# Does Marmite exist? **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Created:** [May 7, 2010, 3:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-marmite-exist/538636 "2010-05-07T15:31:51Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![pseudotriton\_ruber\_ruber](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/a9a28c/32.png) [@pseudotriton\_ruber\_ruber](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pseudotriton_ruber_ruber)\ **Post date:** [May 7, 2010, 3:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-marmite-exist/538636/1 "2010-05-07T15:31:51Z")
A lot of people have told me about this substance, and described its flavor to me (or tried to) but I wonder if they’re trying to pull one over on gullible old me. It sounds frankly disgusting, and it seems to me much likelier that it never existed in the first place but gullible people like me have bought into it for so long, without any scientific basis for thinking it is actually real, that the legend of Marmite has sprung up without having actually existed. ---
**Author:** ![Qadgop\_the\_Mercotan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/qadgop_the_mercotan/32/83_2.png) [@Qadgop\_the\_Mercotan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Qadgop_the_Mercotan)\ **Post date:** [May 7, 2010, 3:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-marmite-exist/538636/2 "2010-05-07T15:54:01Z")
I like marmite. A lot. I’d like to try the new extra-aged, extra strong variety. I like vegemite too. They’re both like salty beef drippings. What’s not to like? ---
**Author:** ![Mr.Excellent](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/f19dbf/32.png) [@Mr.Excellent](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mr.Excellent)\ **Post date:** [May 7, 2010, 4:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-marmite-exist/538636/3 "2010-05-07T16:00:39Z")
> [@Qadgop\_the\_Mercotan](#): > > I like marmite. A lot. I’d like to try the new extra-aged, extra strong variety. > > I like vegemite too. > > They’re both like salty beef drippings. What’s not to like? Well, for one thing, the ancient, eldritch evil of the stuff has been known to make strong men wish for the sweet embrace of madness. [The Marmite Horror - The BBQ Pit - Straight Dope Message Board](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=534691) ETA: I wouldn’t expect anyone who can chew through a solid neutronium hull to object to that sort of thing, of course, but most people find it disagreeable. Yes, I know self-promotion is poor form. I blame the Marmite. ---
**Author:** ![Qadgop\_the\_Mercotan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/qadgop_the_mercotan/32/83_2.png) [@Qadgop\_the\_Mercotan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Qadgop_the_Mercotan)\ **Post date:** [May 7, 2010, 4:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-marmite-exist/538636/4 "2010-05-07T16:05:35Z")
Word: Cthulhu doesn’t really have tentacles, those are all xmex-like protruberances. [sub]Haven’t seen Cthulhu in a while, he missed the last few family reunions.[/sub] ---
**Author:** ![MsRobyn](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/90ced4/32.png) [@MsRobyn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MsRobyn)\ **Post date:** [May 7, 2010, 4:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-marmite-exist/538636/5 "2010-05-07T16:18:13Z")
When Airman’s cousin was dating an Australian, they brought a jar of Vegemite to Christmas dinner. It was opened. The Vegemite was so evil-smelling, I couldn’t bring myself to try it. (I also don’t like very salty food, which doesn’t help.) ---
**Author:** ![Rasa](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rasa/32/3578_2.png) [@Rasa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rasa)\ **Post date:** [May 7, 2010, 5:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-marmite-exist/538636/6 "2010-05-07T17:43:14Z")
_peers into almost-empty jar of marmite_ My marmite is about to not exist anymore ☹ ---
**Author:** ![Sunspace](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/sunspace/32/1250_2.png) [@Sunspace](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sunspace)\ **Post date:** [May 7, 2010, 6:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-marmite-exist/538636/7 "2010-05-07T18:48:27Z")
I think Marmite\* and peanut butter are mutually-exclusive. [sub]\*[Mar|Vege|Pro]mite, actually. Any of the 'mites.[/sub] ---
**Author:** ![Lobsang](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lobsang/32/4067_2.png) [@Lobsang](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lobsang)\ **Post date:** [May 7, 2010, 6:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-marmite-exist/538636/8 "2010-05-07T18:52:38Z")
I am a big fan of marmite, but it is important to note that it ONLY tastes good in the right quantities. It tastes good spread lightly on toast with lots of butter (melted of course by the hot toast) It tastes _ok_ as a sandwich filling (although I haven’t had a marmite sandwich since I was a kid) It tastes good as a sort of topping for cheese on toast. But on it’s own it’s quite strongly bitter and unpleasant to taste. ---
**Author:** ![Czarcasm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/czarcasm/32/4050_2.png) [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Post date:** [May 7, 2010, 6:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-marmite-exist/538636/9 "2010-05-07T18:55:27Z")
> [@Rasa](#): > > _peers into almost-empty jar of marmite_ > > My marmite is about to not exist anymore ☹ In that case, welcome back to humanity. 😃 ---
**Author:** ![Celyn](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/9dc877/32.png) [@Celyn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Celyn)\ **Post date:** [May 7, 2010, 7:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-marmite-exist/538636/10 "2010-05-07T19:41:22Z")
Heh, not only does it exist but it even gets dragged into politics To wit: [Marmite v. BNP](http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/election_2010/8637473.stm) Now with added lawyers and stuff! As has been said, you wouldn’t want to be spreading it thick like, _e.g_., peanut butter, but used sparingly it’s good. It can also be used to help flavour soups or stews. And of course, it’s one of those trick foods where you cannot tell how much, if any, you have left of it merely by glancing at the jar because the jar is brown anyway. Oh yes, it’s sneaky that way. ☹ I mean, with something like jam, you can tell at a glance, while you scribble notes and head for the shops. But Marmite (and all its cousins) no, nothing so helpful. 😃 ---
**Author:** ![Onomatopoeia](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/onomatopoeia/32/4145_2.png) [@Onomatopoeia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Onomatopoeia)\ **Post date:** [May 7, 2010, 8:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-marmite-exist/538636/11 "2010-05-07T20:02:42Z")
Why am I clueless about the purpose of this thread, even after 11 posts? And why is it in the Pit of all places? ---
**Author:** ![Merneith](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/57b2e6/32.png) [@Merneith](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Merneith)\ **Post date:** [May 7, 2010, 8:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-marmite-exist/538636/12 "2010-05-07T20:12:24Z")
Marmite > **[Amazon.com : MARMITE Yeast Extract, 4.41 OZ : Spreads : Grocery & Gourmet...](https://www.amazon.com/MARMITE-Yeast-Extract-4-41-OZ/dp/B000EZWHZW)** > > MARMITE is a concentrated yeast extract paste, enjoyed at any time of the day, whether on toast for breakfast, in sandwiches at lunchtime, or as an added ingredient in stews and casseroles. Marmite biscuits > **[Amazon.com : Fudges Marmite Biscuits, 5.2-Ounce Boxes (Pack of 4) : Cookies...](https://www.amazon.com/Fudges-Marmite-Biscuits-5-2-Ounce-Boxes/dp/B001EQ57RA)** > > Everyone recognises the Marmite brand and everyone has a definite opinion on it! A tasty alternative to have with your cheese or simply by themselves as a delicious savoury snack. Delicious served with salami and sun blushed tomatoes, smoked salmon,... 7 quart Marmite Chafer > **[Amazon.com: Excellanté Stainless Steel 7 Quart Marmite Chafer: Chafing Dishes:...](https://www.amazon.com/Excellant%C3%A9-Stainless-Steel-Marmite-Chafer/dp/B002NQH41M)** > > Thunder Group stainless steel 7 quart marmite chafer. The chafer is created out of stainless steel and is perfect for holding soups, hot cereals, and sauces. The round, cylindrical shape and deep base is meant to hold foods of the liquid type. Let us know what you think of it, prrr. ---
**Author:** ![JohnnyMac](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/e9c0ed/32.png) [@JohnnyMac](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JohnnyMac)\ **Post date:** [May 7, 2010, 8:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-marmite-exist/538636/13 "2010-05-07T20:12:39Z")
Marmite = tasty AND economical. My roommate and I used to go through peanut butter like crazy. No such problem with marmite! We both loved it, but you only need a very little bit. ---
**Author:** ![Mangetout](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mangetout/32/19_2.png) [@Mangetout](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mangetout)\ **Post date:** [May 7, 2010, 8:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-marmite-exist/538636/14 "2010-05-07T20:18:42Z")
I made marmite flapjacks last weekend. ---
**Author:** ![Lobsang](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lobsang/32/4067_2.png) [@Lobsang](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lobsang)\ **Post date:** [May 7, 2010, 8:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-marmite-exist/538636/15 "2010-05-07T20:29:44Z")
> [@Onomatopoeia](#): > > Why am I clueless about the purpose of this thread, even after 11 posts? And why is it in the Pit of all places? To ascertain the existence of a debatably pit-worthy substance. ---
**Author:** ![Kyla](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/eada6e/32.png) [@Kyla](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kyla)\ **Post date:** [May 7, 2010, 8:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-marmite-exist/538636/16 "2010-05-07T20:42:57Z")
> [@Onomatopoeia](#): > > Why am I clueless about the purpose of this thread, even after 11 posts? And why is it in the Pit of all places? Because **prr** forgot that parodies only make sense [if you know what’s being parodied](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=561973). ---
**Author:** ![Lobsang](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lobsang/32/4067_2.png) [@Lobsang](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lobsang)\ **Post date:** [May 7, 2010, 8:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-marmite-exist/538636/17 "2010-05-07T20:52:23Z")
> [@Kyla](#): > > Because **prr** forgot that parodies only make sense [if you know what’s being parodied](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=561973). :smack: ---
**Author:** ![TruCelt](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/trucelt/32/523_2.png) [@TruCelt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TruCelt)\ **Post date:** [May 7, 2010, 8:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-marmite-exist/538636/18 "2010-05-07T20:59:41Z")
[http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showpost.php?p=12178407&postcount=8](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showpost.php?p=12178407&postcount=8) I’m unclear on the difference between Marmite and vegemite, but can attest to the vile existence of vegemite. What the heck is Promite? ---
**Author:** ![Lobsang](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lobsang/32/4067_2.png) [@Lobsang](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lobsang)\ **Post date:** [May 7, 2010, 9:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-marmite-exist/538636/19 "2010-05-07T21:01:48Z")
Just a WAG but I was led to believe the difference between Marmite and Vegemite was nothing more than branding. ---
**Author:** ![Miller](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/miller/32/481_2.png) [@Miller](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Miller)\ **Post date:** [May 7, 2010, 9:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-marmite-exist/538636/20 "2010-05-07T21:22:46Z")
Whatever the OP’s intentions, what we’ve ended up with here is a thread about the pros and cons of Marmite and associated food-like products. As such, I’m booting it out of the Pit and over to Cafe Society. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-marmite-exist/538636.md?page=2)