Vegetarian Chronicles: the unlikely love of Marmite

Despite having spent a significant amount of time in my mother's birthplace of Ireland, I was not introduced to Marmite until adulthood. Exposed to kippers, black pudding and sausage in childhood, my conversion to vegetarianism at age 19 could be seen as inevitable. The vegetarian life has had far more rewards than limitations. One element, though, that will not likely find favor among my fellow Americans, is my affinity for Marmite.

Marmite is a yeast extract that is packaged in brown bottles bearing an easily recognizable yellow decal. Beloved by the British, who have been its primary consumers for a century, Marmite is an established staple of British cuisine, one of the most reviled upon this Earth. Although mostly in accordance with those who have a distaste for the stereotypical British diet, there are some reservations I must make. Marmite, unlikely to become a cultural phenomenon in the United States, is an excellent source of vitamins for a vegetarian. Wholly vegan, the yeast extract contains no fat, no carbohydrates, 2 grams of protein (per 4 grams, the standard serving) and a generous helping of Vitamin B. Marmite will only appeal to a small segment of American vegans looking for nutrition, but those whose taste buds accept it, will find a rewarding, inexpensive addition to their diet.

Marmite can be purchased on the Internet on several on-line shops that specialize (or specialise) in British goods. Here in Tempe, Arizona, I am able to purchase it for $5.99 per container (125 grams) at Fresh & Easy, a subsidiary of Tesco. If you are a lacto-vegetarian, you can also utilize this shop to stock up on Aeros, Flakes and other offerings from Cadbury.

The quest for Marmite began after I had the good fortune to come across it in a corner of the former British Empire this summer. This land is Guyana, and Marmite can be purchased in several shops where the British legacy is still apparent. Unfortunately, while en route to the other Guyanas and neighboring Brazil, my container of the beloved yeast extract was left behind on a bus, and I had no such luck finding it in the nations of Latin America.

To date, never a week goes by without a trip to Fresh & Easy for a reliable source of protein and vitamins. I have no delusions of a mass conversion among my fellow Americans, but I am hopeful that at least one person will share my affinity.