Smucker’s Goes to War with Trader Joe’s Over “Copycat” PB&J Sandwiches — and It’s Getting Ugly
Smucker’s has filed a federal lawsuit accusing Trader Joe’s of ripping off its beloved Uncrustables — claiming the grocery chain’s crustless PB&J sandwiches copy the iconic packaging, color scheme, and even the bite mark on the box.
A Corporate Food Fight Over America’s Favorite Lunchbox Snack
The J.M. Smucker Company, the Ohio-based food giant behind Uncrustables, has launched a blistering lawsuit against Trader Joe’s, alleging that the grocer’s Crustless Peanut Butter & Strawberry Jam Sandwiches are a blatant knockoff of its billion-dollar brand.
Filed October 13 in federal court, the complaint accuses Trader Joe’s of trademark infringement, false designation of origin, and deceptive trade practices, claiming its packaging and product design are “an intentional attempt to trade off the fame, goodwill, and consumer recognition” of Uncrustables.
Smucker’s argues the Trader Joe’s sandwiches mimic the crimped edges, light-blue box, and bite-mark imagery that define Uncrustables’ visual identity — elements the company calls “instantly recognizable” to generations of parents and kids.
“Trader Joe’s hasn’t just borrowed our idea — they’ve hijacked it,” the filing alleges.
What Exactly Is Smucker’s Suing For?
Smucker’s is suing under the Lanham Act, a U.S. law that protects brand identity and prevents unfair competition.
In plain English: the Lanham Act stops companies from copying another brand’s look or design if it confuses consumers or weakens the original brand’s reputation.
The company is demanding injunctive relief, asking the court to order Trader Joe’s to halt sales immediately and destroy all related stock, labels, and marketing materials. It also seeks damages and profits from the allegedly infringing sandwiches.
Why This Lawsuit Matters
Smucker’s insists it isn’t attacking every frozen PB&J competitor — only those that blur the line between inspiration and imitation. The company says Trader Joe’s packaging was “purposefully misleading” and that shoppers have already been deceived into believing the two brands are connected.
Legal observers say this case could set a major precedent in food packaging and trade dress law, joining landmark disputes like Apple v. Samsung and Two Pesos v. Taco Cabana.
“If consumers associate a product’s shape or color scheme with one brand, competitors can’t mimic it to gain sales,” said one IP attorney. “That’s trade dress protection in action.”
People Also Ask: What Is Trade Dress Infringement?
Trade dress infringement occurs when a company copies another brand’s overall visual design — its packaging, colors, or product shape — in a way that confuses buyers.
In simple terms: it’s trademark law applied to how something looks, not just what it’s called.
This is precisely the heart of Smucker’s complaint: that Trader Joe’s Crustless Peanut Butter & Strawberry Jam Sandwiches look so similar to Uncrustables that many parents might assume they’re from the same company.
What Trader Joe’s Faces Next
If Smucker’s wins, Trader Joe’s could be forced to recall the product, pay financial penalties, and redesign its packaging — a move that might reshape how private-label food brands market “dupe” products nationwide.
The case highlights growing tension between heritage food brands and the rising “dupe culture” sweeping grocery aisles, where look-alike products mimic household names for less.
Neither Smucker’s nor Trader Joe’s has commented publicly, though Trader Joe’s fans on Reddit and X (formerly Twitter) are already debating whether the sandwiches are “a cute dupe” or “a legal disaster waiting to happen.”
The Bigger Picture: When “Dupe Culture” Meets Trademark Law
From skincare to snacks, imitation products are everywhere — and big brands are striking back. Smucker’s case underscores how corporations are using intellectual property law to defend nostalgic, family-friendly brands from look-alike challengers.
“This isn’t just a fight over PB&J,” says one retail analyst. “It’s about who owns childhood comfort — and how far a competitor can go before creativity becomes theft.”
Key Takeaway
Smucker’s legal war with Trader Joe’s is about more than sandwiches — it’s a defining clash over design, ownership, and authenticity in America’s trillion-dollar packaged-food industry.
