Meghan Markle has found herself at the center of a social media storm following the launch of her new lifestyle brand, American Riviera Orchard.

This venture comes as she and Prince Harry carve out their own paths away from royal duties.

Among the initial offerings is a limited-edition strawberry jam, which has quickly become the subject of ridicule.

Last month, Meghan sent out jars of her strawberry jam to 50 friends and influencers in uniquely curated gift baskets.

This promotional effort was met with a mix of amusement and skepticism, particularly from commentator Angela Levin, who took to X to express her disbelief.

“I can’t help laughing,” she wrote, highlighting the absurdity of the situation.

The idea of a limited edition jam seemed to strike many as odd, especially when jars were numbered, with one influencer showcasing jar number 17 on Instagram.

As photos circulated online, some users pointed out that the labels on the jars appeared to be peeling off.

One user quipped, “Is anybody noticing the label on the promo jams Meghan Markle’s sending to friends is literally peeling off?” This observation sparked a flurry of comments, with others chiming in about the poor quality of the product.

“Cheap labels coming off, this is what people were waiting for,” another user remarked, capturing the general sentiment surrounding the launch.

Concerns about safety have also emerged, particularly regarding the approval of the jam by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

A user named Paula M raised alarms on X, claiming that Meghan’s jam had not received FDA approval, implying potential health risks.

She noted that California has strict regulations regarding homemade food products, suggesting that the jam might not meet safety standards.

Critics have not held back in their assessments.

Raw correspondent Michael Cole spoke to GB News about the implications of this launch.

He suggested that while there may not be anything inherently wrong with the jam itself, the timing and context of its release seem tied to Meghan and Harry’s recent Netflix deal, which reportedly amounts to $100 million.

“The Sussexes are going to have to start singing for their supper,” he stated, emphasizing the pressure they face to deliver content for their new backers.

Cole elaborated on how this jam launch might be part of a broader strategy to regain favor with the British public.

He speculated that Meghan’s lifestyle series could serve as a way to reconnect with audiences, albeit through a different medium than before.

However, he humorously noted that the couple’s famous rescue chickens would likely not make an appearance in the new series.

Reflecting on Meghan’s previous lifestyle blog, The Tig, Cole pointed out that this new venture seems like a revival of her earlier interests.

When she became engaged to Prince Harry, Buckingham Palace had deemed her blog inappropriate due to concerns over commercial exploitation of her royal status.

Now, however, the Sussexes are fully independent and actively seeking commercial opportunities.

The juxtaposition of Meghan’s royal past and her current entrepreneurial efforts raises questions about the sustainability of her brand.

As the couple navigates their new life in California, they are clearly attempting to leverage their celebrity status for financial gain.

While the jam may seem like a quirky product, it represents a significant shift in how they plan to operate outside the confines of royal expectations.

Whether this venture will resonate with consumers or become a footnote in their story remains to be seen.

In the ever-evolving narrative of Meghan and Harry, the launch of American Riviera Orchard is just one chapter.