In a holiday gesture meant to charm, Meghan Markle’s latest Instagram video showcasing her culinary flair has instead stirred up a storm of criticism. The Duchess of Sussex’s attempt at patriotic festivity seems to have missed the mark with many online observers.
As reported by Daily Mail, Meghan shared a clip on her As Ever Instagram page to celebrate the Fourth of July, assembling a charcuterie board with fruits, cheeses, and her sold-out raspberry spread. The video, also posted to her personal account @meghan, aimed to promote “easy entertaining” but has drawn sharp rebukes from some corners of the internet.
Filmed in what looks to be her Montecito, California kitchen, Meghan donned a stylish blue-and-white striped button-down while crafting the patriotic platter. She meticulously arranged raspberries, cherries, star-shaped cheese, and blueberries alongside crackers and sourdough bread. The centerpiece was her $14 As Ever raspberry spread, a product that sold out in just 30 minutes during its April debut.
As she finalized the board, Meghan scooped her sought-after spread into a small dish, even laughing off a dropped raspberry by popping it into her mouth. The video’s caption cheerily wished viewers a “Happy 4th of July!” Yet, the lighthearted moment failed to win over everyone.
On Reddit, royal watchers didn’t hold back, with one commenter dismissing the display as “basic” and likening it to an outdated Pinterest post. Such critiques sting for a brand like As Ever, which seems to aim for an elevated lifestyle image, not a neighborly potluck vibe. The jab at her efforts as unoriginal cuts deep into the narrative of innovation she’s trying to build.
Another critic scoffed at what they saw as forced aesthetics, mocking the “faux calligraphy” and “unnecessary flowers” as eye-roll worthy. A third piled on, suggesting the video felt “embarrassing” for someone pushing a premium brand rather than a casual hobbyist. These barbs reflect a broader skepticism about whether Meghan’s venture resonates as authentic or just performative.
Adding fuel to the fire, the raspberry spread itself—launched as part of As Ever’s first drop in April—hasn’t escaped scrutiny. While fans clamored for it during the lightning-fast sellout, a review by FEMAIL painted a less flattering picture. They described the spread as overly liquid, dripping like a sauce rather than holding up as a proper jam.
The taste didn’t fare much better, with FEMAIL noting an overpowering sweetness more akin to a dessert topping than a breakfast staple. They also flagged a strong sour lemon flavor, which Meghan had highlighted in the product description, but found it unappealing when paired with the thin texture. Compared to store-bought raspberry jelly or Bonne Maman, her spread fell short, earning a mere two out of five stars.
Meghan herself has addressed the jam’s unique consistency on her Netflix show, “With Love, Meghan,” explaining it isn’t technically jam due to lower sugar content. She argued this lets the fruit shine, but critics seem to disagree, finding the “fluid texture” more off-putting than refined. It’s a bold stance, yet one that risks alienating traditionalists who expect a thicker spread.
On her podcast “Confessions of a Female Founder” in May, Meghan discussed the As Ever launch, admitting the scarcity of the initial drop was a deliberate hook akin to a sneaker release. She mused that while the sellout in 45 minutes was “amazing,” it might frustrate customers who want the product on their shelves regularly. It’s a candid take but one that hints at a marketing gamble not everyone appreciates.
She also expressed hesitation about rushed restocking, questioning whether another quick sellout would annoy buyers further. Meghan emphasized wanting stability before flooding the market again, a pragmatic if cautious approach. Yet, for a conservative audience wary of hype-driven trends, this “scarcity mentality” might feel more like elitist gatekeeping than savvy business.
Behind the scenes, Daily Mail revealed the spread is produced by The Republic of Tea, based in Larkspur, California, though its factory sits 2,000 miles away in Illinois. This disconnect from Meghan’s Montecito base raises questions about the “homegrown” image As Ever might be projecting. For those valuing transparency in branding, it’s a detail that doesn’t quite spread smoothly.
Meghan’s Fourth of July video was clearly meant to blend holiday spirit with brand promotion, a dual goal that’s tricky to nail. While her summer-chic look and playful raspberry mishap show a relatable side, the execution has left some feeling it’s more staged than sincere. It’s a reminder that authenticity matters as much as aesthetics in today’s skeptical digital landscape.
For conservatives who often critique progressive celebrity ventures as out-of-touch, this episode with As Ever might reinforce those views, though it’s worth noting Meghan’s evident effort to connect on a personal level. The backlash isn’t just about a charcuterie board; it’s about whether a duchess-turned-entrepreneur can sell a lifestyle without seeming detached from everyday folks. Her challenge is bridging that gap without losing her polished edge.
Ultimately, Meghan’s foray into holiday-themed content with As Ever reveals the tightrope of public perception she walks. Criticism of her “basic” board or runny spread may sting, but it also offers a chance to refine her approach. In a culture wary of over-curated personas, finding that genuine flavor—both in product and presence—might be her next big recipe to perfect.
