When a Racing Legend Takes Aim at Your Favorite Spread
NASCAR rookie sensation Shane van Gisbergen doesn’t hold back on the track, and apparently, he doesn’t hold back on breakfast spreads either. During a candid interview on New Zealand’s The Rock’s Morning Rumble radio show, the Kiwi racing star delivered what might be the most memorable Marmite critique of 2025: “vomit in a can.”
Ouch.
But here’s the thing—we’re not mad. In fact, we’re delighted. Because this is exactly what Marmite is all about.
The “Love It or Hate It” Hall of Fame
Shane van Gisbergen has just earned himself a place in the illustrious hall of Marmite detractors, joining countless celebrities, politicians, and ordinary folks who’ve publicly declared their distaste for Britain’s beloved yeast extract. The difference? Most people say “I don’t like it” or “it’s not for me.” Shane went full throttle with “vomit in a can.”
Respect for the commitment, honestly.
The comment came during a rapid-fire Q&A segment where the racing star was discussing his rookie NASCAR season, his achievements, and apparently, his strong opinions on controversial food products. It was casual, humorous, and completely in line with Marmite’s famous tagline: “Love it or Hate it.” There’s no middle ground with Marmite, and Shane has firmly planted his flag on Team Hate.
But Wait—He’s a Kiwi
Here’s where things get interesting. Shane van Gisbergen isn’t just any Marmite critic—he’s a New Zealander. And if you know anything about the fierce rivalry between British Marmite and Australian Vegemite, you’ll know that New Zealand sits squarely in Vegemite territory.
This isn’t just about taste preferences. This is about national identity, breakfast table allegiances, and decades of trans-Tasman rivalry. Shane grew up on Vegemite, the slightly sweeter, arguably less intense cousin of Marmite. Of course he thinks our original yeast extract is too strong—he’s been conditioned by the Australian imposter!
A Challenge to the Track Star
Shane, mate, we hear you. But we also think you haven’t given Marmite a fair shot. Here’s our challenge:
Start small: You don’t dive into NASCAR at full speed on day one, right? Same with Marmite. A thin scraping on hot, buttered toast—not a tablespoon.
Try it properly: Marmite on toast with avocado and a poached egg. Marmite in a cheese toastie. Marmite stirred into a rich beef stew. This isn’t just a spread—it’s a culinary powerhouse.
Give it three tries: They say you need to try something three times before you truly know if you like it. We’re not saying you’ll change your mind, but at least you’ll have given it a proper go.
If after all that you still think it’s “vomit in a can,” well, at least you’ll have earned the right to say so.
Why Celebrity Marmite Opinions Matter
There’s something uniquely British about the way Marmite opinions become newsworthy. When a celebrity declares their love or hatred for this humble yeast extract, it makes headlines. Why? Because Marmite is more than food—it’s a cultural touchstone.
It represents British resilience, our tendency toward understatement, and our peculiar love for things that are, let’s be honest, a bit weird. Marmite divides opinion like few other foods can. You either get it or you don’t. There’s no polite middle ground, no “it’s okay I suppose.”
Shane’s comment resonated because it was honest, visceral, and completely unapologetic. In a world of carefully managed public personas, there’s something refreshing about a sports star calling it exactly as he sees it—even if he’s spectacularly wrong.
The Beauty of Being Divisive
Most brands would panic if a high-profile athlete called their product “vomit in a can” on national radio. But Marmite? This is our bread and butter (pun absolutely intended). The “Love it or Hate it” campaign isn’t just marketing genius—it’s the truth.
Marmite has never tried to be universally loved. It’s strong, it’s salty, it’s intensely savory, and it’s utterly unapologetic about what it is. People who love Marmite don’t just like it—they’re devoted to it. They travel with miniature jars. They panic-buy during shortages. They defend it passionately in conversations exactly like this one.
And the haters? They’re just as passionate. Shane van Gisbergen’s comment will resonate with millions of people who’ve tried Marmite once, recoiled in horror, and never understood what the fuss was about.
Team Marmite Stands Strong
So here’s our official response to Shane van Gisbergen: No hard feelings, mate. You’re entitled to your opinion, even if it’s objectively incorrect. We’ll be here, spreading Marmite on our toast, adding it to our cooking, and living our best umami-rich lives.
And who knows? Maybe one day you’ll be stuck in a service station somewhere in the UK, desperately hungry, with only a jar of Marmite and some bread available. In that moment, you might just discover what millions of us already know: Marmite isn’t vomit in a can.
It’s magic in a jar.
The Verdict
Shane van Gisbergen can drive at 200mph, navigate some of the most challenging race tracks in the world, and handle incredible G-forces. But can he handle a properly made Marmite on toast? The jury’s out.
Until he accepts our challenge, we’ll file this under “Team Hate”—and smile, because that’s exactly what makes Marmite, Marmite.
Keep racing, Shane. And maybe keep a jar of Vegemite in the pit garage. We won’t judge. Much.
