Supermarket Yeast Spread Showdown: Vegemite Dethroned in Taste Test
In a surprising twist for Australian pantry staples, a comprehensive blind taste test of eight yeast spreads available in supermarkets has revealed that Vegemite does not claim the top spot. Instead, Promite emerges as the winner, scoring an 8 out of 10, while Vegemite trails with a 7.5. The test, conducted by Nicholas Jordan, involved sampling each spread on plain bread and on its own, leading to unexpected results that challenge national loyalties.
The Taste Test Methodology and Results
The evaluation process was rigorous, with every spread tested under identical conditions to ensure fairness. Reviewers, including Jordan, noted that this was not a typical taste test, as the intense flavors and personal preferences made rankings highly subjective. Despite this, Promite stood out for its silky texture and balanced taste, described as resembling a sweetened beef stock cube. In contrast, Vegemite was praised for its maximalist intensity but criticized for being overly salty and acidic.
Key findings from the taste test include:
- Promite (290g, $4.75): Scored 8/10, noted for its polite flavor and ease of spreading, making it ideal for newcomers to yeast spreads.
- Vegemite (280g, $6.50): Scored 7.5/10, celebrated for its potent taste but deemed too intense for some palates.
- Vegemite 40% Less Salt (235g, $5.70): Also scored 7.5/10, with a bitter note from potassium chloride but similar saltiness perception.
- Other spreads like Marmite, EveryMite, and Mightymite scored between 6 and 6.5, with mixed reviews on flavor complexity and value.
- Vegemite & Cheese (275g, $5.70): Ranked lowest at 3.5/10, compared unfavorably to processed cheese blends.
Flavor Profiles and Consumer Insights
The taste test highlighted significant stylistic differences among the spreads, though quality varied less than expected. Promite's subtle sweetness and lower perceived saltiness made it a crowd-pleaser, while Vegemite's boldness appealed to those seeking a flavor assault. Reviewers described Marmite as having a sharp, acidic hit reminiscent of aged cheddar, but found it mild when paired with butter. EveryMite, the most expensive option at $16.95, perplexed testers with its complex, spiced black sesame tahini-like taste, earning divisive comments.
Jordan emphasizes that the scores should serve as a flavor guide rather than a definitive ranking, acknowledging that personal tastes will lead to radically different outcomes among consumers. This approach aims to mitigate the patriotic backlash often associated with critiquing Vegemite, a beloved Australian icon.
Price and Availability Considerations
Beyond flavor, the test considered value for money. Mightymite was the cheapest at $1.31 per 100g, but its watery consistency and bean-like flavor limited its appeal. In contrast, Promite offered a mid-range price of $1.64 per 100g, balancing cost with quality. Vegemite and its variants were among the pricier options, with Vegemite Gluten Free and Vegemite 40% Less Salt both costing $2.43 per 100g. The results suggest that price does not always correlate with deliciousness, as seen in previous tests of 291 Australian supermarket products.
All spreads are readily available at major supermarkets, with some like EveryMite and Mightymite found at select grocers. This accessibility ensures that consumers can easily conduct their own taste tests to form personal preferences.
Conclusion: A Matter of Personal Taste
Ultimately, the yeast spread taste test underscores that flavor preferences are highly individual. While Promite may have won in this blind evaluation, Vegemite remains a cultural staple for many Australians. The review encourages readers to explore these spreads themselves, using the detailed flavor descriptions as a starting point. As Jordan notes, every product will be someone's favorite, making the debate over yeast spreads a deliciously ongoing conversation in Australian households.
