What is Marmite?
Marmite is a dark, sticky, salty spread made from yeast extract, a by-product of beer brewing. It is famous in Britain for dividing opinion, with its slogan Love it or hate it.
Marmite was first made in 1902 in Burton upon Trent, a town known for brewing. The spread was based on the discovery by German scientist Justus von Liebig that brewer's yeast could be concentrated and eaten.
The name comes from a French word for a cooking pot, and the original jars had a picture of a marmite on the label.
Love it or hate it
Marmite is usually spread thinly on buttered toast. Fans love its strong, savory flavor, while others find it unpleasant. The brand has used this division in its advertising since the 1990s.
Marmite is rich in B vitamins and was given to soldiers during World War I as part of their rations.
It is often compared with Vegemite, a similar Australian spread, but the two have different tastes and textures. Marmite is runnier and slightly sweeter.
The phrase a Marmite person or thing is used in Britain to describe something that people either love or hate. Marmite is now owned by Unilever.