The J.M. Smucker Company has filed a lawsuit against Trader Joe’s, alleging that the grocery chain’s crustless peanut butter and jelly sandwiches infringe on the trademarks of Smucker’s popular Uncrustables brand. This legal action, initiated in federal court, claims trademark infringement and unfair competition due to similarities in product design and packaging.
On Monday, October 16, 2025, Smucker’s filed the lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Ohio. The company asserts that Trader Joe’s “Crustless Peanut Butter & Strawberry Jam Sandwiches” mimic the distinctive features of Uncrustables, which have been sold since 2000. Key similarities include the circular shape, crimped edges, and the method of sealing that prevents the fillings from leaking. Smucker’s argues that these elements are protected under federal trademark law and that Trader Joe’s product constitutes an unauthorized copy.
The alleged infringement extends to packaging, where Smucker’s claims Trader Joe’s uses a specific shade of blue identical to that on Uncrustables boxes. This color, along with the overall presentation, is said to contribute to consumer confusion, potentially leading shoppers to believe the Trader Joe’s item is affiliated with or produced by Smucker’s. The company has invested significantly in building the Uncrustables brand, which now approaches $1 billion in annual sales and produces over 1.5 billion sandwiches across three U.S. facilities each year.
Uncrustables have gained widespread popularity, becoming a go-to option for school lunches and even favored by professional athletes like NFL players for their convenience and nutrition. The brand’s success stems from its unique design, which allows the sandwiches to be frozen and thawed without losing quality. Smucker’s spent years refining the recipe and production process to achieve mass production, overcoming initial skepticism from retailers about the feasibility of such a product.
Evidence of consumer confusion includes social media posts, where some users have mistakenly suggested that Trader Joe’s sandwiches are private-labeled by Smucker’s or made in the same factories. A TikTok video cited in the lawsuit explicitly speculated about a connection, highlighting how the similarities could mislead the public. Smucker’s contends that this confusion harms its brand reputation and could weaken the distinctiveness of its trademarks over time.
Legal experts describe the case as a test of product design protection under trademark law. Geoffrey Lottenberg, an intellectual property attorney, noted that Smucker’s must prove it has strong brand rights and that consumers are likely to be confused about the origin of the products. While the case is rooted in established legal principles, it could set precedents for how closely competitors can emulate designs without crossing into infringement territory.
In its filing, Smucker’s is seeking remedies that include a halt to sales of the Trader Joe’s sandwiches, the destruction of all infringing products and marketing materials, and an accounting of profits earned from their sale. Trader Joe’s has not yet responded publicly to the allegations, and the case remains in its early stages, with no defenses lodged so far. The outcome could influence how similar disputes are handled in the competitive frozen food market.
This lawsuit highlights the importance of intellectual property in the food industry and the challenges companies face in protecting innovative products. As the case progresses, it may clarify the limits of imitation in retail and reinforce the value of distinctive branding in a crowded marketplace.