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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.”

Portraits in Marmite 10 show all Portraits in Marmite 1/10 Charlotte-Church_350x350.jpg Dermot Flynn has created portraits of celebrities using toast and Marmite. Charlotte Church has the Voice of an Angel and the taste of Twiglets 2/10 David-Cameron_350x350.jpg Just 12 months ago, nobody knew who David Cameron was. Now he has been immortalised in Marmite 3/10 Gordon-Ramsay_350x350.jpg Gordon Ramsay probably doesn't allow Marmite into his own kitchen 4/10 James-Blunt_350x350.jpg Love him or hate him? James Blunt divides opinion just like Marmite 5/10 Jude-Law_350x350.jpg Can you guess who this is? Neil Tennant from the Pet Shop Boys? Gordon Brown? Nope, it's Jude Law! 6/10 Margaret-Thatcher_350x350.jpg This lady is not for turning - her other side is burnt 7/10 Nicki-Grahame_350x350.jpg Who said fame wouldn't last for Big Brother's Nikki? Although she may not be happy about her toasty appearance 8/10 Pete-Doherty_350x350.jpg At least Pete Doherty's portrait brings a bit of colour to his washed-out face 9/10 Simon-Cowell_350x350.jpg Simon Cowell's portrait certainly has the X Factor. Whatever will Louis and Sharon make of this? 10/10 Victoria-Beckham_350x350.jpg Victoria Beckham's portrait serves as a canny likeness ... and a three-course meal for the former Spice Girl 1/10 Charlotte-Church_350x350.jpg Dermot Flynn has created portraits of celebrities using toast and Marmite. Charlotte Church has the Voice of an Angel and the taste of Twiglets 2/10 David-Cameron_350x350.jpg Just 12 months ago, nobody knew who David Cameron was. Now he has been immortalised in Marmite 3/10 Gordon-Ramsay_350x350.jpg Gordon Ramsay probably doesn't allow Marmite into his own kitchen 4/10 James-Blunt_350x350.jpg Love him or hate him? James Blunt divides opinion just like Marmite 5/10 Jude-Law_350x350.jpg Can you guess who this is? Neil Tennant from the Pet Shop Boys? Gordon Brown? Nope, it's Jude Law! 6/10 Margaret-Thatcher_350x350.jpg This lady is not for turning - her other side is burnt 7/10 Nicki-Grahame_350x350.jpg Who said fame wouldn't last for Big Brother's Nikki? Although she may not be happy about her toasty appearance 8/10 Pete-Doherty_350x350.jpg At least Pete Doherty's portrait brings a bit of colour to his washed-out face 9/10 Simon-Cowell_350x350.jpg Simon Cowell's portrait certainly has the X Factor. Whatever will Louis and Sharon make of this? 10/10 Victoria-Beckham_350x350.jpg Victoria Beckham's portrait serves as a canny likeness ... and a three-course meal for the former Spice Girl

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