MEGHAN Markle left numerous fans disappointed after her long-awaited jam sold out within the first hour of going live on her As Ever page.
But it turns out they might not have missed out on much after all, as one of Meghan‘s favourite publications have slammed her fruity creation.
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The Duchess of Sussex, 43, released the $14 (£11) ‘raspberry spread in keepsake packaging’ earlier this month, but reviews haven’t exactly been positive so far.
Notable, one of Meghan’s favourite publications, The Cut, even slated the spread, which could be a huge blow to Meghan as she gave one of her first interviews to them after stepping down as a senior royal back in 2020.
In the article, the publication got 12 staff members to give the jam a taste for themselves – and it got a very mixed response.
“I wouldn’t pay $14 for this. Its consistency is a little too thin for my taste – you really wouldn’t be able to spread it on toast,” features editor Catherine Thompson said.
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And features writer Emily Gould agreed the texture was it’s downfall, she said: “I was put off by the texture. It’s slimy and viscous, a bit like baby food. Generously, raspberry purée.”
Meanwhile, The Cut’s senior writer EJ Dickson didn’t mince their words after tasting the spread.
They said: “It sucks! It’s like something you’d see at the toppings bar at Pinkberry, not a functional, standalone jam in itself.
“I would argue that not only Bonne Maman is far superior but also Smuckers. Very disappointing. I figured she’d be better at making jam than producing podcast content, but no.”
The general consensus for the publication was that the spread was both “too runny” as well as overly sweet.
However, those who liked it argued the runniness was what made it so good.
Deputy editor Jen Ortiz said: “Is there such a thing as a bad raspberry jam? I like how runny this one is. And I loved her show! Sue me!”
Meghan had been teasing her sweet preserves for over a year after initially launching American Orchard Riviera.
But the former Suits actress was forced to roll out her rebrand, As Ever, in February after being hit by a string of set backs.
Her jams also featured in her eight-part Netflix docuseries With Love, Meghan, as she entertained Hollywood pals and celeb chefs.
Shoppers also rushed to nab £9 teas, including lemon ginger, peppermint and hibiscus.
These sold out alongside £12 flower sprinkles – promoted in endless shots throughout her Netflix show With Love, Meghan.
Meghan Markle’s ventures after stepping down as a working royal
THE Duchess of Sussex has kept busy since stepping down as a senior working royal in 2020 and relocating to California. Here are some of her business ventures…
- Archewell Foundation – A nonprofit supporting charitable initiatives.
- Netflix Deal – Producing content like Harry & Meghan and With Love, Meghan.
- Archetypes Podcast – Former Spotify show on female stereotypes.
- Clevr Blends – Investment in a women-owned wellness latte brand.
- Cesta Collective – Minority stake in a handbag brand supporting Rwandan artisans.
- As Ever – Previously known as American Riviera Orchard lifestyle brand selling jam.
- ShopMy Page – Online store featuring her curated fashion and beauty items.
- New Podcast – Confessions of a Female Founder focusing on entrepreneurship.
However it has been debated whether Meghan used a “marketing ploy” of making a “relatively small amount available so it all gets bought and then you can say it’s so popular it sold out.”
Meghan’s As Ever products have been created in partnership with Netflix Consumer Group, following her eight-part With Love, Meghan cooking show airing last month.
Royal author Phil Dampier claims that the media giant is now keen to “get some of their money back”, with the launch of the items.
He explained on the show: “I think having invested $100million in the shows that they did – and the thing about Polo, which universally panned – but I mean, they’ve obviously made a decision.
“They’re going to stick with them for the time being.
“They’re going to go for it, and they’re going in for a penny, in for a pound.
“And, you know, if they can get some money back with the merchandising, great.”
Why did Prince Harry and Meghan Markle step back as senior working royals?
PRINCE Harry has always wanted out of the Royal Family and the repercussions will be felt for years, an expert has claimed.
The Duke of Sussex has lived in California with his wife Meghan Markle since 2020 after they dramatically quit their jobs as working royals and moved across the pond.
Katie Nicholl, who is Vanity Fair’s royal correspondent, told The Sun’s Royal Exclusive show that Megxit did not come as a surprise to her.
Speaking to The Sun’s Royal Editor Matt Wilkinson, the commentator explained: “Anyone who knows Harry is aware he’s always wanted a way out of the Royal Family.
“He’s said multiple times on the record that he wished he’d never been born a prince.
“I think he really is living the life he wants to now. It’s very, very sad that it’s played out the way it has.”
In a statement made on the Sussexes’ Instagram account as they stepped back in 2020, the pair wrote: “After many months of reflection and internal discussions, we have chosen to make a transition this year in starting to carve out a progressive new role within this institution.
“We intend to step back as ‘senior’ members of the Royal Family and work to become financially independent, while continuing to fully support Her Majesty The Queen.
“It is with your encouragement, particularly over the last few years, that we feel prepared to make this adjustment.
“We now plan to balance our time between the United Kingdom and North America, continuing to honour our duty to The Queen, the Commonwealth, and our patronages.
“This geographic balance will enable us to raise our son with an appreciation for the royal tradition into which he was born, while also providing our family with the space to focus on the next chapter, including the launch of our new charitable entity.”
