Marmite: Love It or Hate It

Few foods divide opinion quite like Marmite. That iconic black jar with its yellow lid has been on British tables for over a century, and people are still firmly in one camp or the other - love it or hate it.

What Exactly Is Marmite?

Marmite was first produced in the UK in the early 20th century and is made from yeast extract, a by-product of brewing. It’s packed with B vitamins and has a deep, salty, umami flavour. Its texture is thick and sticky, and it’s usually spread sparingly on toast or stirred into recipes for a flavour boost.

The famous slogan “Love it or hate it” has been running since the late 1990s, cementing Marmite as one of Britain’s most recognisable, and controversial, foods.

Marmite vs. Bovril

While Marmite is made from yeast extract, Bovril is beef extract (though a yeast-based vegetarian version now exists). Bovril has a meatier, more broth-like flavour, while Marmite leans into its malty, savoury character.

Both are stirred into hot water for a warming drink, spread on toast, or whisked into sauces and gravies, but which one you prefer often depends on whether you want beefy richness (Bovril) or bold umami (Marmite).

Cooking With Marmite

Marmite isn’t just for spreading on toast. It can:

• Add depth to stews and casseroles.

• Boost the savoury notes in gravy.

• Be stirred into pasta sauces or risotto.

• Flavour roast potatoes or popcorn with a salty edge.

Recipe Idea: Spaghetti With Marmite

One of the simplest, most comforting Marmite recipes comes courtesy of Nigella Lawson, who shared it in her book Kitchen (2010). It’s become a cult favourite for good reason - quick, salty, savoury, and deeply satisfying.

You can find the full recipe on Nigella’s website here: Nigella Lawson’s Spaghetti with Marmite.

The Final Word

Marmite may split the nation, but it’s undeniably a Great British classic. Whether you’re spreading it thinly on hot buttered toast, whisking it into gravy, or trying Nigella’s pasta, it’s a flavour worth exploring.

And yes, at Parker’s, we stock it. So if you’re craving a taste of home, pop a jar of Marmite into your basket today.

Shop Marmite at Parker’s