Meghan Markle’s latest venture has taken a questionable turn, with her new lifestyle brand offering jars of fruit spread that seem to be more about style than substance. With no nutrition facts, no expiration date, and not even a barcode, these jars have raised serious concerns.
While the concept of artisanal, California-style wellness products might sound appealing, the execution here appears to have bypassed several key food safety requirements. Reports indicate that these spreads are missing essential FDA-mandated details like ingredient lists, sourcing information, manufacturing location, and other critical identifiers that ensure public safety.
It gets even more concerning. The FDA reportedly couldn't even process a report about the product because Meghan’s jars lacked the most basic product data. There’s no lot number, no manufacturer’s address, no “use by” date—essentially nothing that would allow the agency to track or trace the product in the event of a health concern. It seems the belief was that a cute name and an elegant font would be enough to legitimize the offering, but that’s not how food regulations work.
Adding to the confusion, many customers who attempted to purchase the product online found themselves caught in an endless checkout loop. They were asked to input credit card information, only to be redirected repeatedly without ever completing a transaction. This raises the question: was this product ever truly ready for sale, or is it another example of overpromised hype without the infrastructure to back it up?
To complicate things further, staff reportedly have been asked to sign non-disclosure agreements concerning the location where the spread is being produced. This level of secrecy over something as simple as a fruit preserve raises eyebrows. Are the berries from an exotic secret farm? Is the production facility located in some mythical land? The lack of transparency only deepens the mystery and the skepticism.
Meanwhile, the legal side isn’t faring much better. Meghan filed for trademarks under the brand name “American Riviera Orchard,” but so far, only a trademark for pancake mix has moved forward. The fruit spread application is still pending, which means that legally, anyone else could use the same branding for their own product—as long as they follow the FDA’s rules, which Meghan’s team apparently hasn’t.
Reports suggest that even Netflix staff, who are associated with Meghan through other projects, are frustrated. According to insider accounts, they view the situation as chaotic and are alarmed that potentially non-compliant food products might be connected to their brand. If someone were to have a severe allergic reaction or fall ill after consuming the spread, the backlash wouldn’t stop with Meghan—it could spill over to anyone associated with the product.
This issue goes beyond aesthetics or marketing missteps. It’s fundamentally about food safety and public trust. Consumers deserve to know what they’re eating, where it came from, and whether it’s safe. Until Meghan can prove that her product meets even the most basic health and safety standards, it’s probably best to steer clear. Raspberry preserves are delicious, but they’re not worth risking your health over—especially when there are plenty of other brands that don’t treat FDA compliance like an afterthought. Titles and rebrands may work in Hollywood, but when it comes to food, the rules are the rules—and they don’t bend for anyone.
