The Ultimate Snack for Every Pokémon Fan: A Flamin’ Hot Cheeto Worth $88,000

For those who grew up collecting Pokémon cards, catching Pokémon, or simply snacking on Flamin’ Hot Cheetos, this story might sound like something out of a fantasy world. But in reality, one very lucky (or very dedicated) collector has made headlines for purchasing a unique snack that combines two childhood obsessions: Pokémon and cheesy, spicy Cheetos. A single Flamin’ Hot Cheeto shaped like the iconic Pokémon Charizard recently sold at auction for an astonishing $88,000. This 3-inch-long, fiery red snack, dubbed “Cheetozard,” has captured the hearts—and wallets—of fans worldwide.

The journey of this special Cheeto began several years ago, between 2018 and 2022, when it was discovered and preserved by 1st & Goal Collectibles. Initially, it wasn’t much more than a quirky find, but its viral moment came last year when social media users pointed out its uncanny resemblance to Charizard, one of the most beloved and recognizable Pokémon in the franchise. Charizard, the fire-breathing monster from the original Pokémon games and TV series, has been a fan favorite for decades, making this Cheeto an instant sensation.

In November 2024, the Cheetozard was acquired by memorabilia site Arena Club, where it was marketed as the “rarest Charizard in the world.” And rare it certainly is—this unique snack comes attached to a custom Pokémon card and is sealed inside a clear storage box to protect it from the elements. After all, even the rarest snacks can disintegrate over time, especially when made of processed cornmeal.

The auction for the Cheetozard kicked off on February 11, 2023, with a modest starting bid of $275. But as word of the snack spread, so did the interest. By the time the auction closed on Sunday, the winning bid had skyrocketed to $72,000, with an additional buyer’s premium pushing the final total to $87,840. The buyer, who chose to remain anonymous, likely isn’t just a casual fan—this purchase was made by someone who truly sees this Cheeto as a priceless piece of pop culture history.

This isn’t the first time a quirky Cheeto has made headlines. Back in 2017, a regular-flavored Cheeto resembling the slain gorilla Harambe sold for nearly $100,000 on eBay. These stories remind us that in the world of collectibles, anything can become valuable with the right combination of rarity, creativity, and cultural significance. Whether it’s a uniquely shaped snack or a one-of-a-kind Pokémon card, the world of memorabilia is full of surprises—and sometimes, those surprises can fetch a small fortune.

So, whether you’re a die-hard Pokémon fan, a collector of rare snacks, or just someone who loves the idea of combining two childhood favorites, the Cheetozard’s journey is a reminder of how unexpected items can become cultural phenomena. Who knows what other hidden treasures are out there waiting to be discovered? One thing’s for sure—this $88,000 Cheeto is a snack unlike any other, and it’s proof that sometimes, the most unlikely things can become truly priceless.