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.

Vegemite logo

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.

 

Vegemite

Marmite

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.

Marmite texture

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!

Imogen
Comments
t
13 May 2023
Travis
I'm Australian and raised on Vegemite. I tried Marmite once when I was young and did not like it. However, a friend has since informed me that Marmite is produced in two locations, New Zealand & the UK in which the UK produced is much better.

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.
s
13 May 2023
Samantha Fairweather
Vegemite all day, every day! Marmite is gross. It's just a runny, sticky, disgusting goo, that is terrible to spread. And it has a weird, sweetish taste to it. If I can't buy Vegemite, I get Promoted, which is really nice. We've banned Marmite in our house! My English in-laws can't stand the stuff either, and prefer either Vegemite or Promote. Also, Australia never banned the sale of Marmite, it just doesn't sell very well, so most shops don't stock it. I think that was just a storyade up by Marmite, because of lack of sales in Australia. They didn't want the truth to come out - we Aussies prefer Vegemite. You know? The superior of the two!!
r
24 Feb 2023
Richard GODIN
I can eat both but I really do prefer Marmite ( proudly made in New Zealand ) !
m
08 Feb 2023
Maggie
Great article. Recently tried Vegemite and love it. Morriston in Denbigh sell it perhaps other stores do too.
p
07 Feb 2023
Paul
Tried vegiemitie no marmite my usual spread superior in every way
l
31 Jan 2023
Lucille
I have just read the labels of 2 jars of Vegemite. The salt reduced jar has Vit B12 along with B6, B1, B2, B3,whereas the normal Vegemite does not have B12.
s
27 Jan 2023
Selina
I'm french and decided to try both because I love savory stuff and I can say that I prefer the taste of marmite over vegemite. Don't get me wrong there's a lot of good stuff about vegemite. Here are my pro and cons :

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 ;)
j
10 Jan 2023
Joel
I couldn't disagree more with this! Vegemite has the stronger, saltier and more bitter flavour. It's obvious. I just bought a jar of Marmite to compare and had to use a lot more to get the same/similar taste. Conclusion: vegemite is nicer and better value for money as you're using a lot less per serve!
j
10 Jan 2023
Joel
I couldn't disagree more with this! Vegemite is the stronger, saltier and more bitter flavour. It's obvious. I just bought a jar of Marmite to compare and had to use a lot more to get the same taste. Conclusion: vegemite is nicer and better value for money as you're using a lot less per serve!
p
12 Dec 2022
Peter
Marmite is the original
Marmite is great and is cheaper in OZ due to Vegemite bias.
m
10 Dec 2022
Michael
Sorry y'all. PROMITE all the way! I like them all but PROMITE reigns supreme, yet not a mention.
j
07 Nov 2022
Jay
You are incorrect to claim that the reason for the earthenware pot on the label is because that is what Marmite was once sold in, the pot on the label is in fact a 'marmite' - a French casserole pot which is also where Marmite gets its name. So basically the pot (called a marmite) gave Marmite (the spread) its name and the shape of the vessels it is sold in.
r
27 Oct 2022
Rizha
Ooooh noooo...going to cause a hissy. Born and bred Aussie here. I was brought up on cheese n Vegimite toast. I moved to UK 20 years ago and refused stubbornly to try Marmite. Caved two years ago and prefere the salty rich taste of Marmite. P.S none of my uk family or friends like Marmite!
p
13 Oct 2022
Paul
B12 is so important for neurological functioning and combats depression.
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).......
i
18 Aug 2022
Ian
I miss Vegemite. I liked it on toast with old cheddar cheese and a poached egg. Haven't had it in 20 years. Might order some online.
s
03 Jun 2022
Stephen Roberts
I've tried both. I was expecting more from Vegemite because I thought it would be as good as Marmite. It's not bad to be fair but Marmite is richer, good on toast and also makes a good brew. Vegemite tasted more bitter to me and without the slight salty taste was lacking in flavour. So whereas Marmite is the perfect combination of ingredients I.e. 4 grains versus 2 grains with added natural flavourings to create the perfect balance Vegemite is not-too-bad runner up.
a
20 May 2022
Allie White
As a true blue Aussie born and bred vegemite lover I take umbrage to the POM who suggested ‘Aussies banned Marmite as we don’t like competition’ Let me tell you there is NO competition- Marmite was readily available on our supermarket shelves for years and years… but that’s where it stayed … rotting on the shelves. No self-respecting Aussie would buy Marmite, it’s gooey and tastes horrible!!! Aussies prefer vegemite ‘ because we love our vegemite, we all adore our vegemite, it puts a rose in every cheek ! ! ; as our national vegemite song says. Ha ha. Vegemite forever!!! Aussie are brought up on Vegemite!
a
20 May 2022
Allie White
As a born and bred Aussie I take umbrage to the suggestion by a POM who says Marmite is banned in Oz and is superior to vegemite. No true Aussie would ever prefer marmite to vegemite. Marmite was readily available in our supermarket shelves…. But that’s where it stayed….Aussies DON’T like it!! It doesn’t sell here in Oz.
Because ‘we love our vegemite, we all adore our vegemite, it puts a rose in every cheek’. As our National song says.
Ha ha
l
06 Apr 2022
Linda
Um……isn’t marmite darker in colour than Vegemite?
c
01 Dec 2021
Claire Potter
I adore Vegemite, I've been eating it for years. It's not easy to find where I live in Holland, and I've run out. I've now bought some Marmite which is sold in all supermarkets. I'm hoping that it's as nice as Vegemite. I'll know tomorrow.
b
26 Aug 2021
Barry Cross
Here in Britain Marmite divides opinion into Lovers or Haters, I’m a Lover of it.
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.
o
31 Jul 2021
Oksana Sakharova
I am in love with Marmite for mre than 20 years already !
l
29 Jun 2021
Luc
I tried both.

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!
v
21 Jun 2020
Veronica
I have an Australian version of Vegemite.
Made in Australia.
It has Vitamin B12 written on the label.
10ug in 100gms!
It also has Vitamin B6: 8mg in 100gms.
i
13 Aug 2019
Imogen
Thanks for the compliment Shelly, and glad you're one of the Vegemite lovers!
s
02 Aug 2019
Shelly The Aussie
Cracking article - I love Vegemite! Spread thin on toast with butter, yum yum
Leave a comment