Vegemite

Vegemite is an Australian food spread made from brewer's yeast extract, salt, malt extract, and added flavourings and vitamins.

Vegemite is an Australian food spread made from brewer's yeast extract, salt, malt extract, and added flavourings and vitamins. First sold in 1923, it has become a widely recognized symbol of Australian food culture and is produced in Port Melbourne by Bega.

History

Vegemite was created in Melbourne in 1922 and first sold on 25 October 1923 as a local alternative to Marmite. It later became one of Australia’s best-known packaged foods and returned to Australian ownership in 2017 when Bega bought the brand from Kraft/Mondelez.

Ingredients and production

The spread is based on brewer's yeast extract, a by-product of beer production, with added salt, malt extract, vegetable extracts, and B vitamins. It is produced from yeast sourced from beer-making and is manufactured in Port Melbourne, Australia.

Cultural significance

Vegemite is strongly associated with Australian identity, often described as a national icon. It is commonly used on toast and has also been promoted as a symbol of ordinary Australian life and home connection.

Taste and use

Vegemite has a very salty, savoury flavour that many people consider an acquired taste. It is usually eaten sparingly, often spread thinly on bread, toast, or crackers.