Vegemite is a yeast extract created by combining sugar with various other components. Yeasts are the critical component in Vegemite, derived from brewing beer.
With a variety of vegetable and spice additions, Vegemite is made from brewer’s yeast and has a distinct flavor.
Vegemite is typically eaten on toast with butter, but it may also be used to prepare sandwiches or pasta dishes.
History of Vegemite
Vegemite is a yeast extract spread developed in 1922 by an Australian chemist, Cyril Callister. It has been bought and then acquired by Mondelez International over time.
The Australian Bega Cheese group acquired the Vegemite brand in a US$460 million deal for complete Australian control in January 2017.
Kraft Foods Inc. owned it until 2012 when it was acquired by Mondelez International (formerly Kraft Foods).
Nutritional Information
Vegemite contains significant amounts of vitamins, including thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, and folate (B1, B2, B3, and B9, in that order).
The original version does not contain vitamin B12 or vitamin B6. But both are later added to the low-salt formulation.
Vegemite is a yeast extract high in glutamic acid, a natural umami flavoring. It doesn’t contain any fat or added sugar but has gluten.
Halal Vegemite. Credit: canva
Halal Vegemite
Is Vegemite Halal Certified?
In 2010, Vegemite also received halal certification.
The Australian Federation of Islamic Councils has certified Vegemite as Halal. It was verified that no animal-derived components were used in the production.
The yeast used in the product has been purified to ensure that it is alcohol-free.
Is Vegemite Kosher Certified?
According to Jewish tradition, the first kosher Vegemite was produced in the 1980s. After an adverse reaction from Jewish consumers, the plan to cease kashrut certification was reversed in 2004.
In 2009, Kraft engaged with the Kashrut Authority of NSW for kashrut supervision services. All jars and tubes of regular Vegemite were imprinted with the authorities.
Is Vegemite Vegan Certified?
While Vegemite’s creators have long claimed that it is suitable for vegans, it was not until World Vegan Day 2019 that the Vegemite Company received vegan approval from Vegan Australia Certified.
A Vegemite nutritionist said that “the spread had always been a fitting choice for vegans.”
Halal is an Arabic word meaning “permissible”. In terms of food, it refers to anything that is allowed under Islamic law.
Pork and pork by-products are not halal, as they are forbidden in Islam. This includes items such as ham, bacon, and sausage. Alcohol is also considered haram (forbidden) in Islam.
Halal Certification and Label
The halal certification process is overseen by a committee of experts who examine each product to ensure it meets the requirements before giving their stamp of approval.
When you see these logos on food packaging, you can be confident that what is inside has been deemed halal by a recognized authority.
Vegemite. Credit: Canva
Vegemite Variations
There are a few variations of Vegemite, with varying levels of salt and gluten.
Original Vegemite
The Classic version, which is high in B vitamins and no added salt, is popular among many vegans. It’s also gluten-free.
Vegemite Squeezy
Vegemite Squeezy is a lot more convenient and easier to use than Vegemite. You only need to squeeze the bottle to make a sandwich or simply add to your favorite meal.
Vegemite Gluten Free
If you haven’t been able to enjoy Vegemite due to gluten intolerance or simply avoiding gluten, then Vegemite is available in a Gluten-Free option.
40% Less Salt Vegemite
The standard taste of Vegemite 40% Less Salt is fantastic, with added benefits from vitamins B6 and B12. This Vegemite 40% Less Salt is your product if you wish to reduce your salt intake.
Bega cream cheese is used in the Vegemite & Cheese variation, which has a creamier and milder flavor than traditional Vegemite.
This makes Vegemite & Cheese the perfect addition to your favorite recipes or a great snack on the go.
FAQs
What does Vegemite taste like?
Vegemite is a very dark brown thick paste with a distinctive salty taste. It’s made from leftover yeast extract, and it has a strong umami flavor of its own. Below are the essential ingredients:
Is Vegemite same as Marmite?
Marmite and Vegemite are made from yeast extract but aren’t the same.
The main difference between the two is that Marmite is made using brewer’s yeast and malt extract, while Vegemite uses leftover brewers’ yeast from beer brewing.
Vegemite has a salty taste with an earthy, almost meaty flavor. Marmite is also quite salty but a little sweeter than Vegemite.
Is Vegemite vegan?
While the makers of Vegemite have long claimed that Vegemite was suitable for vegans, it was not until World Vegan Day 2019 that it received vegan certification from the Vegan Australia Certified program.
Is Vegemite good or bad for you?
Vegemite is a good source of vitamin B12 and thiamine, both essential nutrients that can be difficult to obtain from plant-based sources. But Vegemite doesn’t contain any protein or fiber at all.
