Cheetozard
In 2019, an unknown snack lover stumbled upon an unusual Flamin’ Hot Cheeto while enjoying their afternoon snack. Thinking that the little spicy puff resembled Charizard, the dragon-like Pokémon beloved by fans worldwide, they decided not to pop it into their mouth. Instead, they decided to list it on eBay, thinking someone might be interested in the unusually shaped Cheeto. They were right! It caught the attention of Paul Bartlett, a collectibles store owner from Canton, Georgia. Amused by the snack’s perfect shape, Bartlett purchased it for $350 and safely stored it, thinking it might be a fun conversation piece for the future.
For years, the ‘Cheetozard,’ as it became known, remained tucked away. But in 2024, while cleaning his storage, Bartlett rediscovered the rare Cheeto and decided to share it on social media. Pokémon fans and collectors quickly took notice. Realizing its newfound popularity, Bartlett decided to put the cheese puff up for auction. The Cheetozard was presented in a custom-made display case designed to resemble a Pokémon trading card. While it wasn’t sold with an actual Charizard card, the case featured an image of Charizard along with custom text that framed the Cheeto as a one-of-a-kind collectible. This presentation elevated Cheetozard beyond just a quirky snack, transforming it into a legendary display piece.
The auction started at $250, but as bids poured in, the price skyrocketed. After 60 competitive bids, the final sale price reached $72,000 ($87,840 w/p), making it one of the most expensive Cheetos ever sold. And by the way, the highest price paid for a Charizard Pokémon card is $420,000. This record-breaking sale occurred in 2022 for a 1st Edition Base Set Shadowless Charizard card graded PSA 10 Gem Mint.