100 Years of Vegemite – and years of B vitamins to Australians’ vitality

This year we celebrated the 100-year anniversary of our iconic spread – Vegemite.

When Britain’s Marmite was in short supply during and after World War 1, Australia needed a nutritious and tasty alternative. Vegemite was originally developed through trial and error, using leftover brewer’s yeast.

Vegemite is known as a rich source of B vitamins. This year, independent research recognised the positive contribution yeast-based spreads, like Vegemite, make to the diet. The study, by the University of Newcastle, found that in the highest consumers10 of Vegemite, and other yeast spreads, this contributed 30-68% of recommended daily intake (RDI) of B vitamins and less than 15% of sodium intake RDI. Even in the lowest yeast spread consumers, it contributed 7-30% of B vitamins (RDI). Overall, the study found that people who consumed yeast spreads were more likely to meet their RDI of B vitamins compared to those who don’t.

Robert Carman (above) worked at our Vegemite factory for more than 50 years. Starting as an apprentice fitter and turner, he became the facility manager.
Rob retired this year.