The country that is famously enthusiastic about Vegemite is Australia. The savory spread is a cultural icon, and around 98% of all Vegemite is sold within the country.
The case is set for trial in 2026. In 2025, the owner of an Australian-themed cafe in Toronto was informed by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) that, due to its added Vitamin B content, Vegemite is not permitted to be sold in Canada.
Vegemite has been banned inside Victoria's jails since 2006 over fears the yeast-laden spread could be used to brew makeshift alcohol known as "pruno" or "hooch". Inmates can also smear sticky Vegemite paste across contraband to mask its smell from sniffer dogs, according to an official list of banned prison items.
The Spread That Did
Medical professionals and baby care experts were even recommending VEGEMITE as a Vitamin B rich, nutritionally balanced food to their patients. By 1942, exactly twenty years after it was first developed, the VEGEMITE brand had become a staple food in most Australian homes.
Vegemite was made in New Zealand for a time, and although New Zealanders eat less of it than Australians, the spread is very popular.
Marmite and Vegemite are two brands of spreadable yeast extract that are popular in Britain and Australia, respectively. Commonly used as a savory spread on cheese sandwiches or buttered toast, they also find a home in soups and stews, stir-fries, pastas, and (if Vegemite's website is to be believed) even brownies.
Australians call McDonald's "Macca's," a common nickname that became so popular the company embraced it, even changing some store signs to "Macca's" and using the term in advertising and their app. This fits the Australian habit of shortening names with an "-a" or "-o" suffix, like "barbie" for barbecue.
Vegemite in Japan
Loved by Australians, yet despised by the world. So getting your hands on a humble jar of vegemite can be a challenge if you are not living in the Land Down Under.
"Ozzy, Ozzy, Ozzy, Oi, Oi, Oi!" is a popular Australian sports chant, a variation of the British "Oggy, Oggy, Oggy" cheer, used to express national pride and support for Australian teams, with "Ozzy" being slang for "Australian" and "Oi, Oi, Oi" a general interjection for enthusiasm or attention, much like "USA!". The chant involves one group shouting "Aussie, Aussie, Aussie!" and the crowd responding "Oi, Oi, Oi!".
Woop Woop is used to refer to a place in the middle of nowhere. People use it to signify that a location is far away, unfamiliar to them, and difficult to get to.
Do not bring or send:
A convicted murderer serving a life sentence in Australia is challenging a ban on prisoners consuming Vegemite - the polarising, salty spread that has become a national symbol. State authorities say inmates may use the strong-smelling paste to disguise contraband substances or brew alcohol behind bars.
Vegemite can contribute to overall gut health by supporting the growth of good bacteria. Vegemite is a good source of minerals like potassium and magnesium, which are essential for nerve function and overall well-being. A well-nourished body tends to maintain a healthier gut.
Is Vegemite banned in Canada? According to the CFIA, Vegemite is not banned from Canada. However, the reason the product was pulled from the cafe's menu is because the yeast-based spread was "found to have added vitamins", which goes against Canadian food regulations. The specific vitamin in question was vitamin B.
In the 1950s and 60s, despite acquisition by the American company Kraft, Vegemite became a distinctively 'Australian' food. It featured in songs, on souvenirs and other popular culture ephemera. Vegemite returned to Australian ownership in 2017 when purchased by dairy company Bega.
Here are some of the Australian food inventions:
Another classic case of Australians shortening everything. Meaning 'thank you', ta is usually used for the times when you are in a rush or want to send a quick text to show your appreciation for something.
White Australian
The most Australian thing to say often involves casual abbreviations, laid-back optimism like "She'll be right" or "No worries," and unique slang for everyday items, such as "Arvo" (afternoon) or "Barbie" (barbecue), often delivered with "mate," making phrases like "G'day, mate, chuck us a coldie at the barbie this arvo?" quintessentially Aussie.
The Japanese 80% rule, known as "Hara Hachi Bu", is a Confucian principle advising people to stop eating when they feel about 80% full, not completely stuffed, to support health and longevity. This practice encourages mindful eating, helps prevent overeating, and is linked to lower rates of illness and longer lifespans, particularly observed in Okinawan centenarians. It involves slowing down during meals, listening to your body's fullness cues, and appreciating food as fuel rather than indulging to the point of discomfort.
The traditional diet in Japan is built around a base of rice and other grains, with plentiful consumption of vegetables and fruits, and also fish, but relatively little animal fat, meat and sweets. In Japan, the presentation of the food is very important, and particular attention is given to the colors and textures.
Yes in your checked luggage as long as it is processed. Local made may not be allowed.
Australians primarily call French fries "chips," especially the thicker, classic pub-style ones, but they often use "hot chips" to differentiate from bagged potato crisps, while very thin, fast-food style ones might be called "fries" or "hot chippies," reflecting a mix of British tradition and American influence.
In Australia and elsewhere snag has a number of meanings, including 'a submerged tree stump', 'an unexpected drawback', and more recently as an acronym for sensitive new age guy'. But in Australia a snag is also one of several words for 'sausage' (others include snarler and snork).
(good day): Used interchangeably with hello and hi, but more characteristically Australian/New Zealand, and perhaps the most informal of these options. Also used in the constructions G'day, mate (a greeting to a friend or acquaintance) and G'day, stranger (ironically, to a friend not seen in some time).