Meghan Markle in ‘Hot Water’ Over New Tea?

Meghan Markle’s luxury lifestyle brand is facing backlash after reports surfaced claiming that her $1-a-bag herbal tea might be coming from the same Illinois-based factory that sells a near-identical version for just 28 cents.

According to the Daily Mail, the tea—sold under Meghan’s “As Ever” label—may be a repackaged product from The Republic of Tea, a well-known tea manufacturer. While white labeling is a standard practice in the consumer goods world, critics say this revelation cuts against Meghan’s carefully curated image of artisanal authenticity.

What really stirred the pot? Metadata. Internet sleuths allegedly discovered hidden code on Meghan’s product pages that listed “Brand: republic-of-tea.” The same digital fingerprints were reportedly found on pages for her “signature” flower sprinkles. The data has since been altered to say “As Ever store,” after inquiries from the press.

On Meghan’s site, the hibiscus tea bags—currently sold out—are priced at $1 each, nearly four times the cost of similar tea bags on The Republic of Tea’s website. The only apparent difference? Meghan’s version is housed in sleek triangular bags with strings, unlike the manufacturer’s round ones.

This isn’t Meghan’s first foray into premium branding. Her recently launched Napa Valley rosé and previous jam drop were marketed with a homespun, wholesome flair. In promo materials, the Duchess has emphasized personal touches, even claiming her jam originated in her home kitchen.

However, this latest twist may challenge that narrative. The Republic of Tea, which also produces branded goods for shows like Netflix’s Bridgerton, states on its site that it collaborates with top-tier partners to bring founders’ “recipes and bespoke concepts” to life.

Whether Meghan’s tea line is just smart branding or a misstep in transparency is still brewing. Her team has yet to comment.