Vegemite or Marmite - Which is the mightiest spread?
Vegemite
When I say Australia - what do you think? The white sandy beaches, the Great Barrier Reef… maybe the terrifying spiders? Perhaps some of you reading this will be thinking one thing and one thing only: VEGEMITE.
That’s right. Malty, salty, spreadable vegetable extract and a staple of any Australian household. It’s well loved, well-known and something before writing this article, I had never tried before. Many told me that, as with Marmite, I would either love it or hate it.
So, as some of you may be here to debate whether or not to buy it – I’ve done the research for you. Others may just be here to read about their favourite spread (for which I appreciate your dedication and suggest you come to Kellys and stock up!).
Looking back over the history of Vegemite and its creator Fred Walker, one can only admire his dedication. With marketing failing to create the buzz around Vegemite that Fred expected, he changed the name (then changed it back) and tried to compete against Britain’s well-known Marmite. After years of advertising, rebranding, competitions and even a hit song – Vegemite fought its way to be the number one choice for Australians everywhere.
Used as a spread on sandwiches, crackers or in more complicated recipes (check their official website, because Vegemite brownies are a thing!), it’s a nutritious spread, rich in B vitamins. Once opened, it’s easily stored in your cupboards until its best before date, if you have any left before then!
Marmite
But wait! What about Marmite? Another household name and equally loved (and hated) across the world.
In the late 19th century German scientist Justus von Liebig found out that the concentrated residu of brewer's yeast was perfectly edible. The British got hold of this information and in 1902 The Marmite Food Extract Company was formed in England.
In the early 1900s Marmite was being sold in earthenware pots, which explains the brown terra-cotta like pot on the front packaging label. In the 1920s they decided glass jars would be a more convenient and less fragile packaging.
Vegemite vs. Marmite - The Differences
To some – they’re very similar. To others? They’re as different as chalk and cheese. The catchy mite-like names and bright yellow lids can be confusing! Very simply put – the main difference is that one is British and the other is Australian. But there's definitely more to it!
Ingredients
The biggest difference regarding the ingredients are the grains used where the yeast has been extracted from. Marmite uses wheat, barley, oat and rye yeast extract, where as Vegemite only uses wheat and barley. Marmite also uses
Vegemite |
Marmite |
Yeast Extract (from Barley and Wheat) |
Yeast Extract (from Barley, Wheat, Oats and Rye) |
Salt |
Salt |
Malt Extract (from Barley) |
Vegetable juice concentrate |
Flavour enhancer (potassium chloride) |
Thiamin |
Colour Ammonia Caramel |
Riboflavin |
Spice-extract (contains Celery) |
Niacin |
Niacin |
Vitamin B12 |
Thiamin |
Folic Acid |
Riboflavin |
Natural flavouring (contains Celery) |
Folic Acid |
|
Nutritional Value
Because of a slight difference in the 'per portion' size we took the 100g to make a better comparison.
|
||
Energy (kJ) |
729 kJ |
1100 kJ |
Energy (kcal) |
174 kcal |
260 kcal |
Fat (g) |
0.9g |
< 0.5g |
Of which saturated |
0.1g |
< 0.1g |
Carbohydrates |
11.1g |
30g |
Of which sugars |
2.4g |
1.2g |
Protein |
25.9g |
34g |
Salt |
8.39g |
10.8g |
Thiamin B1 (mg) |
11mg |
7.7mg |
Riboflavin b2 (mg) |
8.6mg |
6.8mg |
Niacin B3 (mg) |
50mg |
69mg |
Folic Acid (ug) |
2000 ug |
1250 ug |
Vitamin B12 (ug) |
n.v.t. |
24 ug |
So what's noteworthy?
Marmite contains vitamin B12, Vegemite doesn't. The Vitamin B3 values are higher in Marmite, but Vegemite contains a bit more B1, B2 and Folic Acid.
All other differences are very minor if you calculate it back to a portion size of about 5 grams.
The Look and Taste
Vegemite is a lot darker than Marmite. Think dark chocolate with Vegemite and milk chocolate with marmite. Vegemite is a little bit more compact and isn't as spreadible as Marmite is.
But most important of course; the flavour. Both products have an unique taste and the differences are minor. Marmite tends to have a little bit more of a salty and bitter flavour to it. I guess Vegemite might be a bit easier to get used to as it's a little bit more subtle. The fact that Marmite uses yeast extract from Rye could be the reason it tastes a little bit more bitter, but what do I know!?
Marmite and a lack of Vitamin B12
A lack of vitamin B12 can result in all kinds of physical and mental complaints. Most of the people that suffer from a lack of vitamin B12 are able to get those levels back to normal by eating foods that contain high levels of vitamine b12.
Marmite is one of those products, in contains 2ug of vitamin B12 per 8g portion, which is 80% of your recommended daily allowance on 1 slice of toast.
Besides this Marmite has been enriched with a number of other vitamin B's being: Thiamin B1, Riboflavin B2, Niacin B3, Folic Acid B9 and Vitamin B12.
Marmite contains between 43% and 99% of your recommended daily allowance of all these b-vitamins.
Be aware that Vegemite doesn't contain any vitamin B12.
Conclusion
Vegemite and Marmite are both unique tasting products that share a lot of similarities in ingredients and nutrional value.
Vegemite tends to be a lot darker, but does that really matter if you're not using it in Haut Cuisine cooking? (good luck when trying that!)
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. Marmite gives you 80% of your recommended daily allowance on 1 slice of toast.
So, whether you grew up with one, have never tried the other, are looking to up your vitamin B12 intake or you are a complete Marmite/Vegemite newbie – buy yourself a jar today!
Love it or hate it – we’d love to know your favourite!
Comments
I find it amusing watching videos of Americans trying Vegemite for the first time and they apply a thick layer of the spread. It is a rookie mistake and the reactions are hilarious.
Vegemite :
Pros : Easily spread, heavenly texture, no strong odor, lid opens very easily.
Cons : Taste too mild to me, I had to spread at least twice as needed on butter, because after trying marmite first, I found there wasn't enough salt XD
Marmite :
Pros : taste like heaven, do not spread a lot on toast and it will be good.So, I guess, it's economical as well.
Cons : texture is not easily spreadable, smell very strongly and sometimes the lids get stuck.
I can't get enough of the taste of marmite, but I will happily eat both, if asked ;)
Marmite is great and is cheaper in OZ due to Vegemite bias.
All who eat Marmite regularly are real happy bunnies.
Those that eat Vegemite (Pretend Marmite) instead think they're happy but...in time they will see or others will, that somethings lacking.....
Need I say more?
To find intellectualism, regularly consume Marmite
(And the 3rd world war was started between England and Australia over the words spoken about Vegemite v Marmite).......
Because ‘we love our vegemite, we all adore our vegemite, it puts a rose in every cheek’. As our National song says.
Ha ha
When Vegemite became available here I tried it out, but frankly couldn’t finish the jar.
I honestly much prefer Marmite to Vegemite, as I can’t abide the latter.
If Marmite is really banned in Australia it can only be, because the Aussies fear competition from a far superior product. They know full well that if the Australian public could taste Marmite, they would instantly bin their Vegemite.
I am French Canadian, so this is really not a taste I grew up with…
I found Vegemite to be milder. Marmite was way more salty.
And for the record, Vegemite was easier to spread on melted buttured toast than Marmite.
Marmite, despite being more gooey, just bit onto the buttered toast and was not easily spread out.
Vegemite, being more pasty, gently melt with the butter and was easier to spread.
I vote for Vegemite over Marmite!
Made in Australia.
It has Vitamin B12 written on the label.
10ug in 100gms!
It also has Vitamin B6: 8mg in 100gms.