Vegemite (220 gram)

I impulse-purchased a jar of Marmite at World Market some time back and I loved it, but it's been gone for a while. After hearing Men at Work singing about a vegemite sandwich in "Land Down Under" the other day, I decided I should order some Vegemite to compare the two.My jar arrived in perfect condition, with seven months to go on the best-by date. This stuff is one of those things that's fine in the cupboard for a long time after that date, no refrigeration needed (but I suppose it can't hurt). It's genuine made-in-Australia Vegemite. imported and distributed by an Irish company, and made by a company with the address of "1 Vegemite Way" in Melbourne, Australia.I'm going to have to also order a new jar of Marmite, because it's been long enough since I've had it that I can't make a final decision on the age-old question of which is the better, Marmite or Vegemite. I think they're so close that it really doesn't matter. No offense to my British or Aussie friends who have stronger opinions in this subject.Vegemite is darker in color (very dark brown) and has a texture like super creamy peanut butter, where Marmite is more gooey (imagine the thickest honey ever) and a slight bit lighter in color (very dark amber).The flavor of Vegemite holds it own easily compared to my experience with Marmite. It hits like a ton of bricks, just like Marmite did. The aftertaste is epic and mellows on the palate over time, making you want another taste. It's so good, and it just feels, tastes, and seems pure and good for you, which it is in moderation, due to sodium content.The best way I can describe the flavor to someone who's never had either one is rich, savory, salty, and meaty, like the best beef bouillon ever, even though both products are fully vegan as far as I know.For now I'm just going to say that Vegemite and Marmite are very close to each other in flavor and overall experience. If you like either one, you'll like both.Either one will be great on toast, bread, crackers, sandwiches, just a tiny dab (don't dip) on fresh veggies, or by adding a slight (!) spoonful to soups, stews, gravy, pasta sauces, during the pasta boil, stroganoff, alfredo sauce, sparingly in salads (mix it with the dressing), or pretty much any other savory or umami dish. No matter how you enjoy it, a little goes a long way. Always remember that. This stuff is pure flavor.It's good straight out of the jar too. Just a pea-sized amount (no more than that because it's powerful) on the tip of a spoon and you're in Flavor Town, baby. (Copyright Guy Fieri)Vegemite, Marmite, or preferably both, are something everyone should try, and should always have in the cupboard for cooking and general use.Try it, you'll like it. Most people seem to. It's the flavor.UPDATE/EDIT: So I got a new jar of Marmite so I could compare. The Vegemite wins the overall competition, and that surprises me. Flavor, texture, smell, all go to Veg over Marm. Marmite has a tanginess that Vegemite doesn't, and I like the flavor of Vegemite better. It's deeper and more intense. As far as texture, the peanut butter texture of Vegemite is easier and less messy to handle than the gooey, honey-like texture of Marmite. The Vegemite also feels better on the tongue when tasted off a spoon. Smell: Vegemite has a deeper, "meatier" aroma than Marmite. Marmite carries the tanginess of its flavor over into the aroma, and its aroma is not as prominent as Vegemite's.Overall, Marmite is good but Vegemite is better, in my opinion. Your mileage may vary. I won't turn down either one, but if you have both, I'll have the Vegemite.

I bought this to try out of compelling curiosity. Everyone in the US has heard of Vegemite, but it's not easy to come by around here. Few have tried this treat from the Land Down Under. I was able to find one local grocery chain that carries it, but they want nearly double the Amazon price! This seller currently offers the best deal an American will get.The taste is different, in a good way. Nothing widely sold in the US compares. I was expecting something close to beef bouillon cubes, but Vegemite is more astringent and savory. You can still roughly compare it to bouillon cubes, but perhaps with notes of dark Stout and mushrooms added? The taste coats the tongue. It's clearly for those people that like strongly flavored foods. If you don't like sharp cheeses and dark beers, you probably won't like Vegemite.I tried in the suggested manner, thinly spread on (French peasant bread) toast with butter, and loved it enough on first taste to make myself a second slice. It worked less well for me with poached eggs over toast (all I could taste was the Vegemite) but it was fantastic on my sandwich with leftover chicken tika masala! My next try will likely be the traditional Vegemite sandwich (I speak-a your language) with tomato and cheese on toasted bread.I see myself adding this to tomato sauces, gravies, stews and soups to kick them up. It will also likely make its way into barbecue glazes. Any place where a rich, meaty flavor is desired. It's also won me over enough where I'd like to try it's British cousin, Marmite.If you're an American who likes strong, salty/bitter foods, give this a try. It may just fill a hole in your culinary life. Worst case, you're out six bucks and are forced to use it as a beef bouillon substitute or (even better) give it to an Australian expat that you know and love.As far as Amazon goes, the only downside is the long wait time. This product ships (free!) from the U.K., so that really can't be helped. Personally, I got impatient and paid my grocers outlandish prices for the first taste, but will use this seller for restocking.Edit 12/14/16: for those interested, my package from Tora Foods arrived 6 days later than the latest posted shipping day. About six weeks total to get this Vegemite. Considering it had to cross an ocean to get here and the shipping was free, I'm okay with this.The price for this product also appears to have crept up a bit since I bought it. Considering the delay in receiving the product and price change, paying the extra couple bucks to get this at my local market makes more sense than ordering online. This is still worth it if you don't have any nearby store that sells Vegemite.Edit: there seems to have been some rumor of a formulation change around November of 2019, when Vegemite was certified vegan. I have some jars predating the change, so I thought I'd buy some new Vegemite and do a taste test comparison.I have no insider knowledge here, but it is my opinion that, unless the taste and texture of Vegemite alters considerably over time, something did indeed change.The old Vegemite is extremely dark and tarlike. It's a pain to spread on your bread unless it's still hot from the toaster. The taste is that of a strong almost beefy bullion, or maybe soy sauce with a bitter bite.The new jar is a lighter shade of brown. It spreads far easier, like a peanut butter. The taste has all the same notes but the bitterness is punched up by quite a bit, a bit more towards a Marmite flavor. The (220g) jars list all the same ingredients but the calorie counts are slightly changed.Again, this is just my opinion. The official line is that the product does indeed change in texture over time and maybe they changed the way that they're formulating the calorie count, but I never remember this product being as light colored or easy to spread as what I just bought, and the stock that I have tells the same story.The new stuff isn't bad or anything. I prefer the spreadability. But I personally don't think the Aussies are crazy when they say it tastes different.

For those in the US -- If you want to try this because you've heard of it and are curious or you are a fan of the old Men At Work song, take a moment and understand from the start that Vegemite has a very strong in-your-face yeasty, savory, salty flavor. If that's not your flavor favorites, might want to skip it. And second, it only takes just a small amount. Just a thin little bit on a cracker or toast is enough. A serving is 5 grams. There are 44 servings in a 220 gram jar. A little bit goes a long way. Promise. Vegemite is heaven on warm toast, crackers, in rice, stirred into Pho. It's just lovely! I like it mixed with a bit of butter on a sweet potato. Nice way to get in some B vitamins and the yeasty flavor is awesome for those of us who like strong flavors. So glad it is now easier to buy in the US! A few years ago it was much harder to get and much more expensive! Vegemite is vegan, a nice way to add in some B vitamins, and adds another flavor layer to foods.