MasterChef alum and acclaimed jam artisan Donna Collins hasn’t minced words about Meghan Markle’s latest culinary venture. The Duchess of Sussex recently launched a limited edition apricot spread under her As Ever brand — and while fans rushed to snag the product, Collins has stirred the pot with her bold critique.
Not Quite Royal Taste? Collins Questions Quality
Collins, the founder of The Jelly Queens, told the Daily Mail that she doubts Meghan has any real role in producing the spread, saying, “I don’t know who’s making her spread, but we all know it’s not Meghan.” Her scathing review continued, suggesting the product reflects a lack of true expertise.
She emphasized that the fruit spread’s texture and execution leave much to be desired, adding, “It’s a real disappointment that Meghan is selling a fruit spread, which is what you make when your jam fails.” Her words echo sentiments expressed by critics who still tie Meghan’s public efforts to the controversial book Finding Freedom, which continues to haunt her brand reputation.
Fruit Spread or PR Strategy?
For Collins, even the product’s ingredients raised red flags. “If I had a jam that was too runny, I’d slap a label on it and call it a spread. There’s no excuse for this. It should be perfect.” She also criticized the use of conventionally grown apricots and questioned the addition of pectin, implying an attempt to mask flawed craftsmanship.
Still, despite Collins’ remarks, both available versions of the apricot spread sold out within minutes. Meghan’s team, once again facing the ripple effects of the Finding Freedom narrative, claimed it was a small-batch release, leading many to speculate about the authenticity behind the product’s “sold out” status.
‘Finding Freedom’ Legacy Still Lingers
Meghan Markle’s As Ever brand, though positioned as a fresh start, seems unable to escape the shadow of Finding Freedom. From jam jars to fashion drops, critics continue to link her every move back to the themes of that explosive biography — independence, reinvention, and image control. Collins’ backlash, laced with skepticism and disappointment, appears to mirror the ongoing public debate around the Duchess’s post-royal ventures.
Some royal watchers argue that the spread’s rapid sellout proves Meghan’s branding power remains intact, while others say this is simply another chapter in the extended marketing fallout from Finding Freedom. With each new product, Meghan tries to redefine her narrative, yet the ghost of Finding Freedom follows closely behind — in headlines, hashtags, and critiques like Collins’.
Conclusion: A Sticky Situation
Donna Collins’ remarks have reignited conversation around celebrity authenticity, particularly when commercial efforts intersect with personal branding. Meghan Markle may continue to diversify her ventures, but so long as the world recalls Finding Freedom, every new launch risks becoming another battleground in the ongoing war for public perception — spread or not.
