The title may seem like a no-brainer. Of course, the singular Cheeto that someone miraculously decided to pay for is the most expensive. But, alas, there is actually a whole slew of oddly specific-shaped Cheetos that people have been willing to spend big bucks on. We recently reported on the aptly named Cheetozard, a Charizard-shaped Flamin’ Hot Cheeto that sold for $87,840. However, this is merely one expensive Cheeto out of many, apparently, since the title of most expensive Cheeto actually goes to a Harambe-shaped Cheeto.
The Harambe-shaped Cheeto was of the same Flamin’ Hot variety as the Cheetozard. Chris Astoyani, a Burbank resident, discovered it while working and pouring out some Cheetos onto a plate. That’s when he noticed that one of the Cheetos on the plate resembled a gorilla. Astoyani asked a coworker if they thought the same and was met with agreement. “It looks like Harambe,” said the coworker.
Zoo officials at the Cincinnati Zoo shot and killed Harambe, a gorilla, after a three-year-old child fell into the animal’s enclosure. Subsequently, Harambe made international headlines, spawning dozens of memes and inciting debate over animal safety.
Astoyani put the Cheeto up for sale on eBay, beginning the auction at only $15. The description of the post read, “Gorilla Hot Cheetos — RARE — One of a Kind Cheetos — Harambe Gorilla.” With no bids, Astoyani lowered the price to $11.99. However, the next day, Astoyani had many offers. What was the result? A winning bid amounting to $99,900.
Next time you see a weirdly shaped Cheeto, instead of popping it in your mouth, stop for a second and think about whether you want to be a couple thousand dollars richer. I’m going to go buy a couple of bags of Cheetos now.