During the grim realities of the First World War, British troops faced not only the enemy but also the threat of malnutrition. A deficiency in vitamin B led to outbreaks of a nerve disease called beriberi. The solution? A sticky, savoury spread packed with the very vitamins they needed.

Marmite was included in soldiers' ration packs, becoming an unexpected but crucial part of the war effort. Its high concentration of B vitamins helped keep the troops healthy in the harshest of conditions. The practice continued into the Second World War, cementing Marmite's place in the nation's heart as a food that was not just tasty, but genuinely important.

Its role in nourishing the nation during times of crisis is a key part of its enduring legacy, proving that a simple jar of yeast extract can be a powerful thing indeed.

Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marmite, https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/marmite-10-things-you-need-285319