This Iconic Spread From Australia Is Celebrating 100 Years

The recipe is a fiercely-guarded secret. It has been used to conduct electricity. And it is the first product scanned digitally at checkout in Australia. We are talking about Vegemite, the brewer's yeast-based spread that has a cult status in Australia. Millions of jars of the savoury black spread that Aussies love to put on their toast for breakfast are sold every year. The brand celebrates its 100th anniversary in 2023. Here are some interesting facts about one of the world's most popular spreads.

An Iconic Food

It was inspired by the British spread Marmite and was created out of a wartime necessity. Marmite was especially popular among Australians. In 1922, when World War I disrupted supplies, an Australian entrepreneur named Fred Walker commissioned a chemist named Cyril Callister to develop an alternative. Though the glass jar is the most popular, it also comes in a squeezy tube for travellers.

Hopped On Yeast

Though the exact recipe is unknown, it is known to be made of leftover yeast from local breweries and bakeries that has been fermented for weeks. It is said to be a good source of vitamins and great for health. There's even a phrase, "A happy little vegemite", that originated from a TV ad for the spread, which is now used to describe someone who is happy.

An Australian Heritage

The spread is made in a brick factory in Melbourne's Fishermans Bend, 1 Vegemite Way. The distinctive smell that wafts from the location has been designated as "an intangible cultural heritage" by the City of Melbourne. Vegemite is releasing a limited edition commemorative fine silver mini jar replica range designed to celebrate the 100th birthday of Australia’s iconic spread.

An Acquired Taste

For many Australians, Vegemite was a part of their childhood days. Morning meals would include a slice of buttery toast with a layer of the beloved spread. Though Vegemite has a loyal following, it is somewhat of an acquired taste. "My Australian friends are obsessed with it," says Kolkata girl Anita Kapoor, who graduated from a university in Wollongong last year.

"The first time I had it was when my roommate put a spoonful in my mouth while telling me it was Chyawanprash. I had to spit it out. But I slowly warmed up to it later on when I had it with bread. Still not a fan, though." There’s a very specific way to have it, she explains. "If you have a spoonful of it, you definitely won’t like it. You toast a piece of bread with butter. Then, take a tiny amount of vegemite and layer it on top of the butter. Most people don’t like it at the start."

The First Electronically Scanned Item

A 66-cent jar of Vegemite became the first product scanned at a Woolworths checkout in Australia in 1984. The historic item is now on display at their New South Wales headquarters.

Interpretations Beyond A Spread

Vegemite has been incorporated into dishes by several Australian chefs. For instance, at Sunda, a modern Southeast Asian restaurant in Melbourne, head chef Khanh Nguyen uses it in a curry served with roti.