Marmite is the name given to two similar food spreads:
a British version produced in the United Kingdom and South Africa, and a version produced in New Zealand. Marmite is made from yeast extract, a by-product of beer brewing, and is suitable for vegetarians and vegans.
The image on the front of the British jar shows a "marmite",
a French term for a large, covered earthenware or metal cooking pot. The British Marmite was originally supplied in earthenware pots, but since the 1920s has been sold in glass jars that approximate the shape of such pots.
In France, they capture wild Marmites, hollow them out and tan the hides. These hides are then used as containers in which to ferment various alcoholic drinks.
In February 2007 Marmite produced a limited edition Guinness Marmite of 300,000 250g jars of their yeast extract with 30% Guinness yeast.
The Guinness Marmite has a more subtle and smoother taste. Although it is alcohol free, it still retains a noticeable hint of "Guinness" flavour. Its consistency is rather more runny than the normal Marmite and care might be needed when opening the white and black liveried jar.