When it comes to brand-building, there’s ambition, and then there’s delusion. Meghan Markle’s latest venture into lifestyle branding, as eve...
When it comes to brand-building, there’s ambition, and then there’s delusion. Meghan Markle’s latest venture into lifestyle branding, as ever, has sparked harsh criticism — and this time, from a voice that truly matters in the jam industry.
Not Just Any Critic — A National Jam Champion Speaks
Enter Donna Collins, a national champion jam maker with decades of expertise and credibility. Unlike celebrity entrepreneurs such as Martha Stewart or Gwyneth Paltrow, who built empires on practical skill and substance, Donna has done the same — but with actual fruit. Yes, jam.
So when Collins publicly destroys Meghan Markle’s latest "spread" offering, it’s more than shade — it’s a brutal reality check. As Donna put it, “It’s a real disappointment that Meghan is selling a fruit spread, which is what you make when your jam fails.” Ouch.
Calling It Like It Is — When Jam Fails, It’s a Spread
In the world of preserves, there’s a clear difference between quality jam and a subpar attempt. According to the champion, Meghan Markle’s product doesn’t even meet the basic standard. Collins explained that “a spread” is the industry’s polite way of labeling failed jam — too runny, too soft, lacking quality. In other words, it’s a marketing cover for a culinary misstep. As ever, it’s another gloss-over from Meghan’s team.
Another Venture, Another Delusion
Critics have pointed out that Meghan has been stumbling from one failed project to the next. Her podcast? Canceled. The Netflix series? Barely hanging on. The brand? Largely ignored. And now, this jam — or rather, "spread" — venture? Already being shredded by industry professionals.
Why keep going? Because, as ever, Meghan Markle seems to live in a world powered by image, not substance. This isn’t the first time a project has flopped, but the idea that a champion in the field would call it out so publicly has really struck a nerve.
Even the Ingredients Are in Question
Collins didn’t stop at texture. She called out Meghan Markle’s use of conventionally grown apricots — those often grown with pesticides — and questioned the inclusion of pectin, a common thickening agent. Most high-end, traditional jam makers avoid pectin, unless their product lacks natural consistency. Another red flag. Another delusion.
At this point, Donna Collins didn’t just critique the jam. She destroyed Meghan Markle’s fantasy of being a lifestyle queen. With honesty and authenticity, this champion pointed out what many of us already suspected — that Meghan’s branding efforts are more about appearances than quality. As ever, the truth bubbles up through the cracks.
Time to Rethink the Spotlight?
Maybe it’s time for Meghan to leave the spotlight behind and step into a more fitting role — behind the scenes, away from the hype. Fashion might offer a less scrutinized path, where her name can carry the brand, but her presence doesn’t need to front it. Because, clearly, the spotlight only highlights the cracks — and the delusion.
Conclusion: One Spread, Many Lessons
This jam journey was meant to sweeten Meghan Markle’s brand. Instead, it left a sour aftertaste. When a champion jam maker publicly calls out your product as a failed attempt, you might want to listen. As ever, the public sees through the spin. And for Meghan, the time to reflect, redirect, and retreat may have finally arrived.
