Australia's most famous spread is so loved it has it . As we celebrate all things thick, salty and tasty today, we discover some interesting facts about this every day kitchen staple.
1. Vegemite is proudly Melbournian
Every jar of Vegemite – ever – has come from a Melbourne factory at Fisherman Bend, Port Melbourne. Even the spread’s signature yeast ingredient was from Carlton & United Breweries a few suburbs away in Abbotsford. With some salt and celery and onion extracts thrown in, Vegemite is like the city of Melbourne itself; dressed in black and great for breakfast.
2. There’s a Vegemite in every Australian home… almost
that eight out of ten Australian homes have a jar of Vegemite - that's as many that have an Internet connection!
3. Vegemite is rich in folic acid
Vegemite is rich in vitamin B, particularly folic acid. (Among other things, folic acid helps protect against neural tube defects birth defects in a developing foetus.)
4. The "Happy Little Vegemites" song is preserved
In 2009, the National Film and Sound Archive preserved ten famous songs with historical or social significance. Amongst Yothu Yindi’s Treaty (1991) and Dorothea Mackellar’s My Country (1958), Alan Weekes’ advertisement jingle also made the cut.
5. Vegemite is a part of Australian supermarket history
In 1984, a 115g jar of Vegemite was the first product to be electronically scanned at a checkout. It scanned at 66 cents at Woolworths in Chullora, NSW and the jar is on display at the Woolworths head office.
6. It changes its style
Since its inception, Vegemite has filled the vessels of many different shapes, materials and sizes. From Amber glass jars, to plastic tubes, even a ‘limited edition’ porcelain pot hit the shelves in 1927. In 1990, we saw our first plastic yellow lid. Thinner metal lids were replaced by tamper-evident yellow plastic ones, reaching consumers the way that they had been packaged in the factory.
Vintage Vegemite jars (AAP Image/Julian Smith) Source: AAP
7. It goes in the cupboard, not the fridge
It's an act that can tear apart friendships and divide relationships; where do you store your Vegemite? , the spread is best kept in the cupboard or pantry, right up to its use-by date.
8. Vegemite is for every one
Vegemite is both halal and kosher certified, and contains no animal products, being suitable for vegetarians and vegans. The spread is also palm oil free.
Vegemite certifications (Own) Source: Own
9. It's a mitey survivor
Vegemite has remained Australia’s favourite breakfast spread despite some disastrous publicity stunts. The brand was hit particularly hard in 2009 as their new cream cheese/Vegemite product was christened 'iSnack 2.0' and condemned as an . Similarly, consumers were not impressed with the collaboration with Cadbury chocolate last year. However, Australians still spread about of the stuff on our toast, bread, biscuits and rumours have it, croissants, every year.
The 'Name Me' competition that was labeled a PR disaster (Vegemite) Source: Vegemite
10. It's good in pies
(Murdoch Books) Source: Murdoch Books
top-notch spread
Meet the Michelin-starred chef who makes his own Vegemite
