vegemite

In 1919, following the disruption of British Marmite imports after World War I, the Australian company Fred Walker & Co. gave Cyril Callister the task of developing a spread from the used yeast being dumped by breweries. Callister had been hired by the chairman Fred Walker.{{cite dictionary |last =Farrer |first =K.T.H. |title =Walker, Fred (1884–1935) |chapter =Fred Walker (1884–1935) |publisher =National Centre of Biography, Australian National University |dictionary =Australian Dictionary of Biography |url =http://www.adb.online.anu.edu.au/biogs/A120399b.htm |format =Web Bio |access-date =8 February 2008 |archive-date =16 February 2008 |archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20080216051159/http://www.adb.online.anu.edu.au/biogs/A120399b.htm |url-status =live }}

Callister used autolysis to break down the yeast cells from waste obtained from the Carlton & United brewery. Concentrating the clear liquid extract and blending with salt, celery and onion extracts formed a sticky black paste.{{Cite web |last=Hanan |date=25 April 2020 |title=Vegemite |url=https://alldownunder.com/australian-food/vegemite.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201106232333/https://alldownunder.com/australian-food/vegemite.htm |archive-date=6 November 2020 |access-date=23 August 2021 |website=All Down Under |language=en-US}}

File:Fred Walker.jpg

Following a competition to name the new spread with a prize pool of £A50 ({{Inflation|AU|50|1919|fmt=eq}}), "Vegemite" was selected by Fred Walker's daughter Sheilah,{{cite web |url=http://www.deliciouskitchen.com.au/products/krafthistory/fredwalkerfounder/fredwalker.aspx |title=Fred Walker, Founder |publisher=Kraft Foods |year=2010 |access-date=23 April 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130920191432/http://www.deliciouskitchen.com.au/Products/KRAFTHistory/FredWalkerFounder/FredWalker.aspx |archive-date=20 September 2013 }} and it was registered as a trademark in Australia in 1919; the name of the person who coined the name is not known.{{Cite web |title=VEGEMITE Story - VEGEMITE |url=https://vegemite.com.au/heritage/the-vegemite-story/ |access-date=11 September 2023 |website=Tastes Like Australia |language=en-AU |archive-date=8 June 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230608175640/https://vegemite.com.au/heritage/the-vegemite-story/ |url-status=live }}

Vegemite first appeared on the market in 1923 with advertising emphasising its value to children's health, but it failed to sell well.{{cite book |title=100 Great Icons |last1=Sheedy |first1=Chris |author2=Jenny Bond |year=2006 |publisher=Random House Australia |location=Milsons Point, New South Wales |isbn=978-1-74166-501-7 |pages=34–35 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=OJgQh7pd8Y4C |access-date=12 November 2011 |archive-date=11 September 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230911220010/https://books.google.com/books?id=OJgQh7pd8Y4C |url-status=live }} Faced with growing competition from Marmite, from 1928 to 1935 the product was renamed "Parwill" to make use of the advertising slogan "Marmite but Parwill", a two-step pun on the new name and that of its competitor; i.e. "If Ma [mother] might ... then Pa [father] will." This attempt to expand market share was unsuccessful and the name reverted to Vegemite, but it did not recover its lost market share.

In 1925, Walker had established the Kraft Walker Cheese Co. as a joint venture company with J. L. Kraft & Bros to market processed cheese and, following the failure of Parwill, in 1935 he used the success of Kraft Walker Cheese to promote Vegemite. Following the death of Walker in 1935, the Fred Walker Company was absorbed by Kraft Walker Cheese Co., a subsidiary of Kraft Co. In a two-year campaign to promote sales, Vegemite was given away free with Kraft Walker cheese products (with a coupon redemption) and this was followed by poetry competitions with imported American Pontiac cars being offered as prizes.{{cite web |url=http://www.eurekacouncil.com.au/Australia-History/History-Pages/1922-vegemite.htm |title=History of Vegemite – 1922 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080723130242/http://www.eurekacouncil.com.au/5-Australia-History/History-Pages/1922-vegemite.htm |archive-date=23 July 2008 |publisher=Eureka Council |website=eurekacouncil.com.au|access-date=30 April 2018}} Sales responded and in 1939 Vegemite was officially endorsed by the British Medical Association as a rich source of B vitamins. Rationed in Australia during World War II, Vegemite was included in Australian Army rations and by the late 1940s was used in nine out of ten Australian homes.[http://about.nsw.gov.au/collections/doc/packaged-vegemite-made-by-kraft-foods-limited/ Vegemite] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130925171630/http://about.nsw.gov.au/collections/doc/packaged-vegemite-made-by-kraft-foods-limited/ |date=25 September 2013 }} About NSW NSW.gov

In April 1984, a {{convert|115|g|adj=on}} jar of Vegemite became the first product in Australia to be electronically scanned at a checkout.

Vegemite is produced in Australia at its Port Melbourne manufacturing facility, which produces more than 22 million jars annually. Virtually unchanged from Callister's original recipe, Vegemite now far outsells Marmite and other similar spreads in Australia. The billionth jar of Vegemite was produced in October 2008.{{cite news |url=http://www.news.com.au/couriermail/story/0,23739,24449523-953,00.html |agency=AAP |title=Vegemite produces billionth jar |first=Winston |last=Tan |date=5 October 2008 |access-date=6 October 2008 |archive-date=8 October 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081008104002/http://www.news.com.au/couriermail/story/0,23739,24449523-953,00.html |url-status=live }}

Vegemite was also produced in New Zealand for over 50 years, but as of August 2006 production had ceased. The New Zealand version of Marmite remains successful there.{{cite encyclopedia |url=http://www.teara.govt.nz/en/australians/5/4 |title=New Zealanders take to Vegemite |author=John Wilson |encyclopedia=Te Ara: The Encyclopedia of New Zealand |publisher=New Zealand Government |date=4 March 2009 |access-date=26 April 2011 |archive-date=22 May 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100522171630/http://www.teara.govt.nz/en/australians/5/4 |url-status=live }}{{cite news |url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10793281 |title='Marmageddon': There's always Vegemite, says PM |work=The New Zealand Herald |date=20 March 2012 |access-date=19 February 2014 |quote=Mr Key told Firstline this morning that he also likes the Australian-made rival Vegemite. |archive-date=11 January 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140111023256/http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10793281 |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=https://www.vegemite.com.au/Pages/vegemite-faqs.aspx |title=Vegemite FAQs |access-date=19 February 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140126183329/http://www.vegemite.com.au/Pages/vegemite-faqs.aspx |archive-date=26 January 2014}}{{cite web |url=http://www.marmite.co.nz/home-page/faqs |title=Marmite FAQs |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060829214640/http://www.marmite.co.nz/home-page/faqs |archive-date=29 August 2006 |access-date=31 January 2015 |url-status=live |quote='Are Marmite and Vegemite both made in NZ?' They used to be – Vegemite recently pulled out of NZ and have gone back home to Australia where they belong. Marmite was not only the first, but is also the ONLY yeast spread made in New Zealand. }}{{citation |url=http://www.marmite.co.nz/home-page/fact-or-fiction |title=Marmite Fact or Fiction |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060829215322/http://www.marmite.co.nz/home-page/fact-or-fiction |archive-date=29 August 2006 |access-date=31 January 2015 |url-status=dead |quote=...Vegemite first came to us from Australia and they even made it here for a while. But as you can see from their packaging, they have buzzed back home to Australia.}}

The Vegemite brand was owned by Mondelez International (formerly Kraft Foods Inc. until 2012){{cite web|url=http://www.kraftbrands.com/kraftvegemite/Pages/the-vegemite-story.aspx|title=The Vegemite Story|publisher=Kraft Foods|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120319054956/http://www.kraftbrands.com/kraftvegemite/Pages/the-vegemite-story.aspx|archivedate=19 March 2012}} until January 2017, when it was acquired by the Australian Bega Group in a US$460,000,000 agreement for full Australian ownership after Bega would buy most of Mondelez International's Australia and New Zealand grocery and cheese business.{{cite web|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-01-19/bega-buys-vegemite-mondelez/8193268|title=Vegemite bought by Bega from US food giant Mondelez International – ABC Rural|publisher=ABC News|date=19 January 2017|access-date=19 January 2017|archive-date=18 January 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170118222454/http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-01-19/bega-buys-vegemite-mondelez/8193268|url-status=live}}

A common way of eating Vegemite is on toasted bread with a layer of butter or margarine. Only a small amount of Vegemite is required due to its strong flavour. A Vegemite sandwich{{Cite web|url=https://www.food.com/recipe/vegemite-sandwich-tradional-veggie-sanger-501850|title=Vegemite Sandwich Tradional (Veggie Sanger) Recipe - Food.com|website=www.food.com|access-date=1 January 2023|archive-date=1 January 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230101023823/https://www.food.com/recipe/vegemite-sandwich-tradional-veggie-sanger-501850|url-status=live}} consists of two slices of buttered bread and Vegemite, but other ingredients such as cheese, lettuce, avocado or tomato may be added.{{cite web|url=http://about-australia-shop.com/vegemite.htm|title=Vegemite|website=about-australia-shop.com|access-date=30 April 2018|archive-date=7 July 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110707075529/http://about-australia-shop.com/vegemite.htm|url-status=live}}

Vegemite can be used as a filling for pastries, such as the cheesymite scroll, or it may be used in more exotic dishes.{{Cite web|title=16 ways to cook with Vegemite this Australia Day|url=https://www.delicious.com.au/recipes/collections/gallery/8-ways-to-cook-with-vegemite-this-australia-day/24aq5vus|access-date=23 August 2021|website=delicious.com.au}}

The official Vegemite website contains several recipes using Vegemite in foods such as pasta, burgers,{{cite web|url=http://www.vegemite.com.au/Pages/lunch-recipes.aspx|title=Lunch recipes|publisher=Mondelez Australia|access-date=21 January 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140121013658/http://www.vegemite.com.au/Pages/lunch-recipes.aspx|archive-date=21 January 2014}} pizzas,{{cite web|url=http://www.vegemite.com.au/Pages/snacking-recipes.aspx|title=Snacking recipes|publisher=Mondelez Australia|access-date=21 January 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140125204122/http://www.vegemite.com.au/Pages/snacking-recipes.aspx|archive-date=25 January 2014}} casseroles,{{cite web|url=http://www.vegemite.com.au/Pages/dinner-recipes.aspx|title=Dinner recipes|publisher=Mondelez Australia|access-date=21 January 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140125204128/http://www.vegemite.com.au/Pages/dinner-recipes.aspx|archive-date=25 January 2014}} and even ice cream.{{Cite news|url=https://vegemite.com.au/vegemite-icy-poles/|title=Vegemite Icy Poles|date=1 May 2017|work=Start with Vegemite|access-date=21 January 2018|language=en-US|archive-date=15 December 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171215050311/https://vegemite.com.au/vegemite-icy-poles/|url-status=live}} It has also suggested using Vegemite as an additive to soups or two-minute noodles.{{Cite web |title=VEGEMISO and Ginger Soup |url=https://vegemite.com.au/recipe/640-2/ |access-date=7 December 2022 |website=Tastes Like Australia |language=en-AU |archive-date=7 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221207045338/https://vegemite.com.au/recipe/640-2/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |date=21 January 2020 |title=How to use Vegemite in your cooking |url=https://www.choice.com.au/food-and-drink/groceries/sauces-and-dressings/articles/how-to-use-vegemite-in-your-cooking |access-date=7 December 2022 |website=CHOICE |language=en-au |archive-date=7 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221207045337/https://www.choice.com.au/food-and-drink/groceries/sauces-and-dressings/articles/how-to-use-vegemite-in-your-cooking |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |title=VEGEMITE 2-minute Noodles |url=https://vegemite.com.au/recipe/vegemite-2-minute-noodles/ |access-date=7 December 2022 |website=Tastes Like Australia |language=en-AU |archive-date=7 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221207045336/https://vegemite.com.au/recipe/vegemite-2-minute-noodles/ |url-status=live }}

Limited quantities of kosher Vegemite were first produced in the 1980s;{{cite web|last=zsero|title=Re: Vegemite [Sandwich]|url=http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/682953#5357328|work=Chowhound » Kosher|access-date=9 August 2013|date=28 January 2010|quote=Back in the '80s Kraft started distinguishing the first batch of vegemite made on the newly-kosher equipment, by putting a K next to the use-by date.|archive-date=23 October 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131023060621/http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/682953#5357328|url-status=dead}} a 2004 decision to cease certification was reversed after a backlash from Jewish consumers.{{cite news|url=http://www.pressreader.com/australia/sunday-herald-sun/20100124/281586646730725|title=Vege spite spreads|last=Hargreaves|first=Wendy|work=Sunday Herald Sun|date=24 January 2010|access-date=8 August 2013|archive-date=19 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180419183555/http://www.pressreader.com/australia/sunday-herald-sun/20100124/281586646730725|url-status=live}} Around 2009, Kraft contracted with the Kashrut Authority in New South Wales for their kashrut supervision services, and by 2010, all jars and tubes of ordinary Vegemite were labelled with the authority's stamp.{{cite web|title=Kosher Product Directory » Spreads|url=http://www.ka.org.au/index.php/component/option,com_kosherdb/Itemid,102/catid,90/|publisher=Kashrut Authority|location=Sydney, Australia|access-date=6 August 2013|quote=Vegemite: all sizes. Updated: Tue 11 Aug 2009.|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131023062047/http://www.ka.org.au/index.php/component/option,com_kosherdb/Itemid,102/catid,90/|archive-date=23 October 2013|url-status=dead}} The procedure for obtaining Kashrut Authority certification is detailed in: {{cite web|title=KA Certification Guidelines|url=http://www.ka.org.au/index.php/Kosher_Certification_Guidelines.html|publisher=Kashrut Authority|location=Sydney, Australia|access-date=9 August 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130715225050/http://www.ka.org.au/index.php/Kosher_Certification_Guidelines.html|archive-date=15 July 2013|url-status=dead}} In 2010, Vegemite also received halal certification.

While the makers of Vegemite have long claimed that Vegemite was suitable for vegans,{{Cite web|url=https://vegemite.com.au/faqs/|title=FAQs – Start with Vegemite|website=vegemite.com.au|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210620185332/https://vegemite.com.au/faqs/|archive-date=20 June 2021|access-date=21 November 2018}} it was not until World Vegan Day 2019 that it received vegan certification

from the Vegan Australia Certified program.{{cite news|access-date=4 November 2019|date=1 November 2019|first=Taruka|last=Srivastav|work=The Drum|title=Vegemite officially certified as a vegan brand|url=https://www.thedrum.com/news/2019/11/01/vegemite-officially-certified-vegan-brand|archive-date=4 November 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191104091742/https://www.thedrum.com/news/2019/11/01/vegemite-officially-certified-vegan-brand|url-status=live}}

A Vegemite nutritionist said that "the spread had always been a fitting choice for vegans".{{cite news|access-date=4 November 2019|date=1 November 2019|first=Chris|last=Hook|work=7 News|title=Vegemite joins vegan movement with official certification to celebrate World Vegan Day on Friday|url=https://7news.com.au/lifestyle/food/vegemite-joins-vegan-movement-with-official-certification-to-celebrate-world-vegan-day-on-friday-c-534015|archive-date=4 November 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191104091408/https://7news.com.au/lifestyle/food/vegemite-joins-vegan-movement-with-official-certification-to-celebrate-world-vegan-day-on-friday-c-534015|url-status=live}}

Vegemite is a source of B vitamins, specifically thiamine, riboflavin, niacin and folate (B{{sub|1}}, B{{sub|2}}, B{{sub|3}} and B{{sub|9}}, respectively). The base version contains no Vitamin B12 (cobalamin) although both Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) and vitamin B{{sub|12}} are added to the low-salt formulation.{{cite web|url=https://www.vegemite.com.au/products/vegemite-reduced-salt|title=Reduced Salt Vegemite|work=FAQs|publisher=Kraft foods|access-date=23 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160313174054/http://www.vegemite.com.au/products/vegemite-reduced-salt|archive-date=13 March 2016|url-status=dead}}

The main ingredient of Vegemite is yeast extract, which contains a high concentration of glutamic acid, the source of Vegemite's umami flavour. Vegemite does not contain any fat, added sugar or animal content. It contains gluten (a composite of storage proteins) as the yeast is derived from brewing.{{cite book |title=Australian Popular Culture |last=White |first=Robert |editor1-first=Ian |editor1-last=Craven |editor2-first=Martin |editor2-last=Gray |editor3-first=Geraldine |editor3-last=Stoneham |chapter=A Brief Cultural History of Vegemite |year=1994 |publisher=Cambridge University Press |location=Cambridge, United Kingdom |isbn=0-521-46667-9 |pages=19–20 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=bLbo4sr-xfwC |access-date=12 November 2011 |archive-date=11 September 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230911220014/https://books.google.com/books?id=bLbo4sr-xfwC |url-status=live }}

One 5 gram serving contains 173 mg of sodium, which is 8% of the recommended daily intake of sodium.{{cite web|url=http://www.kraftbrands.com/kraftvegemite/Pages/product-information-vegemite.aspx|title=Vegemite|publisher=Kraft Foods|access-date=31 January 2012|archive-date=19 January 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120119161201/http://www.kraftbrands.com/kraftvegemite/Pages/product-information-vegemite.aspx|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=http://foodwatch.com.au/handy-stuff/how-to-convert-sodium-to-salt-and-vice-versa.html|title=How to convert sodium to salt (and salt to sodium)|work=foodwatch.com.au|access-date=31 January 2012|archive-date=29 January 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120129142342/http://foodwatch.com.au/handy-stuff/how-to-convert-sodium-to-salt-and-vice-versa.html|url-status=dead}} Australia only defines low salt foods, but by UK standards Vegemite is classified as a high salt content food.{{cite web|url=http://www.awash.org.au/cons_faqs.html|title=How do I know when shopping which are low and high salted foods?|work=FAQs|publisher=Australian Division of World Action on Salt & Health|access-date=31 January 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120321024332/http://www.awash.org.au/cons_faqs.html|archive-date=21 March 2012|url-status=dead}}

A low-salt version of Vegemite was introduced in September 2014. It has a 25% reduction in sodium content. The low-salt version is also fortified with vitamin B{{sub|6}} and Vitamin B12.

Originally promoted as a healthy food for children, during World War II advertising emphasised its medicinal value:

Vegemite fights with the men up north! If you are one of those who don't need Vegemite medicinally, then thousands of invalids are asking you to deny yourself of it for the time being.{{cite web |url=http://www.eurekacouncil.com.au/Australia-History/History-Pages/1922-vegemite.htm |title=History of Vegemite – 1922 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080723130242/http://www.eurekacouncil.com.au/5-Australia-History/History-Pages/1922-vegemite.htm |archive-date=23 July 2008 |publisher=The Eureka Council |access-date=23 September 2010}}

At the same time, "Sister MacDonald" insisted that Vegemite was essential for "infant welfare" in magazines. Later advertisements began to promote the importance of the B complex vitamins to health.{{Cn|date=August 2021}}

Vegemite's rise to popularity was helped by the marketing campaigns written by J. Walter Thompson advertising that began in 1954, using groups of smiling, healthy children singing a catchy jingle titled "We're happy little Vegemites".[http://aso.gov.au/titles/ads/happy-little-vegemites/ Happy Little Vegemites] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110422163535/http://aso.gov.au/titles/ads/happy-little-vegemites/ |date=22 April 2011 }}. australianscreen.

:We're happy little Vegemites

:As bright as bright can be.

:We all enjoy our Vegemite

:For breakfast, lunch, and tea.

:Our mummies say we're growing stronger

:Every single week,

:Because we love our Vegemite

:We all adore our Vegemite

:It puts a rose in every cheek.

First aired on radio in 1954, the jingle was transferred to television in 1956. This advertising campaign continued until the late 1960s but, as it was targeted to children, it was discontinued in favour of ads promoting the product to all ages. In the late 1980s the original black and white television commercial was remastered, partially colourised and reintroduced. This commercial was to be broadcast periodically from 1991 to 2010. The two young twin girls who sang this advertising jingle were known as the "Vegemite Twins".{{Cite web |title=History of Vegemite in Timeline - Popular Timelines |url=https://populartimelines.com/t/32593/Vegemite |access-date=19 November 2022 |website=populartimelines.com |language=en |archive-date=29 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221129182704/https://populartimelines.com/t/32593/Vegemite |url-status=live }}

In March 2007, Kraft announced that they were trying to trace the eight original children from the campaign to celebrate the advertisement's 50th anniversary and to take part in a new campaign.{{cite news | work= The Australian | title = Modern tots replace the veteran happy Vegemites | first = Simon | last = Canning | department = Features | page = 13 | date = 15 March 2007 | access-date = 17 October 2010 | url = http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,20867,21383399-7582,00.html | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070321151257/http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,20867,21383399-7582,00.html | archive-date = 21 March 2007 | url-status = dead | df = dmy-all }} The 1956 commercial was to be remade with the original children, now grown, to forge a link between "the new generation and the old ad". The media took up the search on Kraft's behalf with all eight children identified in eight days and resulted in many TV specials and interviews in the Australian national media. The 50-year reunion campaign won the Arts, Entertainment & Media Campaign of the Year award at the November 2007 Asia Pacific PR Awards.(14 November 2007) [http://offlinehbpl.hbpl.co.uk/events/6XX/PRAwards07_revised%20supp.pdf Asia Pacific PR Awards 2007] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080517122831/http://offlinehbpl.hbpl.co.uk/events/6XX/PRAwards07_revised%20supp.pdf |date=17 May 2008 }}

File:Vegemite jars timeline.jpg jars and in sizes up to a {{convert|6|lb|kg|order=flip|abbr=on}} tin, from 1956 Vegemite was sold in clear glass jars.]]

During the 1990s, Kraft released a product in Australia known as Vegemite Singles. It combined two of Kraft's major products, Kraft Singles and Vegemite, into one, thus creating Vegemite-flavoured cheese. This extension of the Vegemite product line was an attempt by Kraft to capitalise on the enormous popularity of Vegemite and cheese sandwiches (made by placing a slice of cheese into a Vegemite sandwich). Vegemite Singles were later taken off the market.{{Cite web |last=O'Connell |first=Jan |date=21 September 1970 |title=Kraft Singles launched - Australian food history timeline |url=https://australianfoodtimeline.com.au/kraft-singles/ |access-date=19 November 2022 |website=Australian Food Timeline |language=en-AU |archive-date=29 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221129215032/https://australianfoodtimeline.com.au/kraft-singles/ |url-status=live }}

File:Vegemite.JPG

On 13 June 2009, Kraft released a new version of Vegemite. The formula combines Vegemite and Kraft cream cheese, spreads more easily and has a considerably less salty and milder taste than the original. To coincide with the release of the new recipe, Kraft ran a competition to give the new flavour a name.{{cite news |work=Herald-Sun |title=Quite a crafty spread Vegemite and cheese join forces in the jar |first=Megan |last=McNaught |page=13 |date=15 June 2009 |access-date=5 September 2009 |url=http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/story/0,21985,25633920-661,00.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090617053028/http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/story/0%2C21985%2C25633920-661%2C00.html |archive-date=17 June 2009 }} The new name was announced during the broadcast of the 2009 AFL Grand Final as iSnack 2.0. The name was chosen by a panel of marketing and communication experts to appeal to a younger market, capitalising on the popularity of Apple's iPod and iPhone.{{cite news |last=Pepper |first=Chris |date=27 September 2009 |title=So, how bad were the other Vegemite names? |work=The Advertiser |page=7}}{{cite news |url=http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/national/new-vegemite-spread-named-isnack20/story-e6frf7l6-1225780035024 |title=New Vegemite spread named iSnack2.0 |work=heraldsun.com.au |date=27 September 2009 |access-date=28 September 2009 |archive-date=9 October 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091009174243/http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/national/new-vegemite-spread-named-isnack20/story-e6frf7l6-1225780035024 |url-status=live }} The choice immediately drew universal criticism and ridicule within Australia. Within days, opinion columns and social networking sites were flooded with derision and vitriol;(30 September 2009). [http://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/a/-/breaking/6128164/vegemite-abandons-isnack2-0-name "Vegemite abandons iSnack2.0 name"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120513091419/http://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/a/-/breaking/6128164/vegemite-abandons-isnack2-0-name/ |date=13 May 2012 }}. The West Australian. West Australian Newspapers. and, after only four days, Kraft released plans to abandon the iSnack name, admitting that it may have been a mistake.{{cite news |url=http://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/a/-/breaking/6128164/vegemite-abandons-isnack2-0-name/ |title=iSnack 2.0 crashes |last=Prior |first=Flip |date=30 September 2009 |work=The West Australian |access-date=30 September 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120513091419/http://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/a/-/breaking/6128164/vegemite-abandons-isnack2-0-name/ |archive-date=13 May 2012 |url-status=dead }} Two days later, Kraft opened a new poll on its website, and the final name was announced on 7 October 2009 as "Vegemite Cheesybite", with Kraft claiming that the name had received 36% of the 30,357 votes that were cast for a name option, or approximately 10,900 votes.{{cite web|url=http://www.vegemite.com.au/vegemite/page?siteid=vegemite-prd&locale=auen1&PagecRef=758|title=Vegemite Name Me|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091004135917/http://www.vegemite.com.au/vegemite/page?siteid=vegemite-prd&locale=auen1&PagecRef=758|archive-date=4 October 2009|publisher=Kraft|access-date=7 October 2009|url-status=dead}} It was noted that the popular suggestion "Cheesymite", long associated with the popular Cheesymite scroll, was already trademarked by other organisations.{{cite web|url=http://mumbrella.com.au/vegemites-cheesybite-neck-and-neck-with-none-of-the-above-10196|title=Mumbrella|date=7 October 2009|access-date=8 October 2009|archive-date=9 October 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091009222205/http://mumbrella.com.au/vegemites-cheesybite-neck-and-neck-with-none-of-the-above-10196|url-status=live}} The product has been renamed "Vegemite & Cheese" under Bega's ownership.{{cite web | url=https://vegemite.com.au/products/vegemite-cheesybite/ | title=VEGEMITE & Cheese }}

In 2011, Kraft Foods Australia launched "My First Vegemite", a special formulation of original Vegemite for children aged older than one year. According to Kraft, the new formula has a "milder taste" and "additional health benefits including iron, B{{sub|6}} and B{{sub|12}} vitamins as well as 50% less sodium", and was designed in response to consumer demand for foods with lower sugar and salt content plus additional health benefits. Immediate reaction and media reports regarding the new formula were largely positive, but Kraft Foods Australia discontinued the "My First Vegemite" product line in 2012 due to poor sales performance.

In April 2015, Cadbury announced that it was to release a Vegemite-flavoured block of chocolate on 1 June. The chocolate block is Cadbury's Caramello block updated by mixing vegemite with the chocolate. Critics described the taste as similar to salted caramel with a pleasant umami aftertaste. Criticism varied from "love it" to "tastes like they mixed the caramel and turkish delight filling with a lot of salt" to "needs more salt", with several tasters commenting that they thought the aftertaste was unpleasant.{{cite news |ref=Delaney |last1=Delaney |first1=Brigid |title=Vegemite chocolate taste test: is Cadbury's new block awesome or evil? |work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/australia-food-blog/2015/may/18/vegemite-chocolate-taste-test-is-cadburys-new-block-awesome-or-evil |date=18 May 2015 |access-date=1 May 2022 |archive-date=14 February 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170214220417/https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/australia-food-blog/2015/may/18/vegemite-chocolate-taste-test-is-cadburys-new-block-awesome-or-evil |url-status=live }}{{cite web |title=Cadbury has released that Vegemite chocolate block – and we tried it |author=Time Out Sydney |website=sydneyland.au.timeout.com |url=http://sydneyland.au.timeout.com/2015/05/20/cadbury-has-released-that-vegemite-chocolate-block-and-we-tried-it/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150906003536/http://sydneyland.au.timeout.com/2015/05/20/cadbury-has-released-that-vegemite-chocolate-block-and-we-tried-it/ |archive-date=6 September 2015 |date=20 May 2015 |access-date=1 May 2022}}

In 2017, a premium variety, Vegemite Blend 17, was released for a limited time. It promised a "richer bolder taste" but at double the price of the standard product.{{cite news|last1=Brown|first1=Vanessa|title=New Vegemite will retail for double the amount of the original spread|url=http://www.news.com.au/lifestyle/food/eat/new-vegemite-will-retail-for-double-the-amount-of-the-original-spread/news-story/d7caff0927987bc181c594c3271c3e7e|access-date=30 April 2018|work=news.com.au|date=11 October 2017|archive-date=30 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180430190201/http://www.news.com.au/lifestyle/food/eat/new-vegemite-will-retail-for-double-the-amount-of-the-original-spread/news-story/d7caff0927987bc181c594c3271c3e7e|url-status=live}}

Other commercial products with Vegemite flavour include Smith's Crisps,{{cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/VEGEMITE/photos/a.299303524986.45828.47955454986/371518349986/?type=3 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/iarchive/facebook/47955454986/371518349986 |archive-date=26 February 2022 |url-access=limited|title=Vegemite|website=www.facebook.com|access-date=30 April 2018}}{{cbignore}} In a Biskit,{{cite web|url=http://www.calorieking.com.au/foods/updates/2003/9/#update-369-Nabisco-Vegemite-In-A-Biskit|title= Food Data – Nutrition information about your favourite food – fat, fibre, protein and more|website=www.calorieking.com.au|access-date=30 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180430182203/http://www.calorieking.com.au/foods/updates/2003/9/#update-369-Nabisco-Vegemite-In-A-Biskit|archive-date=30 April 2018|url-status=dead}} bagel crisps,{{cite web|url=http://www.ausfoodnews.com.au/2015/10/21/abes-bagel-bakery-partners-with-vegemite.html|title=ABE's Bagel Bakery partners with Vegemite – Australian Food News|website=www.ausfoodnews.com.au|date=21 October 2015|access-date=30 April 2018|archive-date=5 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180405130608/http://www.ausfoodnews.com.au/2015/10/21/abes-bagel-bakery-partners-with-vegemite.html|url-status=live}} sausages,{{cite web|url=http://www.news.com.au/lifestyle/food/eat/coles-launch-vegemite-infused-lamb-sausage-for-australia-day/news-story/668b27ebb06ba4baf3e49a827f76bb20|title=Please, leave Vegemite alone|website=news.com.au|date=16 January 2018|access-date=30 April 2018|archive-date=29 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180429000847/http://www.news.com.au/lifestyle/food/eat/coles-launch-vegemite-infused-lamb-sausage-for-australia-day/news-story/668b27ebb06ba4baf3e49a827f76bb20|url-status=live}} meat pies,{{cite web|url=https://www.lifehacker.com.au/2017/07/fourn-twenty-to-release-limited-edition-beef-cheese-and-vegemite-pies/|title=Four'N Twenty Just Launched A Vegemite Pie|date=17 July 2017|website=lifehacker.com.au|access-date=30 April 2018|archive-date=12 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180812114854/https://www.lifehacker.com.au/2017/07/fourn-twenty-to-release-limited-edition-beef-cheese-and-vegemite-pies/|url-status=live}} and Arnott's Shapes.{{Cite web |last=Rao |first=Shoba |date=19 December 2018 |title=New Arnott's Vegemite and Cheese Shapes also see the cracker change shape |url=https://www.news.com.au/lifestyle/food/new-arnotts-vegemite-and-cheese-shapes-also-see-the-cracker-change-shape/news-story/b449113a9d10f3f5c4ae2997638a7d89 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181229013429/https://www.news.com.au/lifestyle/food/new-arnotts-vegemite-and-cheese-shapes-also-see-the-cracker-change-shape/news-story/b449113a9d10f3f5c4ae2997638a7d89 |archive-date=29 December 2018 |access-date=30 July 2024 |website=news.com.au}}

In October 2006, an Australian news company reported that Vegemite had been banned in the United States, and that the United States Customs Service had gone so far as to search Australians entering the country for Vegemite because it naturally contains folate, a B vitamin approved as an additive in the United States for just a few foods, including breakfast cereals.{{Cite news|url=http://www.smh.com.au/news/World/Authorities-probe-Vegemite-ban-reports/2006/10/24/1161455698167.html|title=Authorities probe Vegemite ban reports|work=The Sydney Morning Herald|date=24 October 2006|access-date=26 June 2011|archive-date=8 November 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121108064839/http://www.smh.com.au/news/World/Authorities-probe-Vegemite-ban-reports/2006/10/24/1161455698167.html|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|url=http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/national/us-denies-vegemite-clampdown/story-e6frf7l6-1111112414389|title=US denies Vegemite clampdown|author=AAP|work=Herald Sun|date=25 October 2006|access-date=26 June 2011}}{{Cite news|url=http://news.ninemsn.com.au/world/155019/us-govt-denies-its-banned-vegemite|title=US govt denies it's banned Vegemite|author=AAP|work=news.ninemsn.com.au|date=25 October 2006|access-date=26 June 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110224010918/http://news.ninemsn.com.au/world/155019/us-govt-denies-its-banned-vegemite|archive-date=24 February 2011}} The U.S. Food and Drug Administration later stated that there were no plans to subject Vegemite to an import ban, or withdraw it from supermarket shelves. The United States Customs and Border Protection tried to dispel the rumour, stating on its website that "there is no known prohibition on the importation of Vegemite" and "there is no official policy within CBP targeting Vegemite for interception".{{cite news|url=http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/newsroom/highlights/cbp_responds/rumor.xml |title=Why is CBP Seizing Vegemite? |publisher=U.S. Customs and Border Protection (via www.cbp.gov) |date=31 October 2006 |access-date=31 October 2006 }}{{dead link|date=May 2016|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}} The story of the "ban" later took on the status of urban legend.{{cite news

|url = http://www.snopes.com/food/warnings/Vegemite.asp

|archive-url = https://wayback.archive-it.org/all/20081216221014/http://www.snopes.com/food/warnings/vegemite.asp

|url-status = dead

|archive-date = 16 December 2008

|title = Vegemite Ban

|publisher = Snopes (via snopes.com)

|date = 28 October 2006

|access-date = 22 December 2006

|df = dmy-all

}} While Vegemite has never been popular in the US, it can still be purchased at supermarkets that stock imported food items.{{cite news

| url = http://www.news.com.au/story/0,23599,20641599-1702,00.html

| title = US denies Vegemite ban

| publisher = AAP (via News.com.au)

| date = 25 October 2006

| access-date = 25 October 2006

| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090301195633/http://www.news.com.au/story/0%2C23599%2C20641599-1702%2C00.html

| archive-date = 1 March 2009

| url-status = dead

| df = dmy-all

}}

Following newspaper reports in May 2011 that Vegemite and Marmite had been banned and were being removed from shelves in Denmark, outraged fans set up several Facebook groups. In response, Denmark's Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Fisheries stated that neither spread had been banned but that the respective companies had not applied for licences to market their products in Denmark. In 2004, Denmark had passed legislation prohibiting the sale of food products fortified with vitamins as a danger to health."Ban shows Danes not happy little Vegemites", The Advertiser p. 63, 27 May 2011

Vegemite is banned from Victorian prisons, with the bans beginning to come into effect from the 1990s, to prevent inmates from brewing alcohol using the paste's high yeast content{{cite news |author=Reid Sexton |date=14 October 2007 |title=Mite not right – in prison |url=http://www.theage.com.au/news/national/mite-not-right--in-prison/2007/10/13/1191696241416.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150817015521/http://www.theage.com.au/news/national/mite-not-right--in-prison/2007/10/13/1191696241416.html |archive-date=17 August 2015 |access-date=9 August 2015 |work=The Age |location=Melbourne, VIC}}—even though Vegemite contains no live yeast.{{Cite web |date=19 August 2016 |title=Turn vegemite into beer? Why prisons have banned it |url=https://www.smh.com.au/goodfood/the-pretty-awful-reason-why-prisons-have-banned-vegemite-20160819-gqwvbs.html |access-date=21 October 2024 |website=Good Food |language=en}} Similar bans were proposed in 2015 for a number of dry communities in outback Australia,{{cite web|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-11-11/vegemite-ribena-being-used-to-brew-alcohol-in-dry-communities/5084488|title=Vegemite, Ribena being used to brew alcohol in dry communities in Queensland's Gulf region|work=ABC News|date=12 November 2013|access-date=9 August 2015|archive-date=13 August 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150813004652/http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-11-11/vegemite-ribena-being-used-to-brew-alcohol-in-dry-communities/5084488|url-status=live}} but they were not enacted.{{cite web|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-08-09/vegemite-watch-unlikely-pm-says-after-home-brew-reports/6684188|title='Vegemite watch' rejected by PM after reports spread used to brew alcohol in dry communities|publisher=ABC News|date=9 August 2015|access-date=9 August 2015|archive-date=11 September 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230911220123/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-08-09/vegemite-watch-unlikely-pm-says-after-reports-of-home-brew/6684188|url-status=live}}

In 2025, the owner of an Australian-themed cafe in Toronto was informed by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) that, due to its added Vitamin B content, Vegemite is not permitted to be sold in Canada.https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-04-16/australian-cafe-owner-canada-ordered-remove-vegemite-off-shelves/105182744 After an intervention from the Australian government, the CFIA clarified that the "level of risk to human health from the added vitamins present in the product is low" and permitted its sale again.{{Cite news |last=Wind |first=Emily |date=2025-04-19 |title=Albanese claims victory in Vegemite fight as Canada concedes spread poses ‘low’ risk to humans |url=https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2025/apr/19/albanese-claims-victory-in-vegemite-fight-as-canada-concedes-spread-poses-low-risk-to-humans |access-date=2025-04-19 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}}

The Australian rock band Men at Work refer to a "Vegemite sandwich" in the second verse of their 1981 hit song "Down Under", from their debut studio album Business as Usual.{{cite news | url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/magazine/8178913.stm | work=BBC News | first=Classic | last=Pop | title=Down Under-covered | date=1 August 2009 | access-date=4 April 2011 | archive-date=31 May 2011 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110531022205/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/magazine/8178913.stm | url-status=live }}

Australian band King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard have a song called "Vegemite" on their 2014 album Oddments.{{Citation |title=King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard – Oddments |date=2014 |url=https://www.discogs.com/master/840091-King-Gizzard-The-Lizard-Wizard-Oddments?redirected=true |access-date=2025-02-14 |language=en}}

{{portal|Australia|Food}}

• List of spreads
• Vegemite wars
• Bonox, Bovril (beef extracts)
• Guinness Yeast Extract (yeast extract)
• Oxo (beef and yeast extract)
• Shelf-stable food

{{Reflist}}

• Jamie Callister with Rod Howard (2011, 2012) The man who invented Vegemite: The true story behind an Australian icon Millers Point, N.S.W.: Pier 9. {{ISBN|978-1742668567}}
• {{Cite news |last1=Frost |first1=Natasha |last2=Varney |first2=Abigail |date=12 November 2023 |title=The Corner Lot Where All the World's Vegemite Comes From |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2023/11/12/world/australia/vegemite-centennial-history-melbourne.html |access-date=12 November 2023}}

{{Commons category}}

• {{Official website|http://www.vegemite.com.au/}}
• [https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-19908368 BBC News article: "The slow spread of Vegemite"]
• [https://aso.gov.au/titles/ads/happy-little-vegemites/ Happy Little Vegemites] at [http://aso.gov.au/ Australian Screen Online]

{{Bega Group}}

{{Australian cuisine}}

Category:2017 mergers and acquisitions

Category:Australian companies established in 1923

Category:Food and drink companies established in 1923

Category:Products introduced in 1923

Category:Australian brands

Category:Australian condiments

Category:Brand name condiments

Category:Condiment companies of Australia

Category:Culture of Australia

Category:Australian cuisine

Category:Food paste

Category:National symbols of Australia

Category:New Zealand cuisine

Category:Umami enhancers

Category:Vegan cuisine

Category:Yeast extract spreads