# Vegemite **URL:** \ **Category:** Cecil's Columns/Staff Reports\ **Created:** [January 28, 2013, 7:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/vegemite/648598 "2013-01-28T07:07:05Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Michael\_Rogers](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/46a35a/32.png) [@Michael\_Rogers](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Michael_Rogers)\ **Post date:** [January 28, 2013, 7:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/vegemite/648598/1 "2013-01-28T07:07:05Z")
A taste for Vegemite must be built up slowly if you are not born with it in your bloodstream. Start with less than enough to cover a fingernail and then spread that portion thinly on bread or toast. From there you can work up to such delights as a Vegemite and walnut sandwich. Only 4th generation users can eat it with a spoon. Nearly one jar of Vegemite is sold each year for each member of the Australian population - noting that around 25% of the Australian population was not born there. Meanwhile: _ **Vegemite ingredient may help combat superbugs.** _ _An ingredient found in Vegemite may be able to help combat some antibiotic-resistance “superbugs” that kill thousands of people, a study suggests._ Read more: [http://www.news.com.au/technology/sci-tech/vegemite-ingredient-key-to-superbug-fight/story-fn5fsgyc-1226459483053#ixzz2JFe4Yzbz](http://www.news.com.au/technology/sci-tech/vegemite-ingredient-key-to-superbug-fight/story-fn5fsgyc-1226459483053#ixzz2JFe4Yzbz) ---
**Author:** ![Irishman](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/b487fb/32.png) [@Irishman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Irishman)\ **Post date:** [January 28, 2013, 3:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/vegemite/648598/2 "2013-01-28T15:00:58Z")
> [@](#): > > Researchers said their results were achieved by administering megadoses of nicotinamide, more commonly known as niacin or vitamin B3, far beyond what any normal diet would provide. Whew, for a moment I thought I might have to eat vegemite, but no, it turns out they used _niacin_, i.e. vitamin B3. No vegemite required. (Vegemite may contain niacin, but niacin is readily available from a lot of other sources. Like energy drinks. Or in pill form.) ---
**Author:** ![Newc](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/ba8739/32.png) [@Newc](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Newc)\ **Post date:** [January 28, 2013, 3:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/vegemite/648598/3 "2013-01-28T15:55:47Z")
The description of the taste of this stuff sounds an awful lot like MOXIE. ---
**Author:** ![jbaker](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/59ef9b/32.png) [@jbaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jbaker)\ **Post date:** [January 28, 2013, 6:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/vegemite/648598/4 "2013-01-28T18:55:16Z")
This string apparently references [Australia’s Vegemite: new use for road kill? - The Straight Dope](http://www.straightdope.com/columns/read/879/australias-vegemite-new-use-for-road-kill). In the wake of the reference to Vegemite in the 1981 song “Down Under,” by Men at Work, Vegemite experienced a brief period of popularity in the United States - not dramatic popularity, but enough that the product could be found in ordinary supermarkets. This lasted approximately until everyone who was curious had sampled the product, once. I tried it myself. Apparently, what we did wrong was to spread it thickly, like peanut butter. I’ve since heard that you’re supposed to put only a tiny amount of Vegemite on buttered toast. The thought that this approach may make the product less unpalatable does not inspire in me a desire to try it again. ---
**Author:** ![Irishman](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/b487fb/32.png) [@Irishman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Irishman)\ **Post date:** [January 28, 2013, 7:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/vegemite/648598/5 "2013-01-28T19:02:03Z")
Well, I can see that. I mean, I put a _tiny_ amount of vegemite on my toast as well - said definition of tiny = zero. ---
**Author:** ![jbaker](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/59ef9b/32.png) [@jbaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jbaker)\ **Post date:** [January 28, 2013, 7:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/vegemite/648598/6 "2013-01-28T19:59:24Z")
> [@Irishman](#): > > Well, I can see that. I mean, I put a _tiny_ amount of vegemite on my toast as well - said definition of tiny = zero. And it was better than with a lot of Vegemite, right? ---
**Author:** ![running\_coach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/running_coach/32/15836_2.png) [@running\_coach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/running_coach)\ **Post date:** [January 28, 2013, 8:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/vegemite/648598/7 "2013-01-28T20:03:39Z")
> [@Irishman](#): > > Well, I can see that. I mean, I put a _tiny_ amount of vegemite on my toast as well - said definition of tiny = zero. > [@jbaker](#): > > And it was better than with a lot of Vegemite, right? And homeopathic Vegemite is the Food Of The Gods. ---
**Author:** ![mascaroni](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/dc4da7/32.png) [@mascaroni](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mascaroni)\ **Post date:** [January 28, 2013, 9:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/vegemite/648598/8 "2013-01-28T21:44:32Z")
> [@Michael\_Rogers](#): > > A taste for Vegemite must be built up slowly if you are not born with it in your bloodstream. Start with less than enough to cover a fingernail and then spread that portion thinly on bread or toast. From there you can work up to such delights as a Vegemite and walnut sandwich. Only 4th generation users can eat it with a spoon. I like Vegemite, although not as much as I like Marmite. As you imply in your post, I think a lot of people are put off these wonderfully tasty spreads because they plaster it onto their toast as if it were peanut butter. Keep The Faith **Michael** , I’d like to see a Marmite/Vegemite coalition to spread the word. [BTW Marmite is considerably stronger than Vegemite and I would recommend for first time users half a fingernail per slice of toast.] ---
**Author:** ![C\_K\_Dexter\_Haven](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/b2d939/32.png) [@C\_K\_Dexter\_Haven](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/C_K_Dexter_Haven)\ **Post date:** [January 29, 2013, 12:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/vegemite/648598/9 "2013-01-29T12:52:55Z")
Personal anecdote: the first time I was in Australia (back in about 1990 or so), my Australian associate said I had to try vegemite by spreading it on toast, but didn’t tell me to spread it thinly. She watched as I put a large knifeful on, and bite into it. It was the most god-awful thing I have ever had in my mouth (and that includes once having a bad oyster.) She just laughed and said to spread it thinner next time. There was no next time, nor will there ever be. ---
**Author:** ![mascaroni](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/dc4da7/32.png) [@mascaroni](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mascaroni)\ **Post date:** [January 31, 2013, 1:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/vegemite/648598/10 "2013-01-31T13:44:45Z")
> [@C\_K\_Dexter\_Haven](#): > > Personal anecdote: the first time I was in Australia (back in about 1990 or so), my Australian associate said I had to try vegemite by spreading it on toast, but didn’t tell me to spread it thinly. She watched as I put a large knifeful on, and bite into it. It was the most god-awful thing I have ever had in my mouth (and that includes once having a bad oyster.) She just laughed and said to spread it thinner next time. There was no next time, nor will there ever be. Anyone whose first taste of Indian cuisine was the [Worlds Hottest Curry](http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2257120/Doctor-eats-curry-hot-known-The-Widower-chefs-making-wear-goggles-face-mask.html) would likely to be put off that kind of food forever. Rather than saying “never again”, why not give it a try? I was the same when it came to Stilton cheese. I was in my thirties before, after years of trying and not liking it, I suddenly ‘got it’. I love it now. (mmm… Stilton and Marmite sandwich…) ---
**Author:** ![Irishman](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/b487fb/32.png) [@Irishman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Irishman)\ **Post date:** [January 31, 2013, 9:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/vegemite/648598/11 "2013-01-31T21:19:17Z")
> [@mascaroni](#): > > Rather than saying “never again”, why not give it a try? It was _that_ bad. ---
**Author:** ![mascaroni](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/dc4da7/32.png) [@mascaroni](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mascaroni)\ **Post date:** [February 1, 2013, 2:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/vegemite/648598/12 "2013-02-01T02:42:50Z")
> [@Irishman](#): > > It was _that_ bad. You do not like it. SO you say. Try it! Try it! ANd you may. Try it and you may I say. [With apologies to Dr. Suess.] ---
**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:** [February 1, 2013, 1:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/vegemite/648598/13 "2013-02-01T13:35:52Z")
Mmmmmm, vegemite! I have to order another 2.5 kg tub of it, I’m running low. Marmite is nice too. Promite, less so. ---
**Author:** ![RobDog](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/f07891/32.png) [@RobDog](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RobDog)\ **Post date:** [February 1, 2013, 1:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/vegemite/648598/14 "2013-02-01T13:43:37Z")
> [@Qadgop\_the\_Mercotan](#): > > Mmmmmm, vegemite! > > I have to order another 2.5 kg tub of it, I’m running low. > > Marmite is nice too. Promite, less so. …and when it arrives, try a grilled cheese and Vegemite sandwich (although Marmite’s better) ---
**Author:** ![Chronos](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chronos/32/134_2.png) [@Chronos](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chronos)\ **Post date:** [February 1, 2013, 2:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/vegemite/648598/15 "2013-02-01T14:38:31Z")
Wait, how do you spread a half-fingernail worth of _anything_ over a whole slice of toast? I can’t spread butter that thinly, nor honey, nor jam, nor pretty much anything else. ---
**Author:** ![RobDog](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/f07891/32.png) [@RobDog](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RobDog)\ **Post date:** [February 1, 2013, 2:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/vegemite/648598/16 "2013-02-01T14:42:27Z")
> [@Chronos](#): > > Wait, how do you spread a half-fingernail worth of _anything_ over a whole slice of toast? I can’t spread butter that thinly, nor honey, nor jam, nor pretty much anything else. Spreading that much Vege/Marmite over hot buttered toast is nigh impossible; it just kind of melts into one spot. Instead butter your bread first, then the Vege/Marmite glides easily over the butter. Then stick your bread under a grill. ---
**Author:** ![mascaroni](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/dc4da7/32.png) [@mascaroni](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mascaroni)\ **Post date:** [February 1, 2013, 8:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/vegemite/648598/17 "2013-02-01T20:06:23Z")
> [@Chronos](#): > > Wait, how do you spread a half-fingernail worth of _anything_ over a whole slice of toast? I can’t spread butter that thinly, nor honey, nor jam, nor pretty much anything else. Further to **RobDog** ’s answer; hold the knife at an angle of about 30 degrees and swiftly spread on to the freshly melted butter on hot toast. don’t treat it as a spread in the conventional sense, think of it more as an infusion. Spread The Word, Spread the Marmite/Vegemite… ---
**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:** [February 1, 2013, 8:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/vegemite/648598/18 "2013-02-01T20:07:02Z")
> [@RobDog](#): > > …and when it arrives, try a grilled cheese and Vegemite sandwich (although Marmite’s better) Done that. I used 6 year old cheddar. 😉 ---
**Author:** ![silenus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/silenus/32/166_2.png) [@silenus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/silenus)\ **Post date:** [February 1, 2013, 8:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/vegemite/648598/19 "2013-02-01T20:47:58Z")
> [@RobDog](#): > > Spreading that much Vege/Marmite over hot buttered toast is nigh impossible; it just kind of melts into one spot. > > Instead butter your bread first, then the Vege/Marmite glides easily over the butter. Then stick your bread under a grill. Then throw it away. It’s inedible. 😛 ---
**Author:** ![chiroptera](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/df705f/32.png) [@chiroptera](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/chiroptera)\ **Post date:** [February 1, 2013, 8:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/vegemite/648598/20 "2013-02-01T20:51:07Z")
> [@mascaroni](#): > > [BTW Marmite is considerably stronger than Vegemite and I would recommend for first time users half a fingernail per slice of toast.] I didn’t know that. Spent many of my formative years in the UK and developed a taste for Marmite. On toast with butter and/or good cheese. Also good stirred into soup or stew or pasta sauce or added to burgers or scrambled eggs. Or just mixed with hot water for a tasty broth drink (my mother used to do this for us kids a lot.) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/vegemite/648598.md?page=2)