The British Version of Vegemite: Marmite

Ah, Marmite, the beloved spread of the British Isles. Some say it tastes like heaven in a jar. Others say it’s the culinary equivalent of stepping on a lego.

But one thing’s for sure – it’s a divisive yeast extract. You either love it or you hate it. There’s no in-between. And let’s be real; if you don’t love Marmite, we can’t be friends. Just kidding… maybe.

But seriously, if you’re brave enough to give it a try, slather it on toast and see where the wind takes you. Or, you know, stick with peanut butter. Your choice.

Marmite, the British version of Vegemite, is a popular salty spread made from yeast extract. The taste can be described as salty and savory with an earthy flavor.

It was created in the 19th Century by German scientist Justus von Liebig who was trying to make a cheap way for an army platoon to get nutritional yeast during World War I.

british version of vegemite: marmite
Marmite, the British version of Vegemite. Credit: canva

English Version of Vegemite

Many people are familiar with the Australian spread of Vegemite, but did you know there is a British version of Vegemite called Marmite?

While it was created in the 19th Century by von Liebig, Vegemite was developed in Melbourne in the early 1920s by Cyril Percy Callister.

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Marmite Vegemite has been around for over 100 years. It is a highly salty flavor and savory spread that contains yeast extract, which gives the flavor its distinctive taste.

The English vegemite it’s also used as an ingredient in some recipes.

It is a source of vitamins B1, vitamin B2, vitamin B3, Vitamins B6, B12, and folic acid, which can aid digestion and strengthen your immune system. 

It has commonly used as a flavor enhancer, as it is particularly rich in umami due to its very high levels of glutamate.

Vegemite UK

It comes in many different flavors. The original version is light, Marmite XO (super strong blend), and extra dark.

Marmite Lite has less sugar and no artificial colors or flavorings added to the recipe. It is vegan with no animal products whatsoever that instead use vegetable extracts such as celery extract and onion extracts for thickening.

Marmite vs Vegemite

Here’s a comparison table:

VegemiteMarmite
Country of originAustraliaUnited Kingdom
Main ingredientsYeast extract, vegetables, spicesYeast extract, vegetables
FlavorBitter, savoryBitter, savory
ConsistencyThick, spreadableThick, spreadable
Popular usesToast, sandwiches, snacksToast, sandwiches, snacks
AvailabilityWidely available in Australia and New Zealand, available in some countries internationallyWidely available in the UK, available in some countries internationally
Comparison Table

British Vegemite: Why Do People Love Or Hate?

Some say it tastes like yeast extract, and others find its intense flavor too strong, while some even compare the taste to rotten vegetables.

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This distinctive taste is represented in the advertising campaign: “Love it or hate it.

Marmite: Credit: Canva

Is Vegemite the same as Marmite?

“Is there a difference between Vegemite and Marmite?” you ask. The answer is yes, but it’s not as important as what both have in common: they are both delicious spreads for your morning toast!

What is Vegemite? It is made from brewer’s yeast extract with various vegetable extract and spice additives, while English vegemite is made of the by-product of brewing beer. Both are salty and savory, with intense flavors that will wake your taste buds in the morning!

At first glance, they seem to be nearly identical. However, some subtle differences can make one a better fit for your palate than the other. The main difference between Marmite and Vegemite is in their flavorings: Marmite has a savory taste with a hint of saltier taste, while Vegemite features an umami taste, not unlike soy or fish sauce.

Another thing to consider is how you plan on consuming it, as there are two different methods: spreading it on toast or adding it to hot foods like soup, pasta dishes, and casseroles.

So go ahead, spread some on your toast – be sure to try them both to decide which one you like best!

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Benefits

It tastes like a mix between peanut butter and Vegemite but can be an acquired taste due to the intense flavor.

Marmite is a rich source of vitamin B complex, which helps with energy production, red blood cell formation, and nerve function, as well as folic acid which reduces the risk of congenital disabilities. With these benefits, it’s no wonder many people are interested in eating this condiment on toast or crackers!

Marmite on Toast

How to Eat Marmite on Toast

You might have been wondering how to eat this yeast extract spread on toast. I will break it down step by step so that no one has any more questions about this delicious breakfast item. 

  1. Put a slice of white bread into the toaster and wait until it pops up.  
  2. Spread butter on the toast while it’s still hot from the toaster- not too much!
  3. Use a knife or spoon (depending on your preference), scoop some marmite onto the buttered toast, and spread the bread evenly.
  4. Wait 5 minutes for it to cool before eating, because if you don’t, it’s messy! 
  5. If you want, you can add some cheese and veggies, and then it becomes cheese sandwiches.
  6. Eat with a glass of milk.
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