When Can I Give My Baby Vegemite? An Aussie Favourite 

If you grew up in Australia, chances are you grew up eating Vegemite. If you have kids, they are likely to follow that tradition too. 

You’re hungry? Vegemite on toast! Not sure what to make for school lunch? A vegemite sandwich will do! Your children want an after-school snack? Vegemite scroll! 

But, when can your baby have some?

Vegemite may be too salty (it’s super-rich in sodium) for a baby and is only advised to be given after 1-year-old – which is quite a standard age for lots of other foods. If you want to let your baby in on this Aussie goodness, you can scrape a little on toast or brush it on their food.

When Can I Give My Little One Some Vegemite?

Pediatricians don’t recommend Vegemite to be given to babies under the age of 12 months. Once or twice, it’s okay to give less than a teaspoon on some toast, but it shouldn’t be made a habit until they are a little older.

Vegemite should be given to children if the parents wish to introduce it after a year. Try giving them different snacks with Vegemite to build their taste buds! If you like, you can discuss your child’s dietary needs with your doctor before letting them eat this salty snack.

A 5g serving of Vegemite contains the same amount of salt as about a slice of bread or two cups of milk. This is a lot of sodium for a little body to handle. You have to consider your baby’s diet before introducing Vegemite and how often you want to give it to them.

I read somewhere that Vegemite can be used as a relief for teething babies. This technique is an old wives’ tale and is not effective! It may become dangerous due to the high salt content in the spread. You should give your baby lots of cuddles and chilled teething rings to help the soreness.

What Does Vegemite Taste Like?

If you have not grown up in Australia, vegemite is a black paste that’s sold in small jars. It is very similar to the British and New Zealand favorite, Marmite. But, we, Australians, will swear by the superiority of Vegemite any day! 

This flavourful spread is made naturally and includes ingredients such as vegetable extract, malt extract from barley, complex B vitamins, and salt. A lot of salt (sodium).  

You might be asking yourself, why would anyone want a super salty spread?

It’s an acquired taste. 

Unlike sweet things, such as peanut butter, which you’d usually load onto your toast, Australians know that just a thin layer of the salty spread – usually on a heavily buttered toast – is enough for a flavor punch.

Brewers’ yeast is rich in glutamates, which gives Vegemite a meaty, umami taste. This means that it’s earthy and savory, which is relatively mild but does leave an aftertaste.

Just like its slogan, Vegemite tastes like Australia!  

What Spreads Can I Give My Baby?

Vegemite is not the only option for a good toast. There are many healthy options for your baby and a good way to introduce allergens. I also have an article on how to introduce new foods to your baby easily!

They include:

• Peanut butter
• Almond butter
• Unsalted butter (packed with healthy fats)
• Mashed banana sprinkled with cinnamon
• Goat cheese
•  Mashed avo with a squeeze of lime

These are best for baby-led weaning, as finger-sized toast is good for them to chew on. Your baby can also have some Cruskits. These work best with chewing motions and saliva, which is good for babies to learn how to chew and eat food. Vegemite is for the intermediate stages!

Another Aussie Favourite: Cheese Scrolls With Vegemite

Toast with a lick of Vegemite is a classic, but you can also make other great snacks and dishes with this spread for the kids.

I personally love Vegemite and cheese scrolls. It’s something I came across when my boys told me they wanted something more exciting. They’re also a great addition to lunchboxes.

You need 1 tablespoon of Vegemite, 2 sheets of puff pastry, and 2 cups of grated cheese. Spread your Vegemite over the sheet of puff pastry and sprinkle over some cheese. Roll the puff pastry into a sausage and cut it. Place it on a tray lined with some baking paper and cook at 180 Celsius for 20 minutes.

This is a simple and easy recipe that you can do with the kids. These are best served warm. It’s also a great first snack for your baby who’s never had Vegemite.

You can add cheese and avo to your Vegemite toast for an adventurous taste.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can 6-month-olds have toast?

There’s no set schedule for when to give your baby toast. However, the Academy of Paediatrics says that 6 months is a good time to start solid foods, soft bread cut into tiny pieces being one of them. Before then babies should be given breastmilk or baby formula only.

Is Vegemite okay for babies?

I always say that it’s always a good idea to talk to a GP about your baby’s needs, however, the best time to introduce Vegemite is when your baby is enjoying lots of tastes and solids, which is after 1-year-old. It is widely accepted that up to 6 months, babies should only have breastmilk or formula. Their tummy is simply not ready for ‘richer’ foods. 

Is Vegemite healthy?

Yes, there is some good news here! It is a good source of B vitamins, which support brain function and reduces anxiety and fatigue. It’s a good snack with little risks, however, too much of a good thing can often turn bad, so eat it in moderation!

Can babies have marmalade?

Just like how Vegemite is too salty for little ones, sugar and sweet jams should also take a backseat until they are one year old. Even then, you should give them little and avoid giving marmalade every day.