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This is an old revision of this page, as edited by Ballchef (talk | contribs) at 13:22, 15 June 2006 (vegemite goes with everything). The present address (URL) is a permanent link to this revision, which may differ significantly from the current revision.

I nominate whoever wrote this to be canonized as a Misplaced Pages saint  :-)

I first learned of Vegemite from Men at Works "Down Under", perhaps that could be mentioned?

I changed the "Men at Work" reference to delete the references to poor elocution, whci seemed completely POV and just plain wrong. After 47 years of listening to rock and roll, Men at Work and "Down Under" are pretty high on the list of elocution and understandability. I suppose people listening on hissy transistor radios under the sheets could mis-hear it, but I remember quickly asking "What the hell is Vegemite?? until it was answered by MTV or somesuch. Actually a clever little device by the composer. TJoeC

I'd not agree with "it appears to be very much an acquired taste", while Americans would be convinced of this I've never seen mothers forcing children to eat it nor children refusing it (any more than any other type of food). I do know the real reason for the difference in reactions, but it would spoil too much to reveal it. ;-)

C'mon, we're trying to build a repository of humanity's collected knowledge. If you have the secret to Vegemite's lack of appeal to Americans (beyond the fact they dislike salty and like sugar-laden), for the sake of scientific truth and international harmony reveal it :) --Robert Merkel

      What do you mean, we don't like salty? We eat tons of potato chips, pretzels, french fries, nachos, etc.

Maybe its popularity has got to do with my earliest memories of eating it (at age 4 or 5) - spread with lots of butter on thickly cut straight-out-of-the-oven bread. Also, one might draw a parallel between vegemite and cheese. Both are stongly flavoured and popular, but no-one seriouly complains about the taste of cheese. Darkov 05:29 11 Jun 2003 (UTC)

I think the phenomenon that most Americans do not like the taste of Vegemite should be explained as best as it can. Maybe with less of an attachment to Americans and something like "People raised eating Vegemite are more likely to eat vegemite as an adult. This is partly due to its color (black) and its salty taste."

Might need a little more detail but it would be nice if something was included. I'm an American but my mother is Austrailian and she raised us eating the great stuff. I know its anecdotal but I love Vegemite but all my life the only person I've known that will try a sandwich is my wife. So in summery, in my experience it's more something your raised with and has little to do with what it's like. Thoughts, opinions? --72.177.18.148 22:26, 18 March 2006 (UTC)

I've removed the following sentence explaining the pun of Vegemite's original name:

("marmite" sounds like "Ma might", thus "Pa will")

and replaced it with

(as in the sentence: "Ma might not like the taste, but I'm sure Pa will").

as I feel it makes things a bit clearer. The sentence is entirely made up on the spot, and to my knowledge has nothing to do with why they chose the name.

---Misfit 04:41, 3 Aug 2003 (UTC)

The link for Fred Walker goes to a US Army General by that name. Suspect this isn't the same guy ... ;-). Still a bit new here, so not sure how to fix it so you get one of those pages that gives you a choice of several people with the same name. Can someone fix this up? Jimc 21:23, 18 Aug 2003 (UTC)

Done. -- Tim Starling 00:44, Aug 21, 2003 (UTC)

Sales figures?

Today Vegemite far outsells Marmite and other similar spreads.

Should that not be qualified to "in Australia and New Zealand"? I'd have a very hard time believing that it outsold Marmite worldwide, since Marmite is vastly more common in Britain. Loganberry | Talk 14:23, 6 Jun 2005 (UTC)

I wonder ...

Do Americans (and others) find Vegemite unpalatable because they don't know how to use it? My late Finnish grandfather was turned off of Vegemite because when he tried it on his toast he spread it as thick as peanut butter. He had no idea that only freaks would do such a thing - it's like trying to drink Wild Turkey as if it were beer. The vast majority of Vegemite eaters apply only a thin coating - it's strong stuff.

Perhaps someone could include an explanation of what vegemite is made of, and what it actually tastes like. Currently, the article only mentions that it is "salty", which is pretty vague. --24.200.35.253 00:56, 13 September 2005 (UTC)

Done ... except for describing the taste, which requires more linguistic skill than I possess. - DavidWBrooks 15:00, 13 September 2005 (UTC)

Happy little vegemites!

If the lyrics to the "we're happy little Vegemites" jingle are correct (I'm not Australian and have never heard it during my visits there), I think they should be returned to the article - they're a wonderful detail that contributes to the idea of Vegemite being a half-silly, half-serious cultural icon. - DavidWBrooks 14:05, 16 December 2005 (UTC)

I reverted the article to the last decent version. The recent changes to the article were poorly integrated and written. The lyrics were indeed correct, but a better way to incorporate them (other than in caps mid-sentence) needs to be found. Indeed, perhaps they're more suited to Wikisource.--cj | talk 04:24, 20 December 2005 (UTC)

vegemite jingle, nutritional info, etc.

the vegemite jingle that i had added to this article was correct- i got it off of the official vegemite website. the nutritional information and the backround as to the origins of the name were also correct- and, considering how relevant to the topic they were, i am confused as to why you removed them. as for the taste, the best way i can describe it is almost like burnt beer- of course, i'm not a native eater of it and have only tried it a couple times. it is rather tasty as long as you don't use too much (i.e., you can still see the bread under it) and use lots of butter and cheese.

This needs a serious rewrite

This is an Australian born and made product - why are you trying to credit it's existance to America along with everything else? Even to the extent that you hide the Australia website address www.vegemite.com.au under the link www.vegemite.com so it looks American?

Give credit where credit is due. An Australian who actually knows what Vegemite is needs to rewrite this (as opposed to an American who has never even tasted it), and add in the correct facts regarding it's origin.

Since the article's first reference to America is the second paragraph, and that just says it's owned by Kraft - and since I found the word "Australia" or variants 17 times, compred to four for "America" and variants, I'm not quite sure of your point. - DavidWBrooks 13:04, 15 January 2006 (UTC)

Why is Americans' supposed distaste for this mentioned at all? I'm sure 99.9% of Americans have never heard of the stuff. I suggest removing the "particularly Americans" part of the sentence and leave it at that.

Good point - done. (Thanks to Men at Work, though, I'm sure the Amercian percentage of knowledge is higher than that) - DavidWBrooks 19:36, 21 January 2006 (UTC)

small point

The daughter's name is given as "Sheilah". Is that spelled correctly? I know there are variation on the name, but the one I usually encounter is "Sheila". --Kerowyn 23:37, 20 January 2006 (UTC)

The spelling with an H can be found on a ton of sites, and not just those that scrape from us. - DavidWBrooks 00:18, 21 January 2006 (UTC)

Full lyrics

I can easily quote the full lyrics for the song from memory (what's on the page is only the first two lines), but what's the copyright status? It was first used in an ad in 1954, apparently, but I can find nothing on the person who wrote it which means I can't find out when it gets released into public domain under Australian laws. Confusing Manifestation 14:51, 21 January 2006 (UTC)

Well, an anonymous editor has put the full lyrics in (although I always thought it was "our mummies say we're growing stronger"), but the question of copyright remains unanswered. Anyone? Confusing Manifestation 13:49, 22 January 2006 (UTC)

Ordering Vegemite

Where can I order Vegemite? As a devoted fan of salmiakki, I want to try what this salty spread tastes like.

(About the comment about 99.9% of Americans never having heard of Vegemite - I don't think 99.9% of Americans have heard of anything outside the USA. =) ) JIP | Talk 08:42, 9 February 2006 (UTC)

Seconded :P.--cj | talk 08:47, 9 February 2006 (UTC)

It looks like there's a place called the About Australia Shop that's based in San Antonio that imports lots of Australian foods, so there are probably a couple of other places out there. Possibly Googling for vegemite + your state or a nearby city might give you a result or two. I would suggest getting your hands on as many of the other Australian foodstuffs as possible at the same time, if only to wash away the taste of the Vegemite (Tim Tams are highly recommended). Confusing Manifestation 11:35, 9 February 2006 (UTC)

If you're under the impression that I have a "state", then you might want to check my nationality at my userpage. JIP | Talk 12:15, 9 February 2006 (UTC)

I believe you misspelled "thank you for answering my query". - DavidWBrooks 22:42, 9 February 2006 (UTC)

Ah yes, that too. I've now ordered a can, I'll have to see what it tastes like. JIP | Talk 08:29, 10 February 2006 (UTC)

Deepest apologies. Despite being in the (probable majority) group of people living outside the US on the Internet, I still assume anyone who doesn't announce where they live is automatically American. Well, I think I heard of similar stores in the UK, and I'd be interested in hearing where you ordered your can from (I'm really hoping you mean jar, because I'm having trouble imagining cracking open a tin of Vegemite), especially if it's (relatively) local to you. Confusing Manifestation 13:02, 10 February 2006 (UTC)

Stores like that do exist in the UK, but you can actually buy Vegemite at most supermarkets here, and even Tim Tams at some. JPD (talk) 14:33, 10 February 2006 (UTC)

Don't worry about it. Oh, and thanks. I ordered the jar from the About Australia website. It cost me $3 for the jar and $21 for shipping. It should probably arrive within a week or two. I just hope Vegemite is as long-lasting as people say it is. I think I must be the first person in Finland to do this... =) JIP | Talk 15:23, 10 February 2006 (UTC)

...and maybe the last :). It's an acquired taste. I love it, but. It's best with toast or cheese.--cj | talk 15:38, 10 February 2006 (UTC)

Actually, according to some, the best way to have Vegemite is to take a piece of bread, spread on a microscopically thin layer of Vegemite, smother it with butter, then throw away the bread and order take-out. (Note that I say this as someone who enjoys Vegemite occasionally, and stories like this are probably told just as much to reinforce the Vegemite legend.) Oh, and we're all looking forward to hearing JIP's report :) Confusing Manifestation 12:08, 12 February 2006 (UTC)

JIP, even though he assumed you were an American he was trying to help you and the rest of us out. probably shouldn't give him a hard time about it. Also, while many Americans are ignorant to things outside the US not all of us are so please don't make ignorant statements suggesting so. I'm an American and I've known about vegemeite since I was 10 years old (I'm now 22.) We aren't all idiots. If you want to bash Americans or America please at least be informed. (I realize this is all very off topic now) Bush may be making some crappy choices internationally and Americans may generally be ethnocentric but when people from other countries make generalized statements about us it is just as bad. have you been to America and lived with and interacted with Americans for any extended period of time? I sure haven't visited Finland so I'm not going to go make off-the-cuff remarks about your country or its citizenry. Just about half the country voted for Bush so only half the country is ignorant ;) I don't mean to rant but I'm tired of other countries (and their citizens) berating us for the mistakes of our elected leaders (which are not elected by 100% of the population). --DannyBoy7783 01:43, 10 May 2006 (UTC)

I was reading further on your user page and noticed that you have only been to the US once and it was a long time ago. I would suggest you not comment on Americans in light of that fact. Comment on Bush. Comment on the government. Comment on the Americans you know or interact with...but don't comment on us as a whole. You don't know us. Thank you. --DannyBoy7783 01:45, 10 May 2006 (UTC)

That is a bit rude for both of you, free spech is wonderfull ask mister Bush. You can comment on us Aussies any way u want we dont care, also I've watched news hour with Jim Learer and Americans arnt that ignorant, they are the same as other people and cultures. All countries are good and bad.

Have fun eating Vegemite and just enjoy your life mate.Enlil Ninlil 05:31, 10 May 2006 (UTC)

Aussies don't care if people make fun of them because no one really says anything bad about them. You guys have cool animals and great weather and a hip accent. Everyone, especially Europeans just thinks Americans are dumb. It's annoying. Free speech is great, I agree. But shouldn't we try and make educated opinions if we can? Free speech also lets me defend myself when I'm being insulted by someone who has no clue what they are talking about. JIP can live in his Scandinavian paradise and cast judgement on Americans if he wants to but it doesn't mean it is a fair opinion and it doesn't mean it should go unquestioned. Don't get me wrong. Plenty of Americans ARE dumb...but I live here and I see it every day so I'm in a position to judge Americans. --DannyBoy7783 06:08, 10 May 2006 (UTC)

I understand your point, I have the same view on Australia, The Brown bear, Oppossum, American Alligator are just as good as our species. Here we are divided about the USA some think its good others bad like Vegemite. You will always get people who will judge before they know ALWAYS. Dumb people live here too. Amyway this is a forum on vegemite, and How do Twinkies Tast? Im curious. And eat Vegemite with Butter, tast better. Enlil Ninlil 06:19, 10 May 2006 (UTC)

I apologise for my generalisations about Americans which appeared insulting. George W. Bush, for example, might be an idiot, but that doesn't mean all Americans are stupid. I never thought my comments would provoke this much discussion. JIP | Talk 07:58, 10 May 2006 (UTC)

Vegemite report

My jar of Vegemite arrived today morning and I tried it straight away. I bought some toast and spread a thin layer of Vegemite on one slice. It tasted bad. Not so bad that it would have been inedible and I would have vomited but it's still not a taste I like at all. I found it to be bearable if I don't let the Vegemite touch my tongue but actually savouring the Vegemite taste led to coughing reflexes. As I imagined, it was somewhat salty, but not overly so. It's mainly the yeasty taste that's most prominent. And they feed this to children in Australia? As a form of punishment? Or don't Australians develop taste buds at all? JIP | Talk 09:58, 20 February 2006 (UTC)

We do, but you see, the thing is, Australian taste buds are to normal human taste buds what the X-Men are to normal humans - mutant, with creepy superpowers. Confusing Manifestation 11:43, 20 February 2006 (UTC)

OK, first, was the toast liberally smeared with butter or margarine? If not, bad move. Second, when you said thin layer, did you mean 1mm (too thick for a first timer) or a broken glaze of a freaction of a milimeter? Third, Vegemite is very salty, in a climtae where people sweat much of the time, salt is good. Finally, Vegemite is an acquired taste, like most national/ethnic foods. (Personally, my favourite way to eat it is mixed/laid 50/50 with margarine on crackers) Alex Law 06:24, 22 February 2006 (UTC)

No, I didn't use butter, I spread the Vegemite on directly. And yes, it was a mere fraction of a millimeter. I spread only just enough for it to look dark brown on the toast. It didn't even form a solid layer but instead followed the porous structure of the toast. Perhaps I will have to use it with butter. The reason I'm addicted to salmiakki but find Vegemite awful is because I've been eating salmiakki since kindergarten, but only recently tried Vegemite. JIP | Talk 15:34, 22 February 2006 (UTC)

Yes, it is something to habituate to, I didn't like it as a kid, but developed a taste for it as I spent more time outdoors and sweating like a pig in Brisbane, Queensland. Salmiakki is hard to get here, but I have enjoyed it when I've stumbled on it (usually the Dutch rather than Finnish stuff). On an unrelated topic, there is an expatriot Finnish communtity in Brisbane, I used to do Judo as a kid in the Finnish Society Hall in Brisbane's (then) outer suburbs. Alex Law 10:02, 24 February 2006 (UTC)

As I get older I spread it thicker. The general consensus is that around 0.1mm is appropriate, with butter. My sisters always freak out when they see my spreading it 10 times the standard thickness (without butter). It is an acquired taste... and I could eat it by the spoonful. Best tasting brown gunk I ever ate.Quolnok 15:06, 4 March 2006 (UTC)

• What! I love to eat the stuff on a spoon, nothing else, mind u I dont eat a lot but yummy. I love it morning noon and night. Enlil Ninlil 03:58, 19 March 2006 (UTC)

Apparently there are some non-Australians who try vegemite for the first time and love it. Well, I think there are; so far I'm the only one I know in that category. Had I seen this earlier I would have said expect to hate it and you won't be disappointed. Panchitaville 05:32, 30 April 2006 (UTC)

Comparisons to Spam

I'm wondering if it would be appropriate to add a section to the article about this... Spam seeming to have the same love-it-or-hate-it qualities. A buddy of mine who grew up in Adelaide before moving to the states a decade ago even described Vegemite as 'the vegatable equivalent of spam. No one's really quite sure whats in it, but it'll keep alive for extended periods.' which also furthers the half-humorus/half-serious relationship must Austrailians seem to have with the product. -M 03:14, 20 March 2006 (UTC)

• • Actually we span isnt that popular here so I'm not sure about the analysis. Spam is nice but I class it like ham or bacon. Maybe Peanut butter and jam is more the equivelant. I am a happy little vegemite today la la la. Enlil Ninlil 03:46, 20 March 2006 (UTC)
    • Well, yes im aware of that. Just as Vegemites not all that popular here in America, but spam is (or atleast well known). Im thinking of ways to make a comparison for Americans to a product they've most likely never tasted :) -M 04:18, 20 March 2006 (UTC)

• • • Well maye Twinkies we dont have here or Peanut butter and jam, YUCK, It definately aint popular here. Enlil Ninlil 05:43, 27 March 2006 (UTC)

• • • • I'm not sure SPAM is a good comparison. Vegimite is the most vile thing I've ever put into my mouth under the false pretence that it was somehow "food". While Australians seem to be found of it (possibly they have no tongues, and therefor no taste buds?), the kind of reaction I gave above is typical of a North American to vegimite. While SPAM is fun to joke about, I don't think anyone would seriously choose the taste of Motor Oil over the taste of SPAM, whereas I can make no similar claim about vegimite. In conclusion, my rambles were around the point that SPAM is abhorred because of the concept, not really the taste, which is rather bland...unlike vegimite, where the revulsion comes from the taste. The horrible, soul-destroying taste.WilyD 21:19, 30 March 2006 (UTC)

Well someone has a problem with Aussie food !, how about tripe, or intestines, chicken feet? The chinese hate rice pudding cause rice and milk dont go together. I think of vegemite as brussel sprouts, you dont eat it right it is crap as hell, or Avacardo the illegal fruit. Or Baked lamb and yogurt from Albania, what they dont go together. Have fun eating twinkies MATE. Enlil Ninlil 05:27, 31 March 2006 (UTC)

pronunciation guide

The IPA pronunciation differs from the layperson's pronunciation guide: is it veg-ee-mite (with IPA ) or veg-ih-mite (with IPA )? or maybe veg-scwha-mite? I don't know what it should be but right now it's inconsistent.

Hangovers

We need to mention that a principal use of vegemite is for dealing with hangovers. While it won't cure one, vegemite on toast (or even a fried egg on vegemite on toast) will certainly take the edge off. This is because it is "the world's richest known souce of Vitamin B" (cf Berocca) and high in salt, for replacing lost electrolytes.

There's also some delicious irony in that vegemite is made from surpluss yeast used in the manufacture of the product that most-likely caused your hangover in the first place.

As the great sage said: "Beer: the cause of, and answer to, all of life's problem."

Thetan 14:04, 14 May 2006 (UTC)

-- Weird Note... --

Okay well, I was taught from as long as I can remember that when you bite your tongue and a sore forms on it (I'm not sure exactly what the bumps that form on your tongue are called), you can rub Vegemite on it, the sore then reduces in size, it is the same effect as when you use Bonjela (There's a wiki article on it if you don't know what it is). I just thought it was worth a note somewhere, and an explanation, I find it very odd that a spread should have the same effect as a specifically created medication.

vegemite goes with everything

vegemite and peanut butter OR honey OR jam OR cheese sandwich vegemite on raisin/fruit toast vegemite and poached eggs on toast vegemite also goes in gravy for a richer taste. vegemite solo, but you've gotta be tough for that. damn i want some vegemite. --Ballchef 13:22, 15 June 2006 (UTC)