WHAT ARE MARMITE AND VEGEMITE?
There’s a war going on, and it’s fought on toasted bread.
From footy to flat whites, the rivalry between Australia and New Zealand expands into some surprising territory. The battle of the yeast-based spreads is just one extension of this friendly competition. The Australian Vegemite and its New Zealand neighbor, Marmite, are frequently put against one another by yeast-lovers seeking to tout the supremacy of their chosen spread. This week, The Gazelle set out to decide once and for all which spread is superior.
METHODOLOGY
We used a double blind taste test to avoid any potential bias. Tasters were given small squares of bread topped with either Vegemite or Marmite, alongside a little butter. After delivering their initial thoughts, tasters were asked which spread they preferred overall.
Initial thoughts:
Ever since I was a wee lass, I've always enjoyed Marmite on my toast. I would get excited to wake up in the morning and spread a thick layer of black gold on bread for a breakfast treat. Marmite is the clear winner. I am proud to be from a country capable of creating such a taste sensation.
Marmite or Vegemite?:
Marmite.
Initial thoughts:
I am indifferent.
Marmite or Vegemite?:
Both/neither.
Initial thoughts
I have Marmite every day in the morning with my bowl of cereal. To top it off, I always include some ViBeri blackcurrants.
Marmite or Vegemite?:
Marmite.
Initial thoughts
Vegemite had a really weird cheese aftertaste. It tasted like spoilt cheese, so I preferred the other one. I'm pretty confident that's how my experience went.
Marmite or Vegemite?:
Marmite.
Initial thoughts
It's actually not so bad! I'm unsure which is better. They're both so strong.
Marmite or Vegemite?:
This one is sweeter - Marmite.
Initial thoughts:
Can I have some water? Okay - This is so weird. The taste is so weird. I prefer the second one, it's less strong. This would taste good on noodles.
Marmite or Vegemite?:
Marmite.
Initial thoughts:
Both taste similar. I prefer the second one. It's a little bit sweeter.
Marmite or Vegemite?:
Marmite.
Initial thoughts:
I guess I learned a lot, starting from the fact that stuff like Marmite and Vegemite exists. I ended with the conclusion that they are different, but that the second one is better. You guys made me feel as if choosing the right side was the most important thing in the world, so having to disappoint one party was truly heartbreaking.
Marmite or Vegemite?:
Vegemite.
Initial thoughts:
For a moment, I was afraid I would betray my national identity. But in the end, Marmite proved to be irrevocably and undoubtedly the tastier choice in its subtle undertones, and better than its boisterous Australian cousin.
Marmite or Vegemite?:
Marmite.