The J.M. Smucker Co. has filed a federal lawsuit in Ohio against Trader Joe’s, accusing the grocery chain of copying its popular Uncrustables sandwiches in both design and packaging. Smucker alleges Trader Joe’s new frozen peanut butter and jelly sandwiches are nearly identical to Uncrustables, featuring the same round, crustless shape and crimped edges resembling a sealed pie.
Smucker also claims that Trader Joe’s blue packaging, sandwich image with a bite mark, and overall branding mimic its own trademarks. The lawsuit seeks restitution, plus an order for Trader Joe’s to surrender and destroy all infringing products and packaging.
Smucker’s filing argues the company has invested over $1 billion in developing and marketing Uncrustables, which it acquired in 1998 and patented in 1999. “Smucker cannot allow others to use its valuable intellectual property,” the company said.
Intellectual property experts say Trader Joe’s may counter that its design is functional rather than trademarkable, and note that its sandwiches appear slightly more square, which could help its defense.
Smucker, however, insists consumers are already being misled, citing social media posts claiming Trader Joe’s version was manufactured by Smucker under a private label.
This isn’t Smucker’s first battle to protect Uncrustables — in 2022, it sent a cease-and-desist letter to Minnesota-based Gallant Tiger for selling similar upscale crustless sandwiches. Experts expect the case to end in a settlement, as both brands aim to avoid an expensive trial.
