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What Is Vegemite? Taste, History & How Australians Eat It

Date Posted:17 October 2017 

Australia’s Famous Yeast Spread Explained What is Vegemite? Discover what Australia's famous spread tastes like, what it's made from, its history and how Australians actually eat it.
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What exactly is Vegemite?

Few foods are as instantly associated with Australia as Vegemite. It's dark, salty, savoury and completely confusing to many first-time visitors.

But for generations of Australians, a thin spread of Vegemite on buttered toast has been a familiar taste of home.

Vegemite Australian yeast extract spread
Quick Answer Vegemite is a savoury Australian yeast-extract spread.

Developed in Melbourne in 1923, it has become one of Australia's most recognisable food icons.

What Is Vegemite?

Vegemite is a concentrated savoury spread made primarily from yeast extract. It has been produced in Australia for more than a century and has become part of Australian food culture at home and overseas.

You'll most often see it spread on toast or sandwiches, although it can also be used in savoury cooking to add depth and saltiness.

What Is Vegemite Made From?

The standard product uses yeast extract made from yeast grown on barley and wheat, together with salt, malt extract, flavourings and added B vitamins.

What Does Vegemite Taste Like?

Vegemite has a strong salty, savoury and distinctly yeasty flavour. A little goes a long way, which is why Australians generally don't spread it as thickly as jam or peanut butter.

How Is Vegemite Usually Eaten?

The classic option is buttered toast with a thin layer of Vegemite. It can also be used in sandwiches and savoury cooking.

First Timer's Guide

How to Eat Vegemite the Aussie Way

The biggest mistake many first-time Vegemite eaters make is treating it like chocolate spread or peanut butter and covering the entire slice with a thick layer.

If you've never tried it before, start small.

1
Toast the bread A warm slice of toast is the easiest place to start.
2
Add butter Let a little butter melt into the warm toast first.
3
Use a thin scrape Start with less Vegemite than you think you'll need.
Vegemite jar for Australian Vegemite toast The golden rule: less is more. Especially if it's your first Vegemite experience.

Is Vegemite Australian?

Yes. Vegemite was developed in Australia and has been produced in Port Melbourne, Victoria since 1923.

The brand is currently owned by Australian food company Bega Cheese Limited, which acquired Vegemite in 2017.

That long history has helped make the familiar yellow-and-red jar one of Australia's most recognisable food products.

A Short History of Vegemite

The Vegemite story began in Melbourne in 1923 when the Fred Walker Company hired food chemist Dr Cyril P Callister to develop a spread using brewer's yeast.

A public competition was held to name the product, and the name Vegemite was chosen.

The spread wasn't an immediate success. It faced strong competition from Britain's Marmite and was briefly renamed Parwill in 1928 before returning to the Vegemite name.

1923 Vegemite begins its Australian story in Melbourne.
1923 Dr Cyril P Callister develops the new yeast spread.
1928 Vegemite is temporarily renamed Parwill.
1950s The Happy Little Vegemites campaign becomes part of Australian popular culture.
2017 Bega Cheese acquires the brand, returning Vegemite to Australian ownership.

What's in a Jar of Vegemite?

Along with yeast extract and salt, standard Vegemite contains added B vitamins including thiamine (B1), riboflavin (B2), niacin (B3) and folate (B9).

The standard product contains ingredients derived from barley and wheat, so anyone with specific allergies or dietary requirements should check the current product label before eating it.

Vegemite vs Marmite: What's the Difference?

Vegemite and Marmite are both dark, savoury yeast-extract spreads, but they are different products with different histories and flavour profiles.

Vegemite

Developed in Melbourne in 1923 and strongly associated with Australian food culture. It has a strong salty and savoury flavour.

Marmite

An older British yeast-extract spread that was already established in Australia when Vegemite launched.

Ready to Try Vegemite?

A mini jar is a fun introduction for first-time visitors, while a larger jar is perfect for Australians who already know exactly how much Vegemite belongs on their toast.

Shop Vegemite Mini 20g Shop Vegemite 150g Browse Aussie Food & Snacks

Vegemite – Frequently Asked Questions

What is Vegemite?

Vegemite is a concentrated Australian savoury spread made primarily from yeast extract.

What does Vegemite taste like?

It has a strong salty, savoury and yeasty flavour, so only a small amount is usually needed.

What is Vegemite made from?

Standard Vegemite contains yeast extract, salt, malt extract, flavourings and added B vitamins.

Is Vegemite vegan?

According to Vegemite's official product information, standard Vegemite is suitable for vegans and vegetarians.

Does Vegemite need refrigeration?

No. Vegemite states that it is shelf stable and can be kept in the cupboard or pantry after opening until its best-before date.

How much Vegemite should a beginner use?

Start with a very thin scrape on buttered toast. You can always add more later.

Is Vegemite the same as Marmite?

No. They are separate yeast-extract spreads with different origins, recipes and flavour profiles.

Can Vegemite be sent overseas?

Import requirements differ between countries. Check the destination country's current customs and food rules before sending Australian food products internationally.

Sources: History and product information in this guide was checked against official Vegemite resources. Vegemite Story  |  Vegemite FAQs

Taste a Little Piece of Australia

From Vegemite and Tim Tams to other iconic Aussie favourites, explore our Australian food and snack range for yourself or put together a distinctly Australian gift.