BRITISH FOOD

What’s in Marmite?

Marmite is a yeast extract. Marmite was invented in the early 1900s by Justus Liebig.

The original recipe included just salt, spices and celery. Now, the ingredients listed on the Marmite label include yeast, sugar, salt, mineral salt (potassium chloride), caramel color, corn maltodextrin, minerals (iron), vitamins (niacin, thiamin, riboflavin, folate, B12), herbs and spices. There is also an Australian variation of Marmite that includes caramel and sugar.

Marmite taste is a matter of controversy. Some Brits love it and some hate it. One British writer described it as «yeasty, salty, soy sauce-esque flavor with the consistency of old engine oil.» Most eaters describe the flavor as unique. Some of Marmite’s hardcore fans advise that newbies avoid smelling the spread before eating it for the first time.