We all know that the rarer a Pokémon Trading Card Game card is, the more likely it is to fetch a pretty penny – sometimes even a mind-boggling sum. But what many might not have realized is that these days, even a snack that just *looks* like a Pokémon can rake in an unbelievable amount of cash.
Recently, a Cheeto shaped uncannily like the iconic Pokémon Charizard sparked a bidding frenzy at the renowned auction house Goldin Auctions. This singular snack ultimately sold for an astonishing $87,840 (approximately NT$2.8 million), setting a new record for the most expensive snack ever sold at auction.
According to reports, the "snack showdown" continued until the early hours of Sunday, attracting over 60 bids before the final buyer was confirmed. Goldin Auctions celebrated the sale on social media, announcing, "Charizard sells!" They included auction details, emphasizing that the approximately 3-inch long, Charizard-shaped Cheeto had found its new owner for an incredible price.
The Mysterious Origin of the Charizard Cheeto
This legendary Cheeto was originally purchased by the collectibles store 1st & Goal Collectibles on eBay. The store revealed they bought it for around $350 in 2019 or 2020 and kept it stashed away in a safe. It wasn't until a recent clean-out that they rediscovered the "Cheeto Charizard" and decided to put it up for auction.
"We've owned this Cheeto for about 5 years, and only recently remembered it while cleaning out the safe! We've received many offers during this time, so if you're interested, please DM us," 1st & Goal Collectibles posted on Instagram. 
Is This Charizard Cheeto the First of Its Kind?
While Cheetos fetching such high prices aren't common, there have been instances of uniquely shaped snacks attracting collectors in the past. According to cllct, earlier in 2024, a Cheeto shaped like a seahorse sold for $179 on eBay.
And back in 2021, an Australian teenager discovered a uniquely puffed Dorito. She initially tried to auction it on eBay, but it was removed due to food policy violations. Ultimately, Doritos' official brand stepped in and bought it back for $14,663.
These cases prove that for some collectors, rare or oddly shaped snacks are more than just food; they're unique collectibles, potentially offering a surprisingly high return on investment.
via： Men's Journal