Smucker’s sues Trader Joe’s over alleged copycat crustless sandwiches
By Mike Scarcella
Jif peanut butter maker J.M. Smucker Company 
SJM on Monday sued Trader Joe’s in federal court, accusing the national grocery chain of infringing trademarks tied to its popular Uncrustables brand of frozen sandwiches.
The lawsuit, filed in Ohio, alleges that Trader Joe’s competing round, crustless peanut butter and jelly sandwiches too closely mimic Smucker’s product design and packaging.
Smucker's claims that California-based Trader Joe’s product unlawfully copies its sandwich’s round shape with crimped edges and imagery of a bitten sandwich revealing its filling. The lawsuit also said Trader Joe’s use of blue packaging is similar to Smucker’s trademarked branding.
Smucker's in a statement on Monday said it monitors the marketplace to protect what it called its “distinctive Uncrustables sandwich design and round shape.” The company said it was focused on “preventing consumer confusion caused by imitation.”
Trader Joe's did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Ohio-based Smucker’s lawsuit said its Uncrustables products “are fast on their way to being a $1 billion brand.”
The company, which also makes Hostess snacks and Milk-Bone dog treats, annually produces about 1.5 billion Uncrustables, according to the lawsuit. The sandwiches come in a variety of flavors and must be thawed before being eaten.
The lawsuit cites evidence allegedly showing consumers have been misled into believing Trader Joe’s sandwich is affiliated with Smucker's.
Smucker's asked a judge to issue an order stopping Trader Joe’s from selling the allegedly infringing products. It also seeks the destruction of infringing materials, restitution and unspecified monetary damages.
Trader Joe’s faced a similar trademark lawsuit in 2015 from Pepperidge Farm, maker of Milano cookies, in federal court in Connecticut. That case was dismissed with prejudice in 2016, but the resolution was not publicly disclosed.
The case is The J.M. Smucker Company v. Trader Joe’s Company, U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Ohio, No. 5:25-cv-02181.
For plaintiff: Meredith Wilkes of Jones Day
For defendant: No appearances yet
