Disappointment in a Jar: My Journey with Meghan Markle's Jam

After an agonizingly long wait, I finally got my hands on Meghan Markle’s much-hyped jam, the Raspberry Spread from her As Ever product line. Launched on April 2nd, it sold out within an hour, but I managed to snag a jar for a taste test—along with her Herbal Hibiscus Tea, Herbal Peppermint Tea, and Flower Sprinkles, which her fans swear can elevate any dish.

Upon arrival, the packaging was unassuming—a plain white box with a fancy “Open with care” label and the signature As Ever logo. Inside, a personal note from Meghan herself (or at least her marketing team) encouraged me to enjoy the products, all wrapped in biodegradable packing peanuts and tissue paper.

The Price of Premium: Is It Worth It?

Let's break down the costs: - Raspberry Spread (7.6 oz), $14 - Flower Sprinkles, $15 - Herbal Teas, $12 each While the elegant packaging makes it seem special, I couldn't help but feel shortchanged by the small jar of preserves, especially since I had shelled out an extra $5 for this 'keepsake' container. What did I get? Just a cardboard tube with a ribbon peeking out, promptly tossed into my recycling bin.

The Taste Test: What Went Wrong?

With friends buzzing about the jam on social media and waiting over a year, we gathered for a taste test. Unfortunately, what we found was disheartening. Dubbed “runny” by some and “bad taste, bad texture, bad memory” by others, our experience mirrored the criticisms floating around online. The jam’s supposed hint of lemon only added acidity and left mixed reactions. One coworker wondered if we had received a spoiled batch.

The consensus? It was passable atop brie cheese but hardly enjoyable on its own. The most encouraging remark was simply, “It’s fine”—not exactly what you’d hope for from a royal-inspired product.

Sprinkles and Tea: More Disappointment?

The Flower Sprinkles didn’t fare any better. Featured on Markle's Netflix show, we expected them to be a hit, especially for picky eaters. However, one editor likened them to “cardboard soaked in perfume,” while another said they tasted like “hard grass.” We garnished a store-bought cake, and the unanimous verdict? The cake was good; the sprinkles were a letdown.

On the flip side, the teas received mixed reviews. While one noted their basic flavor, drawn comparisons to Tazo tea left us wishing for something distinct. The non-branded teabags didn’t exactly scream luxury.

Did Markle's Brand Live Up to the Hype?

The overarching disappointment was that, for a brand associated with royalty, we anticipated an experience worthy of its name. After refreshing my browser countless times just to purchase these products, I expected something truly special. Instead, it felt more like a contribution to Markle and Prince Harry's lavish lifestyle rather than a delectable treat.

In the end, it seems Meghan Markle's As Ever brand may need to rethink not just its marketing but its product quality if it hopes to satisfy expecting fans.