# Vegemite Is Now BANNED In America! **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [October 22, 2006, 7:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/vegemite-is-now-banned-in-america/377429 "2006-10-22T07:59:30Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 4
**Author:** ![kambuckta](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/53a042/32.png) [@kambuckta](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kambuckta)\ **Post date:** [October 23, 2006, 8:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/vegemite-is-now-banned-in-america/377429/61 "2006-10-23T08:56:57Z")
[QUOTE=slaphead] What else is up at the savoury end, other than Vegemite? [/QUOTE] Beer? šŸ˜ƒ ---
**Author:** ![Nava](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/da6949/32.png) [@Nava](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nava)\ **Post date:** [October 23, 2006, 9:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/vegemite-is-now-banned-in-america/377429/62 "2006-10-23T09:01:14Z")
OK, soooā€¦ Vegemite is related to Bovril how? Sounds like trying to ban liquid ā€œsoup cubesā€. Anybody want some Maggi cubes? If you eat them raw theyā€™ll make hair grow not just on your chest but also on your toenails and your teeth, but one in the tomato sauce is good. And if you lick 'em slow, no hair growth ensues (I determined this experimentally when my age was in single figures). ---
**Author:** ![jjimm](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/ba8739/32.png) [@jjimm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jjimm)\ **Post date:** [October 23, 2006, 9:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/vegemite-is-now-banned-in-america/377429/63 "2006-10-23T09:28:21Z")
[QUOTE=MaceMan] Iā€™ve never tasted any yeast-type products, but is Tartex paste anything like Vegemite? [/QUOTE] Tartex definitely contains some of the flavor components, but Vegemite is about 1,000 times stronger. ---
**Author:** ![Martini\_Enfield](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/martini_enfield/32/11123_2.png) [@Martini\_Enfield](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Martini_Enfield)\ **Post date:** [October 23, 2006, 11:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/vegemite-is-now-banned-in-america/377429/64 "2006-10-23T11:57:08Z")
Vegemite is a foul abomination, a blight upon breakfast foods throughout the land. Yea, let us give thanks for the existence of Marmite, the One True Spread, Enhancer Of Bakery Products And Toasted Bread, Ender Of The Night-Time Fast, Harbinger Of The New Day, Praise Be Unto It. (In English, Marmite is better than Vegemite and anyone who disagrees is a Gay Communist Heathen) šŸ˜‰ The trick to eating Mar/Vegemite involves putting spreading some margarine or butter (Gold in colour, and slippery to the touch!) onto some toast, _letting the margarine/butter melt into the toast_, then spreading the Mar/Vegemite on top of that. Delicious. šŸ˜ƒ ---
**Author:** ![Loopydude](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/e56c9b/32.png) [@Loopydude](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Loopydude)\ **Post date:** [October 23, 2006, 12:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/vegemite-is-now-banned-in-america/377429/65 "2006-10-23T12:00:49Z")
[QUOTE=kambuckta] May I store that one away in my memory banks and bring it out as necessary (and, of course, claim the witticism as my own)? [/QUOTE] By all means. Itā€™s the yeast I can do! ---
**Author:** ![TheLoadedDog](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/35a633/32.png) [@TheLoadedDog](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TheLoadedDog)\ **Post date:** [October 23, 2006, 12:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/vegemite-is-now-banned-in-america/377429/66 "2006-10-23T12:44:47Z")
[QUOTE=Martini Enfield] Vegemite is a foul abomination, a blight upon breakfast foods throughout the land. Yea, let us give thanks for the existence of Marmite, the One True Spread, Enhancer Of Bakery Products And Toasted Bread, Ender Of The Night-Time Fast, Harbinger Of The New Day, Praise Be Unto It. (In English, Marmite is better than Vegemite and anyone who disagrees is a Gay Communist Heathen) šŸ˜‰ [/QUOTE] I tried Marmite about twenty years ago, and found it just like Vegemite. Then last year, there was an online Marmite vs Vegemite debate, so I thought Iā€™d try it again. I tried to be impartial too. I found it too sweet. That said, itā€™s quite edible, and Iā€™d use it if Vegemite wasnā€™t available. Promite is the real abomination. ---
**Author:** ![Martini\_Enfield](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/martini_enfield/32/11123_2.png) [@Martini\_Enfield](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Martini_Enfield)\ **Post date:** [October 23, 2006, 1:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/vegemite-is-now-banned-in-america/377429/67 "2006-10-23T13:13:30Z")
[QUOTE=TheLoadedDog] Promite is the real abomination. [/QUOTE] Agreed. In fact, any ā€œ-miteā€ that isnā€™t Marmite or Vegemite is an affront before all that is good and rightā€¦ this includes Promite, Mightymite, and all those other yeast-based spreads you find at Aldi, The Warehouse, Crazy Clarks, and The Reject Shop. As others have said, I think itā€™s one of those things you really need to have grown up with to appreciate. Just as I think a lot of people in the US canā€™t possibly grasp how a pie could have- gasp- _meat_ in it, most people in Australia and NZ canā€™t possibly grasp how you could have a pie that _didnā€™t_ have meat in it. Marmite and Vegemite are the same thing- if you grew up with them, then theyā€™re the Greatest And Best Thing In The World, and if you didnā€™t grow up with them, then theyā€™re weird, inedible, and slightly suspect. šŸ˜‰ ---
**Author:** ![TheLoadedDog](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/35a633/32.png) [@TheLoadedDog](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TheLoadedDog)\ **Post date:** [October 23, 2006, 1:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/vegemite-is-now-banned-in-america/377429/68 "2006-10-23T13:32:36Z")
Funny how this thread is throwing up US-based (Texan, in fact) advertisements for jars of Vegemite ā€œbig and smallā€. ---
**Author:** ![mhendo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mhendo/32/3159_2.png) [@mhendo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mhendo)\ **Post date:** [October 23, 2006, 2:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/vegemite-is-now-banned-in-america/377429/69 "2006-10-23T14:04:22Z")
[QUOTE=slaphead] Togeter with **Violet Ripples** and Milo powder, I think that makes up the sweet end of the Aussie diet. What else is up at the savoury end, other than Vegemite? [/QUOTE] I think you mean Violet Crumbles. ---
**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:** [October 23, 2006, 4:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/vegemite-is-now-banned-in-america/377429/70 "2006-10-23T16:26:15Z")
[QUOTE=Struan] And Marmite too. It tastes a little stronger to my palate, but theyā€™re both great on toast. [/QUOTE] The last time I saw Marmite in Toronto, it was in the cleaning-supplies section. I guess no-one knew what it was. ---
**Author:** ![Cerowyn](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/82dd89/32.png) [@Cerowyn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cerowyn)\ **Post date:** [October 23, 2006, 5:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/vegemite-is-now-banned-in-america/377429/71 "2006-10-23T17:11:52Z")
[QUOTE=Martini Enfield] Just as I think a lot of people in the US canā€™t possibly grasp how a pie could have- gasp- _meat_ in it, most people in Australia and NZ canā€™t possibly grasp how you could have a pie that _didnā€™t_ have meat in it. [/QUOTE] While fruit/dessert pies are definitely very American (as in, ā€œas American as appleā€¦ā€), there is no shortage of meat-based pies there, either. I doubt you could find a grocery store worthy of the name that did not have meat pies in the frozen food section, and chicken pot pie is a diner staple in many parts of the country. Of course, no meat pie compares to the wonderful tortierre, that most admirable of Quebecois contributions to Canadian cuisine. Although Jamaican patties are a close second. šŸ™‚ ---
**Author:** ![Cartooniverse](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cartooniverse/32/3084_2.png) [@Cartooniverse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cartooniverse)\ **Post date:** [October 23, 2006, 5:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/vegemite-is-now-banned-in-america/377429/72 "2006-10-23T17:42:25Z")
[QUOTE=astro] I tried the Marmite version, and the answer to your question is ā€œNo it doesnā€™tā€. Imagine burning tires at a dump, and then congealing that smoke into a thick, brown, near jelly-like viscous goo, and then adding an entire box of Mortonā€™s salt into the mix. [/QUOTE] Thatā€™s being remarkably generous. I shot a movie once starring Tim Roth, the lovely Brit actor. I walked by while he was eating some bread slathered with what can charitably be described as isomerized feces. He derided my poorly educated American palate and begged me to try some. Being the manlC man I am/was, and not wanting Tim ( who is in fact a truly kind and fun fellow ) to get the better of me, I took the proferred slice. And took a big bite. And had to consciously suppress my gag reflex. The word ā€œvomitaciousā€ exists solely because of Marmite and Vegemite. Folic Acid? Naw. The [Ipecac Syrup](http://www.fotosearch.com/comp/LIF/LIF145/PDB07004.jpg) Combine had the FDA ban it. :eek: Cartooniverse ---
**Author:** ![Cartooniverse](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cartooniverse/32/3084_2.png) [@Cartooniverse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cartooniverse)\ **Post date:** [October 23, 2006, 5:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/vegemite-is-now-banned-in-america/377429/73 "2006-10-23T17:44:21Z")
[QUOTE=slaphead] Togeter with Violet Ripples and Milo powder, I think that makes up the sweet end of the Aussie diet. What else is up at the savoury end, other than Vegemite? [/QUOTE] Aussie Women ? šŸ˜› ---
**Author:** ![StinkyBurrito](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/b9e5f3/32.png) [@StinkyBurrito](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/StinkyBurrito)\ **Post date:** [October 23, 2006, 5:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/vegemite-is-now-banned-in-america/377429/74 "2006-10-23T17:55:40Z")
A couple things. I have my Vegemite in the fridge. Does it need refrigerated? Also, I donā€™t understand all this talk of having 5 gallon buckets of the stuff in your pantry. It has even been stated that you only use a little bit on your toast. Do Aussies eat toast pretty much every morning then? Because I might have toast once a month or so and it will take me a year to finish off a 4oz jar. ---
**Author:** ![jjimm](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/ba8739/32.png) [@jjimm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jjimm)\ **Post date:** [October 23, 2006, 6:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/vegemite-is-now-banned-in-america/377429/75 "2006-10-23T18:33:05Z")
I want to point out from recent experience that Kiwi Marmite is _not_ proper Marmite. It is a disgusting parody; an abomination unto the Lord of Yeast. Took me weeks to get the disgusting taste out of my mouth. Kiwi bastards. ---
**Author:** ![jjimm](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/ba8739/32.png) [@jjimm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jjimm)\ **Post date:** [October 23, 2006, 6:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/vegemite-is-now-banned-in-america/377429/76 "2006-10-23T18:39:23Z")
[QUOTE=StinkyBurrito] I have my Vegemite in the fridge. Does it need refrigerated? [/quote] I personally donā€™t think so. It might depend on the climate I suppose, but we had a jar in our non-a/c apartment in Hong Kong for a year and it lasted fine. Itā€™s so salty that it just doesnā€™t go off, while refrigerating it makes it harder to spread really thin. ---
**Author:** ![Giles](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/giles/32/60_2.png) [@Giles](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Giles)\ **Post date:** [October 23, 2006, 6:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/vegemite-is-now-banned-in-america/377429/77 "2006-10-23T18:47:32Z")
[QUOTE=StinkyBurrito] A couple things. I have my Vegemite in the fridge. Does it need refrigerated? [/QUOTE] I have an opened jar of Vegemite with a use-by date of 2004, which has been sitting in a kitchen cupboard unrefrigerated for more than 2 years ā€“ possibly 6 or 7 years. (Itā€™s like an insurance policy, in case I get a craving forv the stuff, but I donā€™t actrually eat it all that often). Last night, on reading this thread, I spread some on some crackers and ate them. I am still alive, and not even suffering any dangerous symptoms of respiratory tract distress. No, you donā€™t need to refrigerate it. [QUOTE=StinkyBurrito] Also, I donā€™t understand all this talk of having 5 gallon buckets of the stuff in your pantry. It has even been stated that you only use a little bit on your toast. Do Aussies eat toast pretty much every morning then? Because I might have toast once a month or so and it will take me a year to finish off a 4oz jar. [/QUOTE] When in Australia, I usually put it on brands of crackers than are not available in the US, such as [Vita-Weat](http://www.arnotts.com/products/Vita-Weat.aspx) and [Jatz](http://www.arnotts.com/products/Jatz.aspx). So you donā€™t need to eat it on toast. (It can also be eaten on untoasted bread). ---
**Author:** ![Duke\_of\_Rat](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/ad7895/32.png) [@Duke\_of\_Rat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Duke_of_Rat)\ **Post date:** [October 23, 2006, 6:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/vegemite-is-now-banned-in-america/377429/78 "2006-10-23T18:50:34Z")
[QUOTE=pimaspinner] Banned!!! Butā€¦butā€¦Iā€™ve never tasted it! Now that just makes me want it. Where did I put the number for my Vegemite smuggler? [/QUOTE] Me too. Iā€™ve always been curious about it, but now that itā€™s banned I feel I must have it. Whatā€™s so bad about folic acid/folate? A quick Google indicates itā€™s an essential B vitamin. ---
**Author:** ![August\_West](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/august_west/32/18069_2.png) [@August\_West](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/August_West)\ **Post date:** [October 23, 2006, 7:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/vegemite-is-now-banned-in-america/377429/79 "2006-10-23T19:26:27Z")
[QUOTE=jjimm] I want to point out from recent experience that Kiwi Marmite is _not_ proper Marmite. It is a disgusting parody; an abomination unto the Lord of Yeast. Took me weeks to get the disgusting taste out of my mouth. Kiwi bastards. [/QUOTE] My jar of Marmite is from NZ, a gift from my Kiwi cousin-in-law, and I absolutely love the stuff. But I donā€™t have a very ā€œ\*ā€-mite educated palate and Iā€™m not a big fan of Vegemite, so maybe my tastebuds are backwards. Toast smeared with Marmite, with a thin slice of extra-sharp cheddar just slightly melted on top is the best breakfast in the world. ---
**Author:** ![Clothahump](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/51bf81/32.png) [@Clothahump](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Clothahump)\ **Post date:** [October 23, 2006, 9:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/vegemite-is-now-banned-in-america/377429/80 "2006-10-23T21:05:08Z")
[QUOTE=Baldwin] Everybody should taste Vegemite once, and once is enough for most of us. [/QUOTE] Yes. I had the extreme pleasure of being in Australia in the mid-1980s, and my Aussie friends decided one night that I needed to taste Vegemite. So they made me a sandwich. Hilarity then ensued at my response. I think, when I spat it out, that I managed to hit the wall on the other side of the room. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/vegemite-is-now-banned-in-america/377429.md?page=3) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/vegemite-is-now-banned-in-america/377429.md?page=5)