The Spread That Wouldn’t Stay Gone
In a victory for Marmite fans everywhere, Unilever has brought back Marmite Peanut Butter just nine months after discontinuing it in September 2024. The hybrid spread, which marries creamy peanut butter with the iconic yeast extract, is once again available across major UK retailers including Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Ocado, and Co-op, priced between £3 and £3.50 for a 225g tub.
A Brief History of a Cult Favourite
Marmite Peanut Butter first launched in 2019, quickly becoming a cult favourite among those who love both ingredients. The combination might sound unusual to the uninitiated, but for Marmite devotees, it was a revelation — the savoury umami depth of Marmite enhancing the creamy, nutty richness of peanut butter. Spread on toast, stirred into porridge, or eaten straight from the jar (we won’t judge), it offered a protein-packed flavour punch that standard peanut butter simply couldn’t match.
When Unilever pulled the product in autumn 2024, citing “changing shopper preferences” and portfolio rationalisation, there was an immediate outcry. Social media filled with disappointed fans demanding its return. Clearly, the “changing preferences” Unilever referenced didn’t include the legion of loyal customers who considered Marmite Peanut Butter an essential part of their breakfast routine.
Consumer Power in Action
This rapid reinstatement demonstrates the power of consumer demand in the modern marketplace. In an age where brands constantly monitor social media sentiment and sales data, vocal fans can make a real difference. The nine-month gap between discontinuation and return suggests Unilever reassessed their decision after seeing clear evidence that Marmite Peanut Butter had more than just a niche following.
The return also reflects how brands navigate the delicate balance between innovation, portfolio management, and customer loyalty. While discontinuing underperforming products makes business sense, sometimes a product’s true value only becomes apparent after it’s gone. The absence of Marmite Peanut Butter from shelves seems to have made fans’ hearts grow fonder — and their voices louder.
What Makes It Special?
For those who haven’t tried Marmite Peanut Butter, here’s what you’re missing: imagine the savoury, slightly salty complexity of Marmite combined with the creamy texture and nutty sweetness of peanut butter. The yeast extract adds depth and umami that transforms peanut butter from a simple spread into something far more sophisticated.
It’s versatile, too. Use it as you would regular peanut butter — on toast, in smoothies, as a satay sauce base, or mixed into baking. The Marmite component brings an extra dimension that works surprisingly well in both sweet and savoury applications.
Availability and Pricing
At £3 to £3.50 for 225g, Marmite Peanut Butter sits at the premium end of the peanut butter spectrum, but for enthusiasts, it’s worth every penny. Look for it in the spreads aisle at Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Co-op, and online at Ocado. Given its brief disappearance, loyal fans might want to stock up — though hopefully, this return is permanent.
A Lesson in Listening
The return of Marmite Peanut Butter is more than just good news for fans of the spread. It’s a reminder that customer feedback matters, that brands do listen, and that sometimes discontinued products deserve a second chance. For Unilever, bringing back a product that clearly has a devoted following makes commercial sense. For Marmite lovers, it’s a triumph of taste over corporate streamlining.
Welcome back, Marmite Peanut Butter. We missed you.
