Marmite is a yeast extract paste high in B-vitamins and umami flavor, containing vegetable juice concentrate of unknown origin and vague 'natural flavouring' that could contain seed oil carriers. This DIY version uses pure nutritional yeast, organic grain powders, and clean vegetable extracts to replicate the complex umami taste without any questionable additives.
Based on: Marmite Yeast Extract
· Makes approximately 60 servings (480g total)
· Serving: 8g (1 teaspoon)
Why This Recipe is Seed Oil Free
Commercial Marmite Yeast Extract from Marmite often contains inflammatory seed oils like canola, soybean, or sunflower oil. This homemade version replaces them with healthier fats like butter, ghee, coconut oil, or avocado oil — giving you the same great taste without the processed oils.
Contributes fermented umami complexity and helps bind the mixture
B-Vitamin Complex
2 capsules worth of powder · Garden of Life Vitamin Code Raw B-Complex
Ensures complete B-vitamin profile including B12, thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, and folic acid
Instructions
Step 1. Prepare your workspace with a high-powered food processor or high-speed blender, clean glass storage jars, and a fine-mesh sieve. Measure out 300g (3 cups) Bragg nutritional yeast flakes into the food processor. This forms the protein and B-vitamin foundation of your yeast extract. Process for 2-3 minutes until the flakes become a fine powder — this increases surface area for better flavor absorption and creates the smooth texture characteristic of commercial yeast extract.
Step 2. Add 90g (6 tablespoons) Celtic sea salt to the nutritional yeast powder. The high sodium content is critical for both flavor and preservation — Marmite contains about 4.3% sodium by weight. Pulse 10-15 times to distribute evenly. The salt will help break down cell walls in the yeast and create the characteristic sharp, salty taste profile.
Step 3. Incorporate the grain components: 30g (3 tablespoons) organic barley grass powder and 20g (2 tablespoons) organic wheat grass powder. These replicate the barley and wheat extracts in commercial Marmite while providing chlorophyll and minerals. Process for 1 minute until fully integrated — the mixture should turn a deeper brown-green color similar to store-bought Marmite.
Step 4. Add 15g (1.5 tablespoons) organic celery powder and 45g (3 tablespoons) organic miso paste. The celery provides natural glutamates for umami depth, while the miso contributes fermented complexity and helps bind the dry ingredients. Open 2 Garden of Life B-complex capsules and add the powder contents. Process for 3-4 minutes until the mixture forms a thick, spreadable paste. If too dry, add 1-2 tablespoons filtered water gradually.
Step 5. Taste and adjust: the flavor should be intensely salty, umami-rich, and slightly bitter — similar to commercial Marmite but cleaner. If needed, add more salt for intensity or a pinch of organic black pepper for complexity. The paste should hold together when pressed but remain spreadable. Process for a final 30 seconds to ensure uniform consistency.
Step 6. Transfer to sterilized glass jars using a clean spoon, pressing down to eliminate air pockets. Leave 1/4 inch headspace for expansion. Wipe jar rims clean and seal tightly. Store in refrigerator where it will keep for 3-4 months due to the high salt content acting as a natural preservative. Use exactly like commercial Marmite: spread thinly on toast (1/2 teaspoon per slice), add to soups and stews for umami depth (1 teaspoon per cup of liquid), or mix into warm water as a savory drink (1/4 teaspoon per cup).
Storage
Store sealed in refrigerator for 3-4 months. The high salt content acts as natural preservative. Stir before each use as separation may occur.
Cost Comparison
Cost per serving (homemade)$0.31
Cost per serving (store-bought)$0.89
Savings65%
Higher upfront investment but massive long-term savings. Bulk organic ingredients provide 300+ servings each. Price estimates are conservative for 2026 and may need verification through current retailer searches.