Stick a slice of Vegemite toast in the hand of an Australian and they will swallow it in seconds. Hand it to pretty much anybody else and you can expect a facial expression that would suggest they just ate the nastiest thing on earth.
Australian’s love their Vegemite and will defend its honour feverishly. It’s a quintessential Aussie icon, and you would be hard pressed to not find a jar of it in the pantry of every Australian household. I would even go as far as to say you couldn’t call yourself a real Aussie unless you can handle some on your toast every morning.
Invented way back in 1923 (it has to be good to survive this long) and made from used brewers yeast extract (cmon its made from the same stuff used to make beer people) it has a salty, slightly bitter and malty taste. Containing the world’s richest known sources of B vitamins, it was even recommended as essential for infant welfare.
Now if it was good for infants then its bloody well good for everybody else so I have taken up the challenge to spread (did you see what I just did, I said spread because.. oh forget it you can work it out) the word. When I set off for Europe this year I will be taking a jar of Vegemite with me and getting you all to try it. Now don’t look at me like that and dude I can totally see you screwing your face up already.
With a camera (that I don’t have yet) we shall film this great challenge so that you can all see that its really not that bad. Oh and there won’t be any of this “oh no none for me thanks” you hear me twitter friends this means you too. For now prepare yourselves because the VEGEMITE IS COMING.
For the Vegemite virgins here are some TV advertisements for your viewing pleasure.
The Original Vegemite TV Ad
Vegemite recommended for children
Vegemite goes on forever
Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vegemite
{ 42 comments… read them below or add one }
Ha! excellent idea, Chris! Can’t wait to see the video. I’ll eat Vegemite if you’ll eat the rotten egg I’m having in Thailand.
I’m hoping everybody plays along as I’m excited to see how people go. Should make for some funny video clips I think either way. I may have to make the first video to show everybody how its done.
Oh and you can keep that rotten egg, I’d hate to leave you hungry all day.
I actually enjoy Vegemite- in very small doses. Very salty but tasty in it’s way. Just another step on my ongoing quest to become Australian!
Stephanie your so rocking the honorary aussie flag. Now you just need to get your bum over here and you’ll fit right in.
Last time I ate vegemite it was disgusting but I’ll give it a second shot for your documentary. Maybe in exchange for a little peanutbutter on toast?
Abbey you can’t say that.. its an aussie icon
I’ll let you off though because your willing to try it for me. Peanut butter is also very awesome but ya know vegemite is my true love in spreads.
Omg, I love that first commercial. I would LOVE to try some! Seriously. Can you ship a taste sample? Hahahhaa.
Hey Candice, its an awesome commercial huh. Taste samples can be arranged but they require a record report on eating it
haha Yeah I LOVE vegemite – even though I am from New Zealand and should stand behind marmite, give me vegemite on toast anytime of the day!
I look forward to seeing that video! Sofia hates that stuff, but she is from Sweden so what do you expect :p
Hey Nathan, you know all this time I don’t think I have ever tried marmite to be honest.
I am hoping I can get a few videos together for a bit of a series from my travels around Europe with various people attempting the vegemite challenge
haha yeah that sounds great, hey I’m not sure if you have heard about it but apparently the SWISS have some stuff which is similar to Vegemite, you can read more about it here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cenovis – we haven’t tried it yet but are gonna try and buy some today – will keep you updated on how similar it really is :p maybe even take a video of Sofia tasting it!
No never heard of it but then when I hear Cenovis (http://www.cenovis.com.au) I think of vitamins you see their brand of them in the supermarket all the time here. Do let me know how it compares to Vegemite though, if its not bad I’ll have to try some when I am in Europe.
I must be a closet Aussie, cause I love the stuff! Copious amounts on a toastie. I even went around Vancouver trying to find it. No luck.
If only I were going to Europe, I’d snag yours.
Good work you’ll be welcome in Aus anytime
GOLD!
Pure Gold!
If I step fut inside the nation of Germany without Vegemite in hand for my friend Tobi, I may as well re pack my bags! He did exchange here and is now obsessed with the stuff.
You just aint Aussie if you don’t travel with Vegemite!
Hey Emma, haha so true I will be taking my Vegemite everywhere on my travels. I have a cousin who just moved to Amsterdam for 12 months and wants me to bring her over some Vegemite when I pass through later this year.
Marmite is king and you know it!!!
haha I’ve never tried it but obviously I’m going to have to just to prove how good vegemite is
I like Vegiemite, but Marmite is wayyyyyyyyy better
.-= Ross fraser´s last blog ..Package holiday info Puerto Pollensa =-.
Hi Ross. I’m going to have to try Marmite a few people have commented on it now. I still can’t falter in my love for vegemite but I’m willing to add another spread to my toast regime
I have to tune in again on this debate. I’ve tried Marmite too, and it has this nasty taste at the end of a bite, while Vegemite tastes salty, but in a subtle way. Mate, you’ll have to tell us what you think. Gotta feeling, you’ll agree with me.
.-= Nomadic Chick´s last blog ..Gypsy Bits and Bytes =-.
Hmm well I won’t judge till I’ve tried it but that doesn’t sound so good. I will try and find some in the local supermarket next time I visit and give an account on it.
Yeah, haha, gross! Ha, just kidding but I am definitely not a fan but those australians sure are! I saw it first hand, it’s no joke there. I feel like vegemite is kinda like spam. It’s like, “wait you’re serious??? people actually like this stuff?” you gotten be kidding me! to each his own, to each his own.
.-= Chris´s last blog ..Discount Tire Stores =-.
Hey Chris. Cmon vegemite is awesome mind you I’m australian so possibly a little bit biased
I do hear you on the spam comment though because I so don’t understand how people eat that stuff from a tin.
i like the aussie dispute vegemite – marmite but i am sorry to say i hate both
sorry, i seriously tried them both on toast and even with cheese but nop
.-= marta´s last blog ..Australia backpacker tips – Selling the van (second part) =-.
haha vegemite is just so Australian how can we not stand up for it
I really like our patriotism its fun.
Sorry but I have to tell you here.. vegemite is the most disgusting thing I have ever tasted! and seriously theres no other food or taste I really dislike.. Last year I was living in London with a bunch of aussies (you guys are pretty cool people btw!) and they were so loving their vegemite I couldnt understand why?!
Its probably cause in australia you grew up with it and you learned to develop a taste for it…thats the reason why you do like vegemite!!
Maybe I can give it a chance and think of it as being just like wine, coffee, beer, or cheese.. a lot of people won’t like it first cause its something they are not used to, but they will gradually develop a taste for it and will enjoy it always a bit more.
so the question is : Am I going to like vegemite someday? well.. I doubt it…but maybe, who knows!
Hey Christy, yes the fact we grow up on it makes our love for it so much easier.
I’m the same with wine can’t stand it but if I give it a chance I’m sure it will grow on me.
Your not in London anymore then? I’ll be there by July i think so looking forward to that.
I’ve tried Vegemite twice, the second time I shuddered in disgust slightly less :p so it may be an acquired taste.
If I run into you on our travels, I’ll gladly give it a third try to see if I can learn to like it.
.-= Catia | Vagabond Roots´s last blog ..Pre Trip Planning Tips for Backpacking Around The World =-.
Hey Catia. haha oh I can see how this little challenge is going to pan out. I’m going to be wasting an entire jar of vegemite when I could be eating it myself. Will be happy to have you try it for a 3rd time. If your in Europe soon let me know I’ll catch up.
I’m a complete traitor to my country – I was brought up on Marmite but actually prefer Vegemite now, it’s fantastic stuff – and you’ll be pleased gto hear it’s pretty easy to buy in the UK these days (because there are so many bloody aussies here!)
.-= Geoff´s last blog ..Cock Fights & Naughty Monkeys =-.
Hey Geoff. Nice work I almost bought marmite at the supermarket last weekend to see what all the fuss was about but couldn’t justify the $5 for the jar just to try it. Will need to find a travel packet somewhere.
Awesome that means I don’t need to bring a box full of the stuff with me to Europe
It certainly is in London supermarkets anyway – although I can’t say if that holds true for other parts of the UK.
I’d hold off on the Marmite til you get to the UK – not sure the stuff you get out there is the real thing!
.-= Geoff´s last blog ..Cock Fights & Naughty Monkeys =-.
haha that would be right send us the dodgy branded version
I’ll have to get someone in the UK to hook me up with some marmite when I land there later this year then.
I’m sure I can help you with that, I’ll be back home by then!
.-= Geoff´s last blog ..Cock Fights & Naughty Monkeys =-.
Vegemite is the most ridiculous shit I have ever seen. Somehow, it’s made by an American company.
Count down the days man!
haha mate its only made by an American company after they bought out the Australian one that makes it. Vegemite is awesome what are you talking about ridiculous.
I am sure I would LOVE vegemite. I love sprinkling nutritional yeast on my popcorn and have even made mac and cheese with it before. Now I feel like I’m missing out! I guess a trip to Australia is in order!
.-= Ana S.´s last blog ..Difficulties and Perseverance =-.
haha Ana. I can arrange for some to be shipped to you The only condition is you film it for my blog
I also approve of a trip to Australia, let it wait till after you see Alaska first.
I love this idea. I caught Candice’s video and can’t wait to see more as people try it.
.-= Eric´s last blog ..Hiking at Apsan Mt. =-.
Thanks Eric. So far I’ve not had much luck finding willing participants. But I will press on spreading the message
I’m Australian and I hate vegemite its so gross
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