Oprah enjoys Meghan’s jam on English muffins

Published: 06 November 2025. The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online.

Oprah Winfrey has once again confirmed her reputation as one of the world’s most influential tastemakers, this time by highlighting the Duchess of Sussex’s artisanal jam on her annual list of Oprah’s Favourite Things. The 71-year-old broadcaster praised the preserves as a versatile addition to breakfast and desserts, showcasing the Duchess’s raspberry, strawberry, and orange marmalade gift set. Priced at £32, the collection has been described as ideal for drizzling over English muffins, yogurt, or ice cream. Winfrey also noted that the attractive packaging makes it a perfect hostess gift, simply ready to go with a ribbon.

This recognition is not only a testament to the quality of Meghan Markle’s products but also to the longstanding friendship and mentorship between the Duchess and Winfrey. Meghan, who launched the lifestyle venture As Ever, has turned her passion for homemade preserves into a professional business, with a strong emphasis on artisanal craftsmanship and thoughtful presentation.

The collaboration between Meghan and Oprah is rooted in Montecito, California, where the two live as neighbours and have nurtured a close personal and professional bond. Winfrey, who has long championed women entrepreneurs and creative ventures, provided early guidance to Meghan when she began sharing her homemade jams with friends and family. It was this encouragement that eventually inspired Meghan to expand her hobby into a full-fledged business.

In a statement released by As Ever, the company expressed delight at being included in Winfrey’s highly anticipated seasonal gift guide, noting, “We’re over the moon to spread the news and are honoured to be featured in such an iconic list. Oprah’s seal of approval is a milestone for us, reflecting both the passion and care that goes into every product we create.” The newsletter emphasized that the recognition came after careful curation and consideration by Winfrey herself, underscoring the growing influence of Meghan’s brand in the lifestyle and luxury goods market.

The Duchess has been open about the beginnings of her venture, recalling that her initial motivation was simple enjoyment. “At the beginning, I just liked making jam,” Meghan said in her Confessions of a Female Founder podcast. “All I liked to do was just make jam and preserves. And it went from, ‘okay, I’m gonna share this jam with lots of friends and family,’ to ‘people really like it and it brings me joy, so maybe I can share it more broadly.’” It was at this pivotal moment that Winfrey encouraged Meghan to think bigger, offering mentorship and practical advice that helped shape the early direction of As Ever.

Over the past year, the Duchess has steadily expanded her product line, introducing new flavors and seasonal gift sets that include not only preserves but also scented candles capturing the “signature scent” of her Montecito home. The inclusion of her products in Winfrey’s list marks a significant moment for Meghan as an entrepreneur, reflecting her ability to translate personal passion into a brand with commercial appeal and cultural resonance. The gift set featuring raspberry, strawberry, and orange marmalade is particularly celebrated for its quality, taste, and presentation, combining traditional craftsmanship with modern packaging design.

Winfrey herself commented on the versatility of the product, highlighting its multiple uses across different meals and occasions. She shared, “Before my neighbour Meghan started her business, she shared her homemade recipes with us. I love to drizzle it on an English muffin or yogurt or ice cream. I also love bringing a jam or preserves as a hostess gift, and with this pretty box set of orange marmalade and raspberry and strawberry spreads, just add a bow and you’re ready to go.” Her endorsement is especially notable given her long-standing reputation for careful curation, as products featured on Oprah’s Favourite Things tend to experience significant attention and increased consumer demand following the announcement.

The relationship between Meghan and Winfrey extends beyond the world of business. The Duchess previously participated in Winfrey’s book club and has collaborated with her on multiple projects, blending their shared interests in storytelling, personal growth, and social impact. Meghan has spoken openly about the broadcaster’s role as a mentor and friend, crediting Winfrey with encouraging her to embrace entrepreneurship after stepping back from public royal life. “Oprah has been a mentor and friend,” Meghan said. “Her guidance helped me understand that my passion could become something bigger, something that brings joy to others while allowing me to explore creativity and connection.”

In addition to the personal and professional support, Winfrey’s endorsement highlights a growing trend of royal family members transitioning into lifestyle and entrepreneurial ventures. Meghan’s As Ever brand embodies a blend of personal narrative, quality craftsmanship, and conscious business values, offering consumers not just products, but a story and experience that resonate emotionally. From its inception as a small-scale jam-making hobby to its current position in a high-profile seasonal gift guide, the brand reflects Meghan’s dedication to building a business that aligns with her values and aesthetic.

The Duchess’s success with As Ever is also a testament to her broader vision of connecting people through thoughtful, handcrafted products. Each preserve is carefully curated, with attention to flavour, texture, and presentation, reflecting the care and authenticity that have become hallmarks of her brand. By combining culinary creativity with lifestyle branding, Meghan has positioned As Ever not merely as a product line but as an experience, one that invites consumers to engage with her story, taste, and personal touch.

As the holiday season approaches, the inclusion of Meghan’s jam in Oprah’s Favourite Things is likely to drive further attention to the brand, solidifying its place among other celebrated artisanal products. The recognition is expected to boost both visibility and sales, demonstrating the power of personal branding, mentorship, and authentic storytelling in today’s consumer marketplace. For Meghan, it is a moment of validation, reflecting her transition from a former public figure and actress to a successful entrepreneur with a unique voice and perspective in the lifestyle and food sectors.