Discovering Britains Love-Hate Relationship with Marmite

The National Taste of Britain

My husband and I have started exploring some niche stereotypes about the UK, and we’ve arrived at Marmite.

This traditional British spread, made from yeast extract, salt, spices, and celery, became widely popular in the UK in the early 20th century. It’s usually enjoyed spread in a thin layer on toast with butter.

You can find it in almost every store, and its distinctive flavor is also used to create chips, nuts, and even something resembling cheese fondue. Interestingly, it seems that in the UK, it’s considered a moral and patriotic duty to have a clear opinion about Marmite.

That sounds about right! The product's slogan since 1996, "You Either Love It or Hate It," has certainly taken off. I even came across a greeting card in a bookstore featuring a jar of Marmite with the caption—love it or hate it, you’re a year older.

I conducted a mini-survey among my local tennis acquaintances, which included two Brits and an Irishman, about their feelings towards Marmite. We found ourselves divided into two teams: Marmite lovers (the Irishman and one Brit) and Marmite haters (the other Brit and me). It’s clear there are no indifferent opinions!

Interestingly, my husband’s Russian colleague has developed a fondness for it.

We also managed to give Marmite a try. Despite my openness to new foods—I usually don’t refuse anything when I’m a guest and eat just about everything—I found the taste to be quite off-putting at first! Still, I’m fascinated that there are “fans” of Marmite, so I decided to give it another chance.

I started subtly, with the cheese dish, and to my surprise, the cheesebake from M&S (cheese fondue) turned out to be quite delicious!