128 year-old Ohio-based company suing Trader Joe’s over similar item

Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches might be one of the most well-known lunch or snack items here in America, but apparently, an Ohio-based company’s way of doing it is not to be copied.

J.M. Smucker’s, based in Orrville, OH since 1897 and mostly known for their jams, jellies, and Uncrustables, is suing Trader Joe’s. They filed a lawsuit in federal court in Ohio last Monday, alleging trademark infringement.

Trader Joe’s new Crustless Peanut Butter & Strawberry Jam Sandwiches are very similar to Smucker’s’ Uncrustables, to the point where Smucker’s is seeking damages and lost profits, stating that Trader Joe’s is “engaging in unfair competition, infringing on its trademark and using deceptive trade practices to benefit from Smucker’s substantial investment in Uncrustables.”

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In the lawsuit, Smucker’s alleges consumers are “deceived into believing that Defendant’s product is in some way sponsored by, originates from or is affiliated with Smucker, when, in fact, it is not.”

The lawsuit states that Smucker’s Uncrustables are on its way to being a $1 billion brand. In 2025 alone, their sales rose 16% to $920 million. While there are other frozen, PB&J sandwiches on the market, Smucker’s takes issues with Trader Joe’s version using a similar blue color on its packaging, as well as the sandwich design that is round and crimped on the side. Uncrustables displays the sandwich on the box with a bite taken out of it, and so does Trader Joe’s.

According to Food Dive, Trader Joe’s has still not responded to a request for comment.

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