It hasn’t been the smoothest year for As Ever, Meghan Markle’s lifestyle brand. First, she had to change the name from American Riviera Orchard to As Ever due to a copyright issue. Then, she had to push back its launch (along with the premiere of her Netflix show, With Love, Meghan) following the Los Angeles wildfires. When she finally was able to release her crêpe mix and flower sprinkles to the world, she ended up selling too many jars of honey and had to refund hordes of disappointed Markleheads. But now, at least from the outside, it appears that As Ever has found its stride — and when the brand released a new orange marmalade over the summer, we knew we had to do yet another taste test.
Described as “golden and fragrant with a lively zest that lingers,” Markle’s newest offering retails for $9. You can shell out $14 to have it delivered to you in a keepsake vessel, which Markle recommends using as a pencil holder once the pulpy spread has been consumed. With a pre-saved credit card number and a lot of luck, we got our hands on the sold-out citrusy newness and tried the marmalade right here in our office.
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While As Ever’s website advises customers to eat the spread over warm scones, swirled into yogurt, or glazed over a piece of chicken or salmon, all we had on hand were Triscuits and gluten-free Nut-Thins from the Duane Reade down the block. Alas. We forged ahead and invited some friends of The Cut to share their thoughts and feelings, too. Below, our opinions on As Ever’s orange marmalade.
Zingy! There’s a pleasant tartness to this marmalade, and it doesn’t taste like a sugar bomb, which makes me happy. I’d eat this again on my toast. — Catherine Thompson, features editor
Wasn’t sweet or tart enough for me! Just kind of bland. Needs a sharp cheese. — Angelina Chapin, features writer
You know what! I loved it. Marmalade is usually too bitter for me. This was perfect. Call me Paddington. — Jen Ortiz, deputy editor
The marmalade took a moment to deliver a strong orange flavor, followed by an even stronger hit of sweet. On its own, it’s too much. It’s really meant to be with a creamy cheese. — Justin Miller, deputy editor of Intelligencer
I wanted to make a “Lady Marmalade” joke, but it’s actually pretty good. — Manny Getachew, VP & GM of New York Magazine
I dislike the texture of marmalade in general, so this was a miss for me. Sorry, Meghan. I’d much rather have the As Ever rosé. — Elizabeth Gulino, evening blogger
If you had told me that you dislodged this from the bottommost shelf of a TJ Maxx clearance display, I would believe you. It’s basically just cane sugar, orange juice, and pectin. There’s nothing special about this! — Cat Zhang, culture writer
I’m really glad I looked up the difference between marmalade and jam before trying this. I learned that marmalade is citrus-based and chunkier, with bits of rind, whereas jam has a more spreadable consistency. Once I got past the lumpy consistency, I enjoyed the sweet start and slightly bitter aftertaste. I went back for thirds. — Joanna Nikas, deputy style editor
My eyes have been opened to the power of orange marmalade: flavorful, not too sweet, and even refreshing? You did it, Meghan! — Jordan Larson, features editor
The texture is nice — I’d like to believe that the visible chunks of fruit is an indicator of quality — and the taste is fine, albeit slightly bitter. Probably better with a generous slab of soft cheese, for what it’s worth. — Lucia Tonelli, head of social
I’m also not a marmalade girl, but this was not unpleasant! Ange is right about the cheese, but I think that’s a plus — this would do great plopped onto a charcuterie board. — Danielle Cohen, senior news editor
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