Meghan Markle’s attempt to break into the gourmet jam business has reportedly hit a major roadblock, with her raspberry spread allegedly being banned by the U.S. food safety department.
Even in the world of artisanal preserves, strict regulations must be followed—rules that Meghan seemingly believed did not apply to her. What was meant to be a seamless venture into luxury branding has instead run into a series of legal and regulatory snags, starting with her trademark application being rejected. It turns out that one cannot simply waltz into the jam industry without providing crucial details about the origin of the fruit or the manufacturing process.
Beyond the trademark issues, her product’s labeling and packaging have also failed to meet the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s strict standards. Missing elements such as batch numbers, nutritional information, and the product’s origin—basic details that any discerning consumer would expect—have raised serious compliance concerns. For a product marketed as premium, transparency should be a given, yet Meghan’s reluctance to disclose fundamental details has left many questioning both the legitimacy and the quality of her jam.
One of the most baffling aspects of this fiasco is Meghan’s refusal to reveal where the jam is produced or the source of the ingredients. Under the Fair Packaging and Labeling Act, such disclosures are not optional—they are legal requirements. However, in typical fashion, she appears to believe that these rules do not apply to her. If she cannot be bothered to meet basic regulatory standards, why should consumers trust what’s inside the jar?
Perhaps the most glaring contradiction in this entire endeavor is the way Meghan has positioned her jam as an exclusive, small-batch luxury item while simultaneously revealing a production process that appears anything but artisanal. After months of cultivating an image of handcrafted, high-end preserves, she released a video showing mass production in a factory that likely produces supermarket jams sold for a fraction of the price. And yet, she expects customers to pay a staggering $25 or more for a jar, packaged in an elaborate keepsake box that looks better suited for an overpriced candle or a luxury soap set.
The over-the-top packaging only adds to the absurdity. Instead of opting for a timeless, simple glass jar—like the well-established and beloved French brand Bonne Maman—Meghan has chosen a presentation so excessive that it practically demands an unboxing video. If the goal was to create a truly high-end product, one might expect it to at least be organic, yet there is no USDA organic certification in sight. For a jam marketed at gourmet prices, the lack of even a basic organic label makes the entire branding effort feel hollow.
Selling food in the U.S. comes with non-negotiable requirements: clear ingredient lists, nutritional values, and manufacturing details. Meghan’s jam, however, appears to lack all of the above. Instead, it boasts a barcode and a single paragraph of vague branding language, leaving consumers to wonder whether they are purchasing a fruit-based spread, a collector’s item, or an elaborate joke. Given the disastrous rollout, one might half expect these jars to hit the shelves on April Fool’s Day.
What should have been a straightforward product launch has instead turned into a textbook example of poor business planning. In classic Meghan Markle fashion, she has managed to transform a simple concept into a regulatory mess, a marketing blunder, and a punchline all at once. From the failed trademark application to the mystery ingredients and overpriced packaging, this entire jam venture is shaping up to be just as ill-conceived as Prince Harry’s book tour. If there is one lesson to be learned from this saga, it is that Meghan has an uncanny ability to turn even the simplest of projects into a public relations disaster. For those seeking a well-made, reasonably priced jam without the side of royal drama, perhaps it’s best to stick with Bonne Maman—it’s cheaper, actually organic, and doesn’t come with a controversy-laden backstory.
