Marmite
Marmite is a British savoury spread made from yeast extract.
Marmite is a British savoury spread made from yeast extract, first produced in 1902. It is known for its strong, salty flavour and its reputation as a 'love it or hate it' food.
What it is
Marmite is a dark brown, sticky paste made from yeast extract, a by-product of beer brewing. It was first produced in 1902 by the Marmite Food Company and is now manufactured by Unilever. The spread is a vegan source of B vitamins, including vitamin B12, and is commonly eaten thinly spread on buttered toast, bread, crackers, or sandwiches.
Why it matters
Marmite has become a cultural shorthand for divisive foods, encapsulated by the phrase 'love it or hate it.' Its intense, salty, umami-rich flavour polarises opinion, making it an acquired taste. In Canada, it is sold as a British-style spread and continues to be a notable example of how a single ingredient can spark strong reactions.
Key details
Marmite is usually used sparingly due to its concentrated flavour. It can also be added to dishes as a seasoning. The brand is owned by Unilever, and while the original recipe remains consistent, formulations may vary by market. Its dietary status as a vegan-friendly source of B12 contributes to its popularity among plant-based eaters.
In short
- First produced in 1902 in the UK
- Made from yeast extract, a brewing by-product
- Known for polarising 'love it or hate it' taste
- Vegan source of B vitamins, including B12
Marmite is sold and consumed in Canada, where it is generally known as a British-style yeast-extract spread and an acquired taste.
Quick questions
What is Marmite?
When was Marmite first produced?
Why is Marmite described as 'love it or hate it'?
Sources
- Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MarmiteSupports: Origin, first production date, appearance, flavour, manufacturer, common uses, and B-vitamin content.
- BBC News — https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-37646193Supports: Historical note that Marmite was discovered by German scientist Justus Liebig and became a long-running British spread.
- Food Network — https://www.foodnetwork.com/how-to/packages/food-network-essentials/what-is-marmiteSupports: Definition, popularity in the UK, strong flavour, and ingredient/nutritional overview.
- Allrecipes — https://www.allrecipes.com/article/what-is-marmite/Supports: Yeast-extract basis, beer-brewing by-product, and added vitamins.
- Dictionary.com — https://www.dictionary.com/browse/marmiteSupports: Dual meaning of marmite as a cooking pot and as a yeast/vegetable extract spread.
- Cambridge Dictionary — https://dictionary.cambridge.org/us/dictionary/english/marmiteSupports: Brand-name spread description and the metaphorical meaning of something people strongly like or dislike.
- WebMD — https://www.webmd.com/diet/marmite-is-it-good-for-youSupports: Prepared food description, use on toast and in cooking, and popularity in English-speaking countries.