Love Marmite? The reason could be in your genes, study finds

Scientists say they have discovered the reason why we either love or hate Marmite.

The new study, which involved a taste test with more than 260 British men and women, shows that the preference is linked to your genetics.

A breakfast staple for many, Marmite – a yeast extract spread – was first produced in the late 19th-century and is traditionally eaten on toast.

After more than 100 years of mystery, the iconic food brand formed The Marmite Gene Project with DNAFit – one of Britain’s leading genetic testing centres – to reveal the answer to why we like or dislike the sticky stuff.

Speaking of the discovery, Thomas Roos, Principal Investigator of The Marmite Gene Project at DNAFit, said: “Our research indicates that Marmite taste preference can in large parts be attributed to our genetic blueprint, which shows that each of us is born with a tendency to be either a ‘lover’ or a ‘hater’.

“Our data reveals that there are multiple genes that contribute towards this, and it is a really exciting discovery.”

Roos also went on to explain that there is still hope for the Marmite lovers trying to bring their loved ones to the dark side.

“Like anything in genetics, taste preference is dictated by both nature and nurture. Our environment can impact our taste preference as much as the genes we are born with.”

The team of researchers can also be seen in the short film above discussing the project.