Meghan Markle’s Jam Faces Backlash Over Factory Production and “Homemade” Branding Claims

Meghan Markle’s raspberry jam, launched under her new lifestyle brand As Ever, quickly sold out upon release, but questions have since emerged over its authenticity. Marketed as being “inspired by the recipe Meghan crafted in her home kitchen,” the jam is reportedly mass-produced in a factory located in Illinois, nearly 2,000 miles from her Montecito residence.

The production is believed to be handled by The Republic of Tea, a well-known U.S. company that also manufactures her herbal tea and honey products. While her website emphasizes a homemade origin story, critics argue that the brand’s marketing clashes with the realities of industrial-scale manufacturing.

Texture Debate Sparks Questions Over Quality, Marketing, and Meghan Markle’s Jam Strategy

Further fueling skepticism is the jam’s texture. Donna Collins, a multi-award-winning jam maker, criticized the spread as being “too runny” and questioned the need for added pectin, a gelling agent typically used to thicken jams. She contended that a product labeled as “spread” often indicates a failed batch of jam in the industry.

Her pointed critique underscores a broader concern that the final product does not reflect the high-quality, homemade standard the brand implies. This inconsistency between branding and product quality has led some to accuse the brand of misleading consumers.

Despite the backlash, not everyone views Meghan’s strategy as flawed. Local producer Maureen Foley defended the brand’s niche positioning, suggesting that the loose consistency and rebranding as a “spread” could be a deliberate marketing tactic.

Spreads, she noted, can be used in a variety of culinary applications, from breakfast to savory dishes, allowing As Ever to appeal to a broader audience. Foley’s defense highlights the growing divide between traditionalists who value artisanal authenticity and those who embrace modern marketing innovation in the food industry.

Netflix Defends Meghan’s Brand Amid Criticism and Growing Debate Over Product Authenticity

Netflix, which has partnered with Meghan on her lifestyle brand, has publicly stood by her amid the controversy. The streaming giant released a statement praising the brand’s success and reaffirming its commitment to using high-quality vendors. The message emphasized fan enthusiasm and anticipated future product launches, indicating confidence in the brand’s direction.

This corporate backing suggests that, despite criticism from some industry insiders, As Ever still retains strong commercial momentum and customer support.

Donna Collins’s criticism extended to the jam’s formulation, particularly the use of pectin. In her view, pectin should not be necessary if the jam is properly prepared, and its presence raises concerns about the recipe’s execution. She claimed that Meghan herself is unlikely to be involved in the actual production process, and that the result reflects a lack of expertise.

Nonetheless, others see the branding choices as calculated rather than flawed. Whether the issue lies in culinary execution or savvy marketing, the debate around As Ever underscores the scrutiny celebrities face when entering artisanal food markets.