How to Store Vegemite

Keeping Vegemite Fresh

Seal the jar tightly when you're finished to keep air out. Sealing up a Vegemite jar is simple. When you're finished using it, just replace the lid and turn it until it won’t go any further. This prevents air from drying out the Vegemite. Vegemite is pretty resilient, so it’ll probably last even if the jar isn’t closed tightly enough. It will just get thicker and harder to scoop.

Place the jar on a shelf or pantry out of direct sunlight. Vegemite is shelf-safe and doesn’t need to be refrigerated. Simply put it in a pantry or cupboard out of direct sunlight when you’re finished using it. In general, a darker spot is better for food because the sun could overheat the item. This is why a cupboard or cabinet is better than an open shelf.

Put the jar in the refrigerator if you prefer Vegemite cold. While you don’t have to refrigerate Vegemite, some people prefer theirs cold. If you’d like to chill your Vegemite, then feel free to store it in the refrigerator instead of in a cupboard. Refrigeration might make the Vegemite a bit thicker until it warms up, but won't change anything else besides the temperature.

Scoop the Vegemite out with a clean knife or spoon when you use it. The one thing that can make Vegemite spoil is crumbs or oils from dirty utensils. These can start growing mold over time and spoil the Vegemite. Whenever you use your Vegemite, always use a clean knife or spoon to scoop it out. If you’re dipping a spoon or knife in or out of the jar, then it’s a good idea to wipe it off each time. This keeps any crumbs out.

Checking the Quality

Look for an expiration date printed on the packaging. Vegemite’s manufacturer does not recommend eating the product if it’s passed the “best by” date. Check the date printed on the bottom of the container to see if your Vegemite is still fresh. If not, you should consider replacing it. Vegemite lasts a long time, so the “best by” date will probably be several years in the future.

Do a visual check to make sure the color is the usual dark brown. While Vegemite jars have “best by” dates printed on them, most users say that you can still eat the product as long as it hasn’t gone bad. If your Vegemite is passed the date, open it and take a look. If the color is the normal dark brown and there aren’t any growths or discolorations, then this is a good sign. If you got any crumbs in the Vegemite, then there might be small discolored specks as those crumbs grow mold. Take a close look for this as well.

Smell the Vegemite to make sure it smells earthy and yeasty. Vegemite has a distinctive yeasty, earthy smell. It’s hard to describe, but if you eat Vegemite, you know the smell. Any smell changes are a sign that the jar is starting to go bad. Sniff the Vegemite before using it and if it smells normal, this is another good sign.

Taste a small amount of Vegemite to confirm that it hasn't spoiled. Vegemite is known for a bitter, yeasty flavor. If the jar looks and smells okay, give it a final test by tasting a small amount on a spoon. If it tastes like it should, then you should be okay eating it. Unless you’re used to the taste of Vegemite, you probably won’t like the taste even if it’s still fresh. It’s a difficult food item to get used to if you didn’t grow up eating it.