Vegemite Frequently Asked Questions

ORIGINAL VEGEMITE

Halal

Kraft Foods is proud to make products that can be enjoyed by people of every different race, colour and creed. We are also proud of being an Australian/New Zealand business.

One of the main reasons we use a Halal certification symbol is to ensure that people of Muslim faith can identify our products as including ingredients that meet their consumption requirements.

Halal certification does not involve any form of blessing or ritual of the actual product or production line, but ensures the ingredients, processing as well as the hygiene and sanitation procedures meet the strict food requirements for Halal.

The mission of the AFIC - the Halal certifying body - is to provide service to the community in a manner that is in accordance with the teachings of Islam and within the framework of Australian law. Halal certification is not intended to offend any member of the public of any cultural or religious belief; and does not prevent other faiths from being able to purchase and consume our products.

We hope this addresses your question and any concerns you might have.

Profits Going To US Owners

Hi….,
Kraft Foods is a local manufacturer, employing local people. As we’ve done with original VEGEMITE, we’ve sourced the majority of ingredients locally for MY FRIST VEGEMITE and VEGEMITE CHEESYBITE.

Kraft Foods has been and continues to be a proud and trusted custodian of Australian brands like VEGEMITE. We are continuing to invest locally in innovation by developing new products such as MY FIRST VEGEMITE. Thanks

Has Vegemite ever changed its recipe?

Hi….,

Since Vegemite was first introduced to consumers in 1923, the recipe remains unchanged. We think why change it if it isn't broken! Thanks

Are all the ingredients in Vegemite sourced from within Australia?

Hi….,

We pride our self on being made in Australia, for Australians since it was first invented down under in 1923. More than 90% of Vegemite’s ingredients are sourced from within Australia, with a small amount of yeast and other flavourings imported. Thanks

How many Australian households have Vegemite?

Hi….,

Approximately 70 per cent of households across the nation have Vegemite. We think it’s pretty amazing! Thanks

How many jars are made each year? /How are Vegemite sales?

Hi….,

Vegemite continues to be Australia’s most popular spread. More than 22 million jars of Vegemite are manufactured every year. That’s a lot of Vegemite! Thanks

Hi…..,

Australians spread about 1.2 billion serves of Vegemite on toast, bread or biscuits every year. If this was all placed end to end, it would go around the world three times. We think that’s pretty amazing! Thanks

What percentage of Vegemite is exported overseas?

Hi….,

Around 98% of Vegemite is sold in Australia. The other 2% is sold overseas most likely to Aussies who are traveling or working abroad! Thanks

Where is Vegemite made?

Hi….,

It has been made in Australia since it was first invented in 1923. Vegemite’s home is at Kraft Foods manufacturing plant located in Port Melbourne, Victoria . Thanks

Vegemite Health Questions

What is Vegemite made from?

Hi….,

Our recipe is a closely guarded secret, however we can tell you it’s full of B Vitamins and contains virtually no fat, and contributes almost no kilojoules to the diet. You’ll all agree it’s pretty good stuff! Thanks

What is healthy about Vegemite?

Hi….,

Vegemite contains virtually no fat, and contributes almost no kilojoules to the diet. It is also one of the world’s richest known sources of B vitamins. B Complex vitamins are essential in the body’s use of proteins, carbohydrates and fats, which assists your body to be strong and as bright as right can be! Thanks

Is Vegemite high in salt?

Hi…,

You may be surprised to know that an average 5-gram serve of Vegemite has the same amount of sodium as around two slices of bread or a bowl of cereal. You’ll all agree it’s pretty good stuff! Thanks

MY FIRST VEGEMITE

Taste:

Hi….,

MFV has a great taste similar to regular Vegemite although it is slightly milder. We hope you enjoy! Thanks

Price:

Hi ....,

MFV is priced slightly higher than regular Vegemite due to the addition of fortification for children including increased levels of iron, B12 and B6 vitamins. Thanks

Salt:

Hi ….,

The Standard serving size of MFV is 2.5 grams which is less than the sodium contained in a slice of bread or large glass of milk. Thanks

Sugar

Is there more sugar in My First Vegemite than original Vegemite?

Hi….,

There is no added sugar in both My First Vegemite (MFV) and Vegemite. The sugars present in both Vegemite and MFV are natural sugars present in yeast and malt extracts. My First Vegemite has a slightly higher level of sugar than original Vegemite. The recommended serving size of MY FIRST VEGEMITE (2.5g) contains a negligible amount of sugar – contributing less than 1g of sugar to a child’s diet. Our research showed that it was more important to focus on reducing sodium and including added vitamins than reducing sugar, as the amount is so negligible to a child’s diet. Thanks

How does the sugar level in My First Vegemite compare with other children’s spreads?

Hi…,

My First Vegemite has less sugar per recommended serving size when compared to other spreads, such as jam and choc nut spreads. Thanks

Profits Going To US Owners

Hi….,

Kraft Foods is a local manufacturer, employing local people. As we’ve done with original VEGEMITE, we’ve sourced the majority of ingredients locally for MY FRIST VEGEMITE and VEGEMITE CHEESYBITE.

Kraft Foods has been and continues to be a proud and trusted custodian of Australian brands like VEGEMITE. We are continuing to invest locally in innovation by developing new products such as MY FIRST VEGEMITE. Thanks

Marketing to Adults

Hi….,

MFV is perfectly suitable for adults to consume should they want a low salt variant of standard Vegemite. Thanks

Marketing To Children

Hi….,

We know parents purchase Vegemite so our advertising is targeted to parents of children aged one year or older who want to provide their children with the great taste of Vegemite. Thanks

Another I Snack Disaster

Hi….,

We don’t believe so. We think the name clearly communicates with consumers that this product is designed for parents to introduce Vegemite to their children. Thanks

SUGAR - Detailed Q&A’s

1. What is the sugar level in My First Vegemite?

The recommended serving size of My First Vegemite (2.5g) contains a negligible amount of sugar – contributing less than 1g of sugar to a child’s diet.

2. Is there more sugar in My First Vegemite than original Vegemite?

My First Vegemite has a slightly higher level of sugar than original Vegemite. The sugar content in My First Vegemite has increased by only ½ teaspoon per 100g (1 teaspoon of sugar is around 5g). When you break this down to a serving size of 2.5g it contributes less than 1g of sugar to a child’s diet.

3. How does the sugar level in My First Vegemite compare with other children’s spreads?

When comparing the sugar levels in the recommended serving size of My First Vegemite and other spreads, such as jam & choc nut spreads, My First Vegemite has less sugar.

For example; an average 20g serve of jam and choc nut spreads have a considerable 10g of sugar. However, when children have the recommended ½ teaspoon serve of My First Vegemite, they only consume 1g of sugar.

When comparing sugar levels of My First Vegemite with jam and choc nut spreads per 100g, My First Vegemite is lower. For example; choc nut spreads have around 55% of sugar per serve and jam usually contains an average of 65g of sugar per 100g. My First Vegemite only contains 4.7 g of sugar per 100g.

4. How can you claim that My First Vegemite has added nutritional benefits, when there is an increase in sugar content?

My First Vegemite has 50% less sodium than original Vegemite, with added nutritional benefits of iron and B vitamins - which makes it perfect for growing bodies

The recommended serving size of My First Vegemite (2.5g) contains a negligible amount of sugar – contributing less than 1g of sugar to a child’s diet. Our research showed that it was more important to focus on reducing sodium and including added vitamins than reducing sugar, as the amount is so negligible to a child’s diet.

5. Why have you increased the sugar content in My First Vegemite?

The recommended serving size of My First Vegemite (2.5g) contains a negligible amount of sugar – contributing less than 1g of sugar to a child’s diet.

The reduction of sodium by 50 per cent in My First Vegemite is a significant achievement by Kraft. However, as a result of reducing sodium we have had to readjust other ingredients to ensure the new product maintains the same Vegemite flavour kids know and love.