EXCLUSIVE: Meghan Markle Ridiculed for ‘Selling Holiday Candle With No Wick,’ Podcaster Claims — as He Labels Her Oprah-recommended Three-Fruit Spread ‘The Worst Thing He Has Ever Tasted’

Meghan Markle’s Holiday Candle Comes Under Fire for Missing Wick

In a surprising turn of events, Meghan Markle’s holiday candle from her As Ever collection has been the subject of ridicule after a popular podcaster revealed that the $64 Signature Candle No. 084 arrived without a wick. Link Lauren, host of the podcast *Spot On With Link Lauren*, shared his unboxing experience with his audience, expressing disbelief and amusement at the discovery.

Lauren, who is known for his commentary on the royal family and has openly expressed skepticism about Markle in the past, was initially curious to explore the actress-turned-entrepreneur’s holiday products. However, his excitement quickly turned to confusion when he noticed the candle lacked the essential component needed to light it.

During his November 10 episode, Lauren held the candle up to the camera and asked his producer if she could see the same thing. “Am I crazy? Where is the thing that I light? This has to be a joke,” he exclaimed. Confirming that there was no wick or any alternative lighting mechanism, he went on to joke, “This is like Meghan Markle’s career… failure to launch.”

Despite the glaring flaw, Lauren did acknowledge some positive aspects of the candle. He described the scent—a blend of water lotus, sandalwood, and California poppy—as “feminine” and comparable to a Yankee Candle you might find at a drugstore. He also complimented the candle’s weight and quality, noting it felt “heavy” and not cheap. Still, the absence of a wick was a dealbreaker. “If I’m paying $64 for a candle, there better be a wick,” he insisted.

Criticism Extends to Oprah-Endorsed Three-Fruit Spread

The podcaster’s critique didn’t stop with the candle. Lauren also sampled Markle’s holiday trio of fruit spreads, which includes strawberry, raspberry, and orange marmalade varieties. These spreads were notably featured on Oprah Winfrey’s 2025 Favorite Things holiday list, adding to the anticipation surrounding them.

However, Lauren was underwhelmed by both the packaging and the taste. He described the packaging as “cheap,” consisting mostly of crinkly paper that he quickly discarded. “I thought they were going to come in a nice little package,” he said, holding up the flimsy wrapping.

When it came to flavor, Lauren tried to remain objective despite his personal opinions about Markle. The strawberry spread reminded him of Smuckers—familiar but nothing extraordinary. The raspberry spread left him indifferent, neither good nor bad. The orange marmalade, however, was the most heavily criticized. Lauren called it “diabolical” and “literally the worst thing I’ve ever swallowed.”

Adding to his disappointment, Lauren also sampled Markle’s dried flower sprinkles, which retail for $15 for a small container. These sprinkles, a signature garnish often featured in Markle’s Netflix lifestyle series *With Love, Meghan*, were meant to “elevate” dishes. Instead, Lauren described their taste as akin to “straw” or “printer paper,” deeming them another no-go.

What This Means for Meghan Markle’s As Ever Brand

The backlash from this podcaster highlights the challenges Meghan Markle faces in establishing her lifestyle brand, As Ever. While the brand has garnered attention and celebrity endorsements, including Oprah’s, consumer reception appears mixed, especially when products fail to meet basic expectations—such as a candle without a wick.

Critics argue that such oversights could damage the brand’s reputation and consumer trust. On the other hand, supporters may view these critiques as isolated opinions that don’t reflect the broader customer base.

Regardless, the incident underscores the importance of quality control and thoughtful product design, especially for high-end lifestyle brands. Consumers expect not only appealing aesthetics and celebrity association but also functional and enjoyable products.

Podcaster’s Takeaway: Price vs. Value

At the core of the criticism is the question of value. Lauren’s comments emphasize that paying a premium price demands a premium experience. A $64 candle without a wick, or fruit spreads that fail to impress in taste and packaging, fall short of these expectations.

This sentiment resonates with many consumers who seek authenticity and quality over celebrity branding alone. For Meghan Markle and As Ever, this feedback could serve as a valuable lesson in refining their offerings and ensuring that future products deliver on their promises.

Conclusion

Meghan Markle’s As Ever holiday collection has recently come under scrutiny, with a podcaster publicly ridiculing the $64 candle for lacking a wick and harshly criticizing the Oprah-endorsed three-fruit spread as the worst he has ever tasted. While the candle’s scent and quality were somewhat praised, the missing wick and disappointing spreads have raised questions about the brand’s product standards.

If you’re considering purchasing from Meghan Markle’s As Ever line, it’s essential to weigh these reviews alongside your own preferences. Quality and functionality should always be top priorities, especially when investing in premium lifestyle products.

Are you curious to try Meghan Markle’s As Ever holiday collection for yourself? Share your thoughts and experiences with us in the comments below!