Smucker’s Wants Trader Joe’s Uncrustables Dupes Destroyed
Trader Joe’s is in hot water over a product that looks eerily similar to J.M. Smucker’s Uncrustables.
Called Crustless Peanut Butter & Strawberry Jam Sandwiches, they’re UFO-shaped with crimped, pie crust-style edges just like Uncrustables. From the looks of it, the two would be nearly indistinguishable if held side-by-side outside their packaging.
A federal judge has allowed J.M. Smucker to move forward with its lawsuit against Trader Joe’s, which the company initially filed in Ohio last fall. Smucker accuses TJ’s of trademark infringement and further alleges that its packaging, which features a bite taken out of one of the sandwiches, looks similar to Uncrustables’ packaging as well.
According to court filings, TJ’s argues that its sandwiches aren’t round, but instead shaped like “squircles”—in other words, square sandwiches with rounded edges. The grocer further claims that Smucker shouldn’t be allowed to monopolize the crimped-edge design because the feature helps contain the fillings.
Trader Joe’s also argues that because the current Uncrustables packaging has only been around since 2024, it isn’t well-known enough to support a trademark dilution claim.
In a January court filing requesting dismissal of the case, Trader Joe’s said, “Smucker reaches too far. Its sandwiches’ appearance and cartoon avatar are no Nike swoosh or McDonald’s golden arches.”
However, U.S. District Judge John Adams instead pointed to the 20 years Smucker has invested in developing and protecting the Uncrustables product and brand, finding that consumers now associate the sandwich’s design with Smucker. Adams also denied Trader Joe’s request to move the case to California, where the grocer is headquartered and produces its frozen sandwiches.
Smucker isn’t only seeking monetary relief. The company has also asked the judge to force TJ’s to ship all of the disputed frozen sandwiches to Smucker so it can destroy them.
