an institution in The Commonwealth, but many in the U.S. are unsure about what to expect from the spread. Despite it's chocolate-like appearance, the flavor isn't sweet like Nutella, another spreadable import.
Vegemite maker Kraft spokeswoman Joanna Scott reportedly said: "The Food and Drug Administration doesn't allow the import of Vegemite simply because the recipe does have the addition of folic acid."
Umami flavor: Vegemite has a savory, umami flavor that comes from the yeast extract used to make it. This flavor is often described as meaty or brothy, and it can be very satisfying to the taste buds. Salt content: Vegemite is high in salt, which can make it more addictive to some people.
If it's purely flavour you're looking for, I advise choosing Vegemite. It's a bit of a richer and more subtle taste than Marmite that might be easier to get used to. If the vitamin contents are meaningfull to you, and specifically vitamin B12, definitely go for Marmite as Vegemite doesn't contain any vitamin B12.
Think of it like a bouillon paste — extremely salty and savory. The flavor is unique and also has a bit of a bitter quality that some find off-putting, but in moderation can be pleasantly tasty. If you're a fan of miso, dive in! You'll likely enjoy the funky, salty taste of Vegemite too.
Is Marmite halal? Yes. The entire Marmite range is halal – and certified by the Halal Food Authority.
Compared to Marmite, Vegemite is thicker like peanut butter, darker, and slightly more bitter, its initially off-putting taste requiring it be spread only thinly. There are also slight differences in the various vitamins and other ingredients they contain.
Brits and Aussies alike commonly enjoy Marmite or Vegemite lightly scraped on buttered toast. Neither spread should be slathered on heavily — a rookie mistake — but a touch of either one can be used to add saltiness to certain dishes.
Vegemite is not just a food to many Australians; it is a symbol of the country, a venerated part of the culture. There is no American equivalent, although the relationship of some New Yorkers to the cream cheese on their bagels is suggestive.
As you would expect, the researchers found that most people who knew about Marmite lived in Commonwealth countries with strong ties to the UK. And unsurprisingly, some of those same countries were where you found the most Marmite lovers — New Zealand, South Africa, Australia, and the UK.
Vegemite contains a notable amount of vitamin B2 (riboflavin). Studies show riboflavin may help reduce the frequency of migraines in people who experience such headaches. The niacin in Vegemite can help reduce “bad” LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol, which can improve heart health.
“Its low fat, high in protein and a great source of calcium.” But overall, it's peanut butter for the win. So go ahead and spread your nutty spreads, Australia.
The Cyril Callister Foundation was established in 2019 to celebrate the life, work and scientific legacy of Australian chemist and food scientist Cyril Callister, the man who invented Vegemite. When the salty black paste first rolled off the production line in 1923, Australians hated it.
The United States Customs and Border Protection tried to dispel the rumour, stating on its website that "there is no known prohibition on the importation of Vegemite" and "there is no official policy within CBP targeting Vegemite for interception". The story of the "ban" later took on the status of urban legend.
Availability worldwide. Our Mate – Marmite branded for sale in Australia and New Zealand. Because of the local product named Marmite, European Marmite is sold by the name "Our Mate" in Australia and New Zealand.
Vegemite is a thick, dark spread extracted from the yeasty waste of the beer-brewing process, seasoned with celery, onion, salt, and some undisclosed extra flavors. Salty, umami-rich, with a hint of bitterness, Vegemite is an Australian obsession.
What Does Vegemite Taste Like? Vegemite has a strong, salty, meaty-rich flavor (although there is no meat or meat byproduct in it). The flavor could be compared to a very intense tamari or soy sauce.
Sulfurol is described as having a "sulfur, meaty, chicken broth" smell – which Vegemite fans may well recognise as the aroma that meets them when they unscrew the lid of the jar.