In a surprising twist in the world of collectibles, a Flamin’ Hot Cheeto shaped like Charizard has sold for an astonishing $87,840 at auction. This event marks a unique intersection of snack food and Pokémon fandom, drawing attention from collectors and fans alike.
The 3-inch-long snack, affectionately dubbed “Cheetozard,” gained fame in early 2024 after images of its unusual shape went viral on social media. Charizard, a beloved character from the original Pokémon series launched in the 1990s, has always been a favorite among fans, second only to Pikachu.
The bidding for Cheetozard began at a modest $350 but quickly escalated. Over the course of the auction, a total of 60 bids pushed the final price to an eye-popping $87,840. This figure included $72,000 for the snack itself, along with additional fees for the buyer.
The auction took place on March 2, and the item was described as being mounted on a customized Pokémon card and secured in a clear storage box for display. The Cheetozard was preserved by 1st & Goal Collectibles, a store based in Georgia, sometime between 2018 and 2022. The item gained traction on social media in late 2024, thanks to a video posted by the store that showcased the snack and its resemblance to the iconic Pokémon.
In the video, the store mentioned that they had forgotten about the Cheetozard until they found it while cleaning their safe. This revelation sparked a flurry of interest and offers from collectors around the world.
This sale highlights the quirky and sometimes outrageous nature of collectibles today, where even a snack can fetch a five-figure price if it captures the imagination of fans. As Pokémon continues to thrive in popular culture, it seems that the boundaries of what can be collected are expanding in unexpected ways.