Meghan Markle’s new lifestyle label As Ever is under fire after bombshell claims revealed that her “homemade” raspberry jam is actually produced in a commercial food factory thousands of miles from her California home.
Insiders told GLOBE Magazine that the jam, which sells for up to $14 with keepsake packaging, is manufactured by The Republic of Tea, a large-scale producer operating out of Illinois. This revelation contradicts the duchess’s promotional materials, which suggest the jam was born from her personal kitchen and handcrafted with love.
Promotional clips show Meghan harvesting berries and cooking jam in her Montecito estate. In her Netflix series With Love, Meghan, she shares a sentimental story about saving a jar for her mother. But while she stirred jam on screen, sources say her team was already coordinating mass production with a corporate vendor.
Factory-made jam, Hollywood packaging
The label’s product description emphasizes “fluid texture” and “intentional small-batch care,” but a source involved in the rollout told GLOBE Magazine the recipe had to be adjusted early to meet commercial standards. The spread’s texture drew criticism online, with one reviewer calling it “too runny” and a “real disappointment.”
Despite these concerns, As Ever has experienced massive sellouts, fueling suspicion that the brand may be manipulating stock to generate hype. Some consumers are now questioning whether Meghan’s “homemade” storytelling is simply high-budget branding.
Critics blast ‘royal pantry scam’
Reputation expert Eric Schiffer did not mince words. He told GLOBE Magazine that Meghan’s next launch, a Napa Valley rosé set to drop July 1, could be a make-or-break moment. He warned that another rapid sellout could reinforce public perception that her brand is built on artificial scarcity.
Schiffer claimed that if the wine disappears from shelves in minutes, fans will accuse Meghan of running a royal Ponzi pantry. He added that continued overhype could crash consumer trust faster than the product can be restocked.
Marketing analysts also expressed concern over the duchess’s reliance on her royal image. Although Meghan exited royal duties years ago, her branding still leans heavily on aristocratic elegance, now clashing with the industrial food origins of her products.
Loyal fans defend, but doubts grow
Although some supporters praised Meghan’s entrepreneurial ambition, others questioned her authenticity. Social media posts highlighted the contrast between her self-shot kitchen videos and the reality of factory-made goods. Some users mocked her as the “Duchess of Fake Stock.”
Yet Meghan remains upbeat. After her jam and tea lines sold out earlier this summer, she thanked fans in an Instagram note, calling them the sweetest part of what we do.
Still, questions linger about her upcoming rosé drop—and whether the cork will pop before shoppers even refresh the page.
Jaja has a degree in journalism and took classes in international law and business communication. Her career spans roles at prominent international media outlets, including International Business Times, Celebeat and Delightful Philippines. As a news editor, Jaja covered a wide range of beats, including legal, business, economy, cryptocurrency, personal finance, gaming, technology, and entertainment.