Here are some fun Vegemite Facts you Should Know
1. It was almost called “Parwill”
Yep. Before Vegemite stuck, the creators tried a name called “Parwill” – a play on the phrase: “If Marmite… then Parwill.”
Bit of a bad dad joke, really. Thankfully, it flopped harder than a soggy pie and they went with Vegemite instead. Good call.
2. Vegemite was banned in some U.S. states
There’ve been wild rumours (some true!) that the U.S. considered banning Vegemite due to its folate content—because it was so rich in B vitamins that only fortified cereals or supplements were supposed to have that level unless prescribed.
Too powerful. Basically a vitamin-packed weapon.
3. Vegemite was the first product scanned at an Aussie supermarket
Back in 1984, Woolworths in Sydney scanned the very first barcode item in Aussie retail history. Guess what it was?
A jar of Vegemite
4. It went to war before it went to shelves
Before Aussies were spreading it on toast at home, Vegemite was issued to troops in World War II as part of military rations. Packed with nutrients and no nonsense.