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Vegemite

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description Vegemite Overview

Vegemite is a thick, dark brown Australian food spread made from leftover brewer's yeast extract combined with various vegetable and spice additives. It was developed by chemist Cyril Callister in 1922 for the Fred Walker Company as a local alternative to British Marmite, whose imports had been disrupted. The spread has a highly concentrated salty, bitter, and umami flavor profile and is typically consumed in thin layers on buttered toast or crackers. While polarizing to international palates, it remains a dietary staple in Australian households and is recognized as a national icon.

help Vegemite FAQ

Who invented Vegemite, and when did it first appear?

Chemist Cyril Callister developed Vegemite for the Fred Walker Company in 1922. The spread first appeared on Australian grocery shelves in 1923, after the company held a public naming competition. [Vegemite heritage](https://vegemite.com.au/Heritage/)

What is Vegemite made from, and is it a sweet spread?

Vegemite is based on brewer's yeast extract with vegetable and spice ingredients, so its flavor is savory, salty, and intensely concentrated rather than sweet. Its yeast base was chosen partly because brewer's yeast is rich in B-group vitamins. [Vegemite heritage](https://vegemite.com.au/Heritage/)

Why was Vegemite created as an alternative to Marmite?

The Fred Walker Company wanted a local Australian yeast spread at a time when imported British Marmite was difficult to obtain. Cyril Callister's 1922 formulation turned brewer's yeast into the product that became Vegemite. [National Museum of Australia](https://www.nma.gov.au/exhibitions/defining-symbols-australia/vegemite)

What did the first Vegemite jar look like?

The first 1923 product was sold in a two-ounce, or 57-gram, amber glass jar. It was labeled Pure Vegetable Extract and was marketed for toast, sandwiches, soups, stews, and gravies. [Vegemite timeline](https://vegemite.com.au/timeline_2022/1923/)

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