Additional Coverage:
- I tried Meghan Markle’s first collection of As Ever products. The duchess is playing it safe, but one item stands out. (businessinsider.com)
Meghan Markle’s Lifestyle Brand “As Ever” – A Royal Review
Ever since glimpses of Meghan Markle’s homemade jams appeared on celebrity Instagram feeds, speculation has swirled about the Duchess of Sussex’s potential to become the next lifestyle guru. This intensified with the announcement of her lifestyle brand, As Ever, and accompanying Netflix show, “With Love, Meghan.”
But do the products live up to the hype? I snagged the first collection (which sold out in an hour!)
to find out.
From American Riviera Orchard to As Ever: A Bumpy Road to Launch
Meghan’s post-royal life has been a mix of triumphs (the popular Netflix docuseries “Harry & Meghan”) and stumbles. In March 2024, she announced her foray into the lifestyle arena with American Riviera Orchard.
A year and a trademark dispute later, the brand reemerged as As Ever, backed by Netflix, which also airs her Martha Stewart-esque show, “With Love, Meghan.” The show, filmed in her opulent Montecito home, received mixed reviews but secured a spot on Netflix’s top 10 and a second season renewal.
A Taste of As Ever: Teas, Treats, and a Touch of Royal Flair
The initial As Ever collection featured crepe and shortbread mixes, three teas, flower sprinkles, a raspberry spread (the famed jam), and a quickly sold-out wildflower honey. Priced between $12 and $15 (excluding the $28 honey), the line aims for a balance of prestige and affordability.
The teas, packaged in elegant black and gold tins adorned with Meghan’s handwriting, include hibiscus, peppermint, and lemon ginger. While the tins are display-worthy, the unbranded tea bag tags feel like a missed opportunity.
The hibiscus tea, brewed in sunlight as Meghan recommends, offers a refreshing tartness. The lemon ginger tea evokes a comforting, nostalgic warmth.
The peppermint tea, a household favorite according to Meghan, provides a classic, if not particularly unique, peppermint experience.
The crepe mix proved a delightful surprise. Though my first attempt resulted in a culinary disaster, subsequent tries yielded light, crispy crepes perfect for enjoying with the recommended chocolate hazelnut spread or the signature raspberry spread.
Speaking of the raspberry spread, its “runny” texture, as some have described it, is intentional, designed for drizzling and spreading on more than just toast. The flavor is fresh and homemade, with a pleasant lemon zing.
The shortbread cookie mix presented a slight challenge. The dough initially turned out dry and crumbly, requiring a bit of improvisation with added water. While the baked cookies lacked sweetness and a golden hue, they paired well with the raspberry spread and grew on us over time.
Final Verdict: A Promising Start
Meghan’s first As Ever collection feels like a cautious first step, mirroring the somewhat safe approach of her Netflix show. The products are generally enjoyable, particularly the standout crepe mix. As Meghan gains confidence in this new venture, hopefully, we’ll see bolder choices and more of her personality shine through.