28 February 2024 , 10:41
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Love it or loathe it, Marmite has long ignited fierce debate. Now the popular British spread has fuelled further discussion as fans have been left "in shock" after realising what the product is made from.
Some people love to spread it on their toast, others love it slapped in sandwiches, and some add a dollop to their home-cooked meals. It remains a staple condiment in many Brits' kitchen cupboards after launching over 120 years ago.
The unique-tasting spread never fails to get people talking, but have you ever wondered how it's made? The ingredient list may surprise you if you've never looked at it.
The dark, thick spread is actually yeast extract - manufacturers use the by-product of beer when brewed. The breweries take a sugary solution and add it the the yeast, and the yeast will convert the sugar into alcohol - which helps yeast multiply rapidly.
The breweries end up with seven times more yeast than they started with. They concentrate it, pump it into large tubs, and heat it up at around 95C. The yeast then decays and Marmite forms.
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According to the Marmite website: "Any alcohol in the yeast evaporates off during the Marmite-making process. The entire Marmite range is halal – and certified by the Halal Food Authority.
"Marmite's major ingredient is an extract from brewer's yeast arising from beer-making. Malted barley, wheat, and rye are typically used to make many beers and they contain gluten. Despite thorough washing, the collected yeast may still contain low levels of gluten which may carry through to the final product."
Marmite fans took to X to share their horror after discovering how the spread is made. "So basically it's dehydrated yeast gusts mixed with vegetable stock," one said. A second added: "I've never tried it and after hearing how they make it, I never will."
Another commented: "Oh gosh I can't eat this anymore." One other wrote: "I learned what Marmite is made of and I'm still in shock. I understand the reasons and the context where they were 'conceived', but still ew."
Another X user said: "I bought Marmite from London and tried it for the first time a few minutes ago. Currently trying to remember if a taste so awful has ever made me cry. Why, Britain? Why? I had fond memories of you. All I have now is this bitterness? I don't even know what it is."
Do you love or loathe Marmite? Share your thoughts in the comments below.