Vegemite is not too bad for you but it could be better…. Yes it is quite salty and doesn’t use the better for you sea salt, but as most of us only smear a small amount on, you aren’t getting as much of the salt as is indicated on the nutrition panel (and there is the reduced salt option)! No-one I know eats it from a spoon! Tell me if you do!

It’s high in B vitamins as the main ingredient is yeast extract from barley which is great for people who need more B vitamins or are vegetarians. They do also add synthetic B vitamins including folic acid (although it’s on the label as folate). Some people don’t do well with synthetic B vitamins especially folic acid. There is no sugar added which is rare these days, but the colour used is a bit doubtful, although they claim they don’t use any artificial colours or flavours.

Vegemite used sparingly in my opinion is fine to have in the diet occasionally (if you don’t have issues with folic acid). But there are some questionable ingredients especially for infants.

If you have any overgrowth of candida/yeast or susceptible to candida overgrowths then vegemite needs to be avoided completely. If you are sensitive to MSG, then you may be sensitive to Vegemite

An alternative product is Freedom Foods Vege Spread which is yeast and gluten free. They use corn instead of barley. Unfortunately they also add sugar to their ingredients.

The best and my favourite alternative is Every Mite (called “Black spread” in my house). It’s free from just about everything, is certified organic and tastes really good. It’s owned by a local Brisbane family.

My comfort food is Vegemite or Every Mite toast. Is this an old favourite of yours?