Love it or hate it: 5 facts about Marmite

15:28 25 May 2011

It's been in the news recently after it was banned from Denmark, but how much do we really know about the spread you either love or hate?

Well, one thing we do know is that the Dane's can now only sell Marmite if a licence is granted by the Danish Veterinary and Food Administration.

By law, food fortified by vitamins or minerals have to be approved by the authority before being sold.

However, Marmite isn't the first food stuff that's been banned by the country; Ovaltine and some cereals are also illegal.

Check out our top facts about the controversial spread and see how you feel about it then...

Eureka moment
Marmite was invented by accident in the 19th Century, when German scientist, Justus Liebig, discovered that brewer's yeast could be concentrated, bottled and eaten

Food for thought
The name 'Marmite' comes from a type of French casserole, Marmite Dieppoise, and since 1920 there has been a picture of the it on the label as a homage to the dish

Multi-purpose
It keeps away mosquitoes, with The Guardian, The Sun and The Daily Telegraph all claiming its bite-fighting abilities

War-winner
Marmite was included in soldiers' rations in both world wars, along with bully beef, Spam and condensed milk

Good health
It is good for you! Despite what the Danes say, it's full of folic acid and vitamin B12