Identifying whether or not Marmite is vegan can be a challenging task.
This difficulty arises when manufacturers obscure the nature and origin of their ingredients, leading to potential confusion.
Fear not, this article will help you uncover the truth about Marmite’s vegan status and support you in making informed choices that align with your vegan lifestyle.
Is Marmite Vegan?
Yes, Marmite is vegan. The British staple, produced by the Marmite Food Extract Company, boasts a plant-based ingredients list that makes it suitable for a vegan diet.
Why is Marmite vegan? Let’s take a closer look at its ingredients. Marmite’s major ingredient is yeast extract, a by-product of beer brewing, which is entirely plant based.
Other ingredients include vegetable juice concentrate, corn maltodextrin, mineral salt, folic acid, and natural flavoring. All these ingredients are plant based and devoid of any animal derived ingredients, making the entire Marmite range, from original Marmite to Marmite Gluten-Free, vegan friendly.
Is Marmite Cruelty-Free?
Yes, Marmite is cruelty-free. Given that all the ingredients in Marmite, including the concentrated yeast extract and vegetable juice concentrate, are sourced from non-animal origins, no animals are harmed in the process of making Marmite. It aligns with the values of the European Vegetarian Union (EVU) and has received vegan approval from this body.
What Is Marmite Made Of?
Marmite, with its acquired taste and status of “love it or hate it,” is composed of the following ingredients:
- Yeast extract
- Salt
- Vegetable juice concentrate
- Vitamins (including B12 and folic acid)
- Natural flavoring
- Corn maltodextrin
Yeast extract
This is a concentrated yeast product that comes from the residue of yeast cells used in beer brewing. It’s considered vegan and is the main source of Marmite’s umami flavor.
Salt
An essential mineral that adds flavor to Marmite, sourced from natural mineral deposits or sea water. It’s vegan.
Vegetable juice concentrate
This is a concentrated form of various vegetable juices, used for flavoring. It is completely plant based and vegan.
Vitamins (including B12 and folic acid)
These vitamins are synthetically created and added to Marmite to boost its nutritional value. They are vegan, with Vitamin B12 being especially crucial for vegans to prevent vitamin B deficiency.
Natural flavoring
The specific components can vary, but in Marmite’s case, the natural flavoring is derived from plant sources, making it vegan.
Corn maltodextrin
A food additive derived from cornstarch, used as a thickener. It is vegan.
Vegan Alternatives to Marmite
If you’re looking to diversify your vegan diet with yeast extract spreads, there are plenty of options. Here are a few options:
- Vegemite: Another famous yeast extract spread, originating from Australia. Its ingredients list also ticks all the vegan boxes.
- Meridian Yeast Extract: This spread is made from natural ingredients, gluten-free, and palm oil-free.
- Vitam-R: A German yeast extract spread, known for its natural ingredients and high vitamin content.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Marmite, with its unique flavor, is both vegan and cruelty-free. It contains no animal products, and no animals are harmed in its production. Its rich source of Vitamin B12 and folic acid provides significant health benefits, making it an excellent choice for anyone following a vegan diet.
Whether you’re a fan of the original Marmite brand, the Marmite Gluten-Free, or you’re experimenting with the entire Marmite range, you can enjoy the “love it or hate it” spread without compromising your commitment to veganism and the planet’s health.