Last Updated on October 11, 2023

Are you a fan of Vegemite? There’s nothing quite like Vegemite – the iconic flavor of the most loved Australian salty spread. If you want me to describe what it tastes like? Does it taste good?

Well…I’d say, some people are die-hard fans of this dark brown paste, and haters gonna hate.

If you haven’t tried this popular spread yet, you need to join me to learn more about this mysterious Australian pantry staple.

Let’s get started!

What Is Vegemite?

Vegemite is an Australian yeast extract spread that has a dark brown, thick like peanut butter, and salty paste-like consistency and is considered an iconic culinary item in Australia and beyond.

This salty umami food spread has been cherished by Aussies for over 95 years.

This spread possesses an unmistakable taste that only true fans can appreciate. It definitely has its own unique flavor profile – earthy, mildly bitter but with a slight sweetness that lingers on your tongue.

A staple in every Australian’s kitchen. Many Aussies are familiar with it from childhood onwards – from Vegemite sandwiches to mashed potato as part of their afternoon snack.

The History Of Vegemite

In 1922, the company Fred Walker & Co. (which would later become Kraft Food Company) sent their chemist Franz Karl Inn to develop a spreadable product sourced from leftover brewers’ yeast extract.

Basically, it is a by-product of the brewing process.

Inn’s successful formulation was eventually called Vegemite (it was called ‘Pure Vegetable Extract‘ at first). It became commercially available in 1923 in Australia and New Zealand.

In reality, British Marmite, a thick, dark English spread, already dominated the Australian market, and Australians were hesitant to try Fred Walker’s product.

Its poor sales led to its name being changed in 1928 to Parwill. The rebranding strategy was based on simple logic; “If Marmite…then Parwill.“.

In 1939, the brand gained official endorsement from the British Medical Association and began marketing campaigns in the British Medical Journal.

This brand was later marketed successfully overseas due to Australia’s strong links with Britain, particularly during World War II when soldiers entered war zones armed with jars of Vegemite for sustenance as part of their C-ration packs.

(Source: Kraft Food)

What is Vegemite Made Of?

The flavor and color of Vegemite are all-natural, however, the original recipe for the spread still remains secret to this day.

The main ingredients include yeast extract (from beer brewing), vegetable and crop extracts (such as wheat and onion), herbs, spices, and vitamin B Complex (from brewer’s yeast).

What Does Vegemite Taste Like?

The taste is quite concentrated, so a small amount goes a long way. Some people described the taste as processed cheese.

Because Vegemite is made from malt extract, vegetable extracts, flavor enhancers, and spices – all of which contribute to its distinct flavor profile.

In a nutshell, the first flavor of Vegemite on your tongue is salty, with a deep umami flavor and a malt extract aftertaste.

Differences Between Vegemite And Marmite

Vegemite and Marmite are two popular spreads found in many households around the world. Marmite is an English yeast spread, the British version of Vegemite.

While they are both made from yeast extract, they have some significant differences that set them apart.

Vegemite has a salty and bitter taste, while Marmite has a more savory flavor with less salt and hints of umami.

In terms of health benefits, Vegemite has more B vitamins than Marmite due to its higher concentration of folate.

Both spreads contain iron, however, Vegemite provides more iron per serving than Marmite does.

Additionally, Vegemite also contains Vitamin B12 which can help support brain and nerve health. Ultimately, when choosing between the two products, it comes down to personal preference as to which one you prefer.

(Source: Vegemite from Healthline, Marmite from VeryWellFit.com)

Where To Buy Vegemite

Vegemite can be difficult to find outside of Australia and New Zealand.

The good news is that you can buy it online! There are many online stores that sell imported foods and ship them worldwide.

Amazon and eBay have listings for the original Vegemite as well as other varieties such as reduced-salt or reduced-yeast options.

You can also order authentic Australian Vegemite directly from the manufacturer’s website.

How To Use Vegemite

It can be added to enhance the flavor of dishes such as pies, pastry rolls, toast, sandwiches, and other savory treats. It’s also enjoyed as a standalone spread Vegemite on toast or crackers.

Because it’s salty and highly concentrated, all you need is a small amount when using it. The most common way to use is simply spreading it on buttered toasts.

Consumption advice: The manufacturer recommends consuming up to 4g-8g per day – about one teaspoon at most – for adults only; keep it away from children as it can contain high levels of salt/sodium which can cause potential health risks if consumed in large amounts or too regularly

Final Thoughts

Vegemite is an iconic Australian food product that has been consumed for over 95 years – yet it continues to evolve and find new uses in the modern kitchen.

Not only boasts an unusual flavor profile, but it is also a source of vitamins and minerals including B1, B2, B3, and iron.

In recent years, it has become increasingly popular with Australians of all ages. This is because they look to use the spread in a variety of recipes that range from sweet to savory dishes.

Its unique taste can add depth and complexity to dishes such as grilled sandwiches, roasted vegetables, or even cocktails!

The future of this spread looks very promising as consumers continue to explore its versatility in the modern kitchen.

This will make it easy for busy families to incorporate the beloved spread into their meal times.