A new version of one of Australia’s most iconic pantry staples has landed in supermarkets, but not everybody is pleased to have a new spread option!

Vegemite Kids has been introduced as a milder version of the classic spread, with 50 per cent less salt than the original and a milder, creamier flavour profile designed to appeal to younger children. The idea behind the new product is simple — create an option for kids who may find traditional Vegemite’s strong, savoury taste a little too much.

But as anyone who has spent time around Australians and their favourite foods will know, changing a classic is often widely labelled “un-Australian!”

While some parents have welcomed the idea of a milder, lower-salt option for children, others have questioned why Vegemite needed to change at all.

“Don’t mess with a classic”

For many Australians, Vegemite isn’t just another item in the pantry (or fridge… but that’s a debate for another day!). It’s interwoven with childhood memories, family traditions and a strong sense of nostalgia.

That’s why the arrival of Vegemite Kids has sparked such passionate reactions, with some Australians questioning whether a milder version is needed at all.

On social media, some commenters argued that children should simply learn to enjoy the original spread rather than be introduced to a gentler alternative. One person joked, “How are we supposed to raise resilient kids if they’re starting on training-wheel Vegemite?” while another declared, “Vegemite is Vegemite not some fancy pants spread. Don’t mess with the original and the best.”

@amys.crazy.world Vegemite kid #vegemite #aussie #fyp ♬ original sound – Amy Walsh

Others took a more playful approach, with one commenter joking that the new version was “Vegemite for Americans” — a nod to the many online videos of tourists finding the iconic spread unpalatable.

On Reddit, similar criticisms emerged, with some users arguing that children don’t need a different version and simply need time to develop a taste for the original. One commenter summed up the traditionalist view with: “Just use less.” Another joked that “these kids won’t be tough enough on ‘mild’ vegemite.”

Other commenters compared the change to previous attempts to reinvent iconic Australian products, with one person referencing the infamous iSnack 2.0 name change, which became a short-lived marketing disaster that many Australians still remember.

@the.macpack The full jars from 2009 are currently being sold for $100 on EBay 🤣 #fyp #vegemite #isnack #australia #TheMacPack ♬ Down Under (do you come from a land down under) – Men At Work

But some parents say a new option is a good thing

Not everyone is opposed to Vegemite Kids, with some people saying a milder version makes sense, particularly for families with young children.

For parents who have dealt with fussy eaters, busy mornings and the daily challenge of finding foods their kids will actually eat, another option on supermarket shelves may be welcomed rather than criticised.

Some Reddit users also pointed out that the lower salt content could be appealing beyond just children. One commenter said they would probably buy it to try because “a less salty Vegemite might suit us,” while another said they already buy a reduced-salt version because of family dietary needs.

Others questioned whether the focus should even be on making a “kids” version, suggesting that marketing it around the reduced salt content may have broader appeal for families and adults too.

For these parents, Vegemite Kids isn’t replacing the original — it’s simply giving families another choice.

So, would you buy Vegemite Kids?

The new product is now available in supermarkets, but whether it becomes a regular feature in Australian lunchboxes remains to be seen.

Would you buy Vegemite Kids for your family, or do you think the original version should remain untouched?