Marmite Spread

Marmite spread is a British food icon. A yeast product that is used primarily on bread and toast for breakfast, but also in stews, soups and more.

If you have never tried Marmite spread, this may be your sign to give it a try.

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

As someone who grew up in Britain, Marmite was always around, but if you grew up in North America or elsewhere, there’s a chance you heard of this yeast extract spread on a TV show, movie or in a book, perhaps. So let’s start with the basics: here’s everything you want to know about Marmite spread.

What is Marmite?

Marmite is a yeast extract spread. It is highly nutritious (rich in B vitamins), and is mostly used to spread lightly on toasted breads in the UK. However, it can be used in soups, stews and meat dishes, as well.

It is an iconic, well loved British brand that is probably in most households in the UK. Studies have been done on the aspect of Marmite in British culture. In fact, just this week, there were headlines stating that Prince Harry confessed that his children have fallen in love with Marmite on crumpets since moving to the UK.

What Does Marmite Taste Like?

If you’ve never tasted Marmite, it’s difficult to describe the flavor as there’s not really anything in North America that I can compare to it. It has a very strong, salty, umami flavor, and the consistency is rather like molasses.

Marmite vs Vegemite

You may have heard of Vegemite, which is the Australian/NZ equivalent to Marmite. It has the same cultural impact Down Under that Marmite has in the UK. I have to admit when I tried it in Australia, I wasn’t a fan.

What is the “Marmite Effect”?

This refers to the polarization that Marmite instills in people who either love it or those who hate it. It has a strong flavor, so it’s not surprising that many people do not like it. It’s very much in the same category as cilantro/coriander.

However, Marmite is loved by many in the UK and you’ll see it served in small village cafes, as well as 5 star hotels, such as Cliveden House.

Marmite Ingredients

Marmite contains:

• yeast extract
• salt
• carrot and onion extracts
• spice extracts
• enriched with niacin, riboflavin and B12

Variations of Marmite and Marmite Products

Due to the love of Marmite, their marketing department would be amiss not to create more and varied products under the brand. For example, many Brits love Twiglets, Marmite flavored crispy sticks.

How did Marmite Originate?

In the late 1880s, a German scientist, Justus von Liebig, discovered that spent yeast (from making beer) could be made into a high protein, concentrated, edible paste. – Wikipedia

How to Use Marmite

What you Need

• Marmite
• toast, crumpet, English muffin, etc.
• (optional: butter)

Directions to Use Marmite

1. Spread your toast with a little butter, if using.
2. Take a very small amount of Marmite and spread it over the top of the butter so that it is very thin. Too much Marmite is not better: it is not Nutella.
3. Enjoy with a cup of tea or coffee for breakfast or an afternoon snack.
4. (Note: my mother prefers extra virgin olive oil on her toast, then a light spread of Marmite.)

If using in soups, or stews, use about a teaspoonful, and don’t use it in light soups like leek and potato soup, as it will affect the color. For example, a spoonful in a steak pie is great!

MARMITE TASTING NOTE TO AMERICANS/CANADIANS:

if you’re tasting Marmite for the first time, don’t taste it on a spoon. Spread it very lightly on something toasted (as written above); remember, less is more. I just want to warn you not to spread it on like butter, jam or peanut butter.

Christina’s Cucina is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associate Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.