Let's talk about one of Australia's quirkiest national treasures - Vegemite! Aussies are a pretty proud bunch, and we definitely wear our love for Vegemite on our sleeves. This spread is truly iconic, and it generates debates like no other food item out there.

While many of us are huge fans of the spread, did you know that only a few know the fascinating origin story behind it? Luckily, an episode of ABC's Great Australian Stuff spilled the beans, and now we can all enjoy this piece of history.

So, let's dive in! It all started back in 1923 when Fred Walker, a Melbourne-based food manufacturer, wanted a spread similar to British Marmite. You see, the War had disrupted Marmite supplies to Australia, and Walker knew Aussies needed their savoury spread fix.

He enlisted the help of a scientist named Cyril Callister to create a similar product. What Callister came up with wasn't exactly the same as Marmite, but it tasted pretty similar. And thus, Vegemite was born!

Many Aussies are just discovering the origins of the iconic Vegemite. Credit: Facebook/VEGEMITE.

Nowadays, Vegemite has a cult-like status among Aussies, and it's definitely an acquired taste — but we love it all the same, and we'll defend it to the ends of the earth!

It's true, Vegemite has a unique flavour, and that can be traced back to its interesting origins. Believe it or not, the original product was called 'Pure Vegetable Extract' and was made from 'brewer's waste', which is a by-product of beer production.

That's why Vegemite shares a similarity in taste with beer - it's like having a hint of beer on your toast!

When it came to naming this novel food spread, Walker held a competition, and 'Vegemite' was the winning choice. It's a name that has become synonymous with Australian culture and has a certain charm to it, don't you think?

But the story doesn't end there! In the mid-30s, the American company Kraft picked up Vegemite and ran with it, using clever marketing strategies to make it a household name.

One of their iconic moves was the creation of the 'happy little Vegemite' jingle, which became a catchy tune known to generations of Australians. (Can you hear it playing in your head?)

Credit: Australian Television Archive.​

And here's another fun fact: when Vegemite was first introduced, it was actually marketed as a 'health food for babies' to help kids 'grow up big and strong'.

So, you may have been enjoying a spread on your toast that has a little bit of beer history and a whole lot of marketing magic behind it!

When the story about the beer by-product origins of Vegemite was shared on Facebook, hundreds of people chimed in to express their love for this iconic spread.

One Facebook user summed up their thoughts perfectly when they said, 'YUM! Especially now I know I'm eating beer.' It's always interesting to learn new things about our favourite foods, isn't it?

The rich history of Vegemite adds yet another layer to its beloved status. For many Aussies, Vegemite is a staple breakfast item that brings back fond childhood memories. One commenter shared their perfect breakfast combination: 'Toast, Vegemite, and sliced avocado - best breakfast. I'm a happy little Vegemite kid through and through!'

Key Takeaways

• Vegemite, a salty breakfast spread, is one of Australia's most beloved national treasures, and it was invented in 1923 by scientist Cyril Callister, who was tasked with creating a product similar to British Marmite.
• Vegemite was originally made from 'brewer's waste', a by-product of beer, which is why it has a unique flavour that is reminiscent of beer.

As we wrap up this exploration of Vegemite's history, it's clear that this iconic spread has captured the hearts and taste buds of Australians for generations. From its humble beginnings as a food for babies to its current status as a breakfast staple, Vegemite has cemented its place in our culture.

Members, we would love to hear from you! How do you usually enjoy your Vegemite spread - on toast, bread, or crackers? Do you have a secret recipe or a unique way of preparing it? What makes Vegemite so special to you, and how has it become a part of your daily routine? Share your thoughts and stories with us!

 

[Millewah]

In recent years I came across a book at my local Library, "History of Vegemite", cover in colors of Red, Yellow & black. I think in the course of producing a new item there is always much of industrial espionage & Vegemite seemed to go through several owners. There was always competition between Vegemite & Marmite, the names suggesting Ma-mite & Pa-Will, many names were suggested for this new product. Promite was another similar product which I think is is still available. I understood the addition of beer froth came in much later to make Vegemite smoother. Your local Library may have a copy of the book on the history of Vegemite , which I recommend as a good read. It is an acquired taste, starting when very young. I was raised on Marmite, now will have both, but there is a slight difference in taste. When overseas many years ago, I bought Marmite in England, that being the preferred spread there. I was a member of the Nursing Mothers Assoc of Aust. & in our journals there were many recipes suggested for our children, one was "Anti-Cranky" which was made by heating & blending Butter(or Marg) in equal quantities with Brewers Yeast, which came out a similar product to the others. I did hear our PM refer to "that horrible Marmite" which I think was most unbecoming of him, sometimes our personal preferences are best kept to ourselves.

 

[Ezzy]

As children we used to have a dry Weet - Bix topped with Vegemite. Still enjoy it today in different situations, such as a Vegemite & cheese toasted sandwich & even go to the Pantry with a teaspoon, scoop it from the jar & slowly eat it.

 

[PLK]

A teaspoon of Vegemite after school or have it mixed in a cup of hot water. I purchased copies of Vegemite cookbook for all my family members. We were always a Vegemite kid family.