Current:Home > InvestSpicy food challenges have a long history. Have they become too extreme? -MoneyFlow Academy
Spicy food challenges have a long history. Have they become too extreme?
View
Date:2025-04-15 10:07:37
NEW YORK (AP) — A tortilla chip maker’s decision to pull its extremely spicy product sold as a “One Chip Challenge” from store shelves following the death of a Massachusetts teen has renewed attention on the popularity — and risks — of similar dares marketed by brands and spread widely online.
Spicy food challenges have been around for years. From local chile pepper eating contests to restaurant walls of fame for those who finished extra hot dishes, people around the world have been daring each other to eat especially fiery foods, with some experts pointing to the internal rush of competition and risk-taking.
But extremely spicy products created and marketed solely for the challenges — and possible internet fame — is a more recent phenomenon, and teens are particularly exposed to them because of social media, associate professor of psychology at Florida International University Elisa Trucco says.
There’s a “glamorization of these challenges on social media,” Trucco said. “You see a lot of ‘likes’ or comments (indicating) social status or popularity from these challenges, but you don’t see a lot of the negative consequences — like the trips to the E.R. or other injuries.”
Alexander DePaoli, an associate teaching professor of marketing at Northeastern University, added that people may put themselves through discomfort and share it online for a sense of “in-group belonging,” similar to offline challenges as a game of truth or dare.
A YouTube series called “Hot Ones,” for example, rose to internet fame several years ago with videos of celebrities’ reactions to eating spicy wings. Meanwhile, restaurants nationwide continue to offer in-person challenges — from Buffalo Wild Wings’ “Blazin’ Challenge” to the “Hell Challenge” of Wing King in Las Vegas. In both challenges, patrons over 18 can attempt to eat a certain amount of wings doused in extra hot sauce in limited time without drinking or eating other food.
Chile pepper eating contests are also regularly hosted around the world. Last year, Gregory Foster ate 10 Carolina Reaper chillies, which Guinness World Records has named the hottest in the world, at a record time of 33.15 seconds in San Diego, California.
In most cases, people will choose to participate in challenges that they are trained for or don’t consider to be truly dangerous. But a line is crossed when someone gets hurt, DePaoli noted.
While the autopsy results for 10th-grader Harris Wolobah are still pending, the teen’s family allege that the One Chip Challenge is responsible for his Sept. 1 death. The product, manufactured by Paqui, instructs participants to eat an eponymously named chip and then see how long they can go without consuming other food and water.
Sales of the chip seem largely driven by people posting videos on social media of them or their friends taking the challenge. They show people, including teens and children, eating the chips and then reacting to the heat. Some videos show people gagging, coughing and begging for water.
Since Wolobah’s death, Paqui has asked retailers to stop selling the product and some health experts have pointed to potential dangers of eating such spicy products under certain circumstances, particularly depending on the amount of capsaicin, a component that gives chile peppers their heat.
But there are plenty of similar products that remain online and on store shelves, including Red Hot Reaper’s One Chip Challenge, Blazing Foods’ Death Nut Challenge and Tube of Terror Challenge as well as Wilder Toys’ Hot Ones Truth or Dab sauce game. The Associated Press reached out to each company after Paqui pulled its own product, but did not receive a response.
DePaoli said it’s not unusual for companies to engage in viral marketing.
“It is unusual, however, to have something where the brand actually wants you to put something into your body,” he said. Companies “don’t want to be liable for that.”
Despite warnings or labels specifying adult-use only, the products can still get into the hands of young people who might not understand the risks, Trucco added.
“There’s a reason why these challenges are appealing,” she said. “This type of marketing sells.”
veryGood! (5357)
Related
- Most popular books of the week: See what topped USA TODAY's bestselling books list
- Athleta’s Pants Are Currently on Sale & They Prove You Don’t Have To Choose Style Over Comfort
- Michigan city ramps up security after op-ed calls it ‘America’s jihad capital’
- Sylvester Stallone pays emotional tribute to Carl Weathers, Apollo Creed in 'Rocky'
- IRS recovers $4.7 billion in back taxes and braces for cuts with Trump and GOP in power
- 'We're better together': How Black and Jewish communities are building historic bonds
- Sen. Kyrsten Sinema says Senate immigration proposal ends the practice of catch and release
- Candice Bergen on Truman Capote's storied Black and White Ball
- Kylie Jenner Shows Off Sweet Notes From Nieces Dream Kardashian & Chicago West
- Taylor Swift wore white dress with black accessories on Grammys red carpet
Ranking
- Will the 'Yellowstone' finale be the last episode? What we know about Season 6, spinoffs
- Grammys 2024: Why Trevor Noah Wants Revenge on NFL Fans Who Are Mad at Taylor Swift
- Are you wearing the wrong bra size? Here’s how to check.
- These 33 Under $40 Valentine’s Day Jewelry Pieces Look Expensive and They’ll Arrive on Time for Gifting
- John Galliano out at Maison Margiela, capping year of fashion designer musical chairs
- Black and Latina women helped propel gains for unions in 2023, finds a new study
- Why Taylor Swift Fans Think Tortured Poets Department Is a Nod to Ex Joe Alwyn
- A Vanderpump Villa Staff Fight Breaks Out in Explosive Trailer
Recommendation
Sarah J. Maas books explained: How to read 'ACOTAR,' 'Throne of Glass' in order.
Why Miley Cyrus Called Out Audience at 2024 Grammy Awards
Jay-Z Calls Out Grammy Awards for Snubbing Beyoncé
South Carolina Democratic primary turnout for 2024 and how it compares to previous years
Intel's stock did something it hasn't done since 2022
2026 FIFA World Cup final to be played at MetLife Stadium
Taylor Swift stirs controversy after alleged Céline Dion snub
Miley Cyrus Leaves Dad Billy Ray Cyrus Out of Grammys Acceptance Speech