World Marmite Day Date in the current year: September 28, 2024

Marmite is a sticky, dark brown paste with a distinctive “fifth taste” (umami) and heady aroma. It was invented by Justus von Liebig, a German scientist who is considered one of the principal founders of organic chemistry. His discovery that yeast could be concentrated made it possible to produce an edible paste. The Marmite Food Company was founded in 1902 in the English city of Burton Upon Trent, known for its breweries (since yeast is a by-product of brewing, it was a logical choice).

The word “marmite” is French; it means a large metal or earthenware cooking pot. The manufacturer chose this name for the product because it was originally sold in earthenware pots. Although marmite has been sold in glass jars for about a century now, the image on the label still shows a marmite pot.

The popularity of Marmite began to grow in the early 1910s due to the discovery of vitamins in 1912. Yeast extract turned out to be a great source of B vitamins. During World War I, it was a standard part of army rations for British troops to prevent beriberi (a severe form of vitamin B1 deficiency).

Since the early 2000s, the Marmite trademark has been owned by Unilever. Similar products manufactured by other companies include several Australian yeast spreads (Vegemite, Promite, Mightymite, AussieMite), the New Zealand Marmite (which is not made by Unilever), the Swiss Cenovit, and the German Vitam-R.

Marmite is often described as “acquired taste”. Unilever even chose to represent its distinctive flavor in the marketing slogan “Love it or hate it”, which has been used since the mid-1990s. In addition to traditional Marmite, Unilever produces Marmite XO, which is matured four times longer than standard Marmite, law salt Marmite, and even Marmite peanut butter.

The manufacturer also occasionally releases limited editions of Marmite with unusual flavors (for example, Guinness Marmite, Champagne Marmite, or Marmite Dynamite with chili) or in unusual jars dedicated to special occasions. In addition, you can order a personalized jar (classic, Pride, Halloween, or Christmas) that comes in a gift box.

Due to its intense flavor, Marmite is usually spread very thinly on bread, toast, crackers, savory biscuits, and other similar baked products. It is often paired with butter, margarine, or cheese. Marmite is also added to stews and casseroles to enrich their flavor. Some people make it into a savory hot drink by adding a teaspoon of Marmite to a mug of hot water.

As we’ve already mentioned, Marmite is a rich source of B vitamins: thiamine (B1), riboflavin (B2), niacin (B3), folic acid, and vitamin B12 (vitamins B2, B9 and B12 are added to the product for food fortification).

If you’re a fan of Marmite, don’t forget to celebrate World Marmite Day by treating yourself to your favorite spread. And if you’re not sure whether you love it or hate it, here’s your chance to figure it out once and for all.