Marmite is a savory food spread made from yeast extract. It’s dark brown in color with a thick and sticky consistency and a distinguishing salty and powerful flavor. Marmite is marketed under the “Love it or hate it” slogan and is an acquired taste.
Although popular in UK and Europe, Marmite can sometimes be hard to find. If this is the case you might be wondering, what can you use instead of Marmite in recipes?
So, what’s the best Marmite substitute? Good substitutes for Marmite are other yeast-based spreads like Vegemite and Promite. If you can’t find them, use Bovril, miso paste, soy sauce, nutritional yeast, peanut butter, brewer’s yeast, or yeast extract. Any of these ingredients makes a great substitute for Marmite when you’re in a pinch.
If you’re not a fan of Marmite’s intense flavor, don’t worry! There are many ingredients with a similar consistency and color that can add a savory aroma to your recipes.
What is Marmite?
Marmite is a savory spread made by the British company Unilever. This savory condiment is made from by-products of beer brewing.
Marmite is a dark brown paste with a salty and powerful flavor and potent aroma. It’s commonly used as a flavoring in recipes because of its rich umami flavor.
This sticky paste is traditionally eaten as a spread on bread, toast, or crackers. Because of its strong flavor, Marmite is often spread very thinly in combination with margarine or butter. It’s also used as an ingredient in cocktails, stews, and casseroles.
Are Vegemite and Marmite Different?
Yes, Vegemite and Marmite are different. Marmite and Vegemite are made from brewer’s yeast extract and eaten as a spread on toast or as a sandwich filling.
Although they are both based on yeast extract, these spreads don’t taste the same.
Marmite is made in Britain and is a dense, rich, dark brown spread that pairs well with toast and biscuits or can be used as a sandwich filling or even a hot drink. It has a smooth texture and is dense and salty in flavor with a hint of sweetness.
Vegemite is made in Australia and is also a dense, yeast extract spread used on sandwiches, crackers, and toast. However, unlike Marmite, Vegemite is also used as a filling for pastries.
Black in color, Vegemite has a thick texture and a salty, slightly bitter flavor. Unlike Marmite, it has added flavor from onion and celery extract as well as spices.
Are Bovril and Marmite the same thing?
No, Bovril and Marmite aren’t the same things. The biggest difference between these two spreads is that Bovril is made from beef extract while Marmite is made from yeast extract.
In addition to beef extract, Bovril also contains yeast extract and various flavorings. Bovril tastes like salted dried beef with a touch of sweetness, while Marmite has a strong yeasty, and salty flavor.
6 Best Marmite Substitute
Whether you can’t find Marmite at the local supermarket or don’t like the taste, there are many other ingredients you can use instead. Here are the best Marmite substitutes:
1. Vegemite
Vegemite is an Australian food spread made from yeast extract and various spice and vegetable additives. It’s dark brown in color, has a thick consistency, and is easily daubed on toast, biscuits, and crumpets.
Vegemite has a salty, slightly bitter, and malty flavor similar to beef bouillon. Substitute Marmite with a 1:1 ratio of Vegemite.
2. Promite
Dark brown in color, Promite is a salty food spread made from yeast extract. Like Marmite and Vegemite, it’s mainly used as a sandwich and toast spread.
Promite has a strong and salty umami flavor similar to Marmite, and can also be used to flavor soups and stews. Use Promite as a 1:1 replacement for Marmite in recipes.
3. Bovril
Bovril is a dense and salty dark brown meat extract paste with a strong umami flavor similar to beef broth or beef bouillon. It’s used as a spread for toast, or as a flavoring for stews, soups, broths, and porridge.
Bovril has a similar flavor and consistency as Marmite and can be used as a 1:1 substitute.
4. Miso Paste
Miso paste is a traditional Japanese seasoning made from fermented soybeans. The texture and flavor of miso paste vary, depending on the type of miso and the length of the fermentation. Still, miso is generally thick and creamy with a salty and savory taste.
Use miso paste as a substitute for Marmite in soups and stews, or as a toast or sandwich spread.
5. Nutritional Yeast
Nutritional yeast is a deactivated yeast sold in the form of flakes, granules, or powder. It has a strong umami flavor, which is often described as cheesy and nutty.
Often used by vegans as a cheese substitute, nutritional yeast has a light and fluffy texture. Use it as a replacement for Marmite in soups and stews.
6. Soy Sauce
Soy sauce is a popular Chinese liquid condiment made from fermented soybeans, roasted grain, brine, and Aspergillus oryzae mold. It has a strong umami flavor and is added directly to food or used as a dip.
Soy sauce’s salty flavor and dark brown color make it a great replacement for Marmite in soups, marinades, gravies, and other cooked dishes.
Can I Substitute Soy Sauce for Marmite?
Yes, you can substitute soy sauce for Marmite in sauces, soups, stews, and casseroles. Soy sauce can’t be used as a spread, but it gives recipes a similar salty umami flavor as Marmite.
Conclusion
Marmite is a popular British food spread made from yeast extract. This sticky brown paste has a distinctive, salty, and strong flavor and a powerful aroma.
Although Marmite is readily available in the UK, it’s sometimes hard to come by in other parts of the world. If this is the case, there are many other ingredients with a similar texture and flavor as Marmite you can use instead.
For most recipes, you can use soy sauce, miso paste, nutritional yeast, Bovril, Promite, or Vegemite as a 1:1 replacement for Marmite.
Related Articles: