History of One Chip Challenge in Timeline
The One Chip Challenge was an internet challenge where participants ate a highly spicy Paqui Carolina Reaper chip and tried to avoid consuming anything afterwards. Initially marketed by Amplify Snack Brands and later sold to The Hershey Company, the challenge ran from 2016 to 2023, with the chip often selling out during the fall season. It gained popularity among celebrities and social media influencers but faced criticism due to negative health effects associated with the extreme spiciness of the chip.
2008: Paqui Founded
Paqui was founded in 2008 in Austin by Doug Lyon and Alissa Bassana.
2015: SkinnyPop Acquires Paqui
SkinnyPop acquired Paqui in 2015.
2016: One Chip Challenge First Promoted
In 2016, the One Chip Challenge, featuring the Carolina Reaper pepper, was first promoted by Amplify Snack Brands.
2016: Carolina Reaper Chip Released
Paqui released the Carolina Reaper chip, marketed for its extreme spiciness.
October 2017: "1-in-10 Chance to Win the Reaper" Offer Launched
In October 2017, Amplify started a "1-in-10 chance to win the Reaper" offer. Participants had a chance to win prizes for posting videos of themselves trying the Reaper chip.
2017: Hershey Acquires Amplify Snack Brands
The Hershey Company acquired Amplify Snack Brands, Paqui's parent company, in 2017.
January 31, 2018: "Wall of Infamy" Created
On January 31, 2018, after the "1-in-10 Chance to win the Reaper" contest ended, a "Wall of Infamy" was posted on Amplify's Paqui website.
2019: One Chip Challenge Contest Repeated
Paqui repeated the One Chip Challenge contest towards the end of 2019.
February 2020: One Chip Challenge Contest Ends
Paqui's repeat of the One Chip Challenge contest ended in February 2020.
September 2020: One Chip Challenge Marketing and Rules Updated
In September 2020, the One Chip Challenge was marketed in a coffin-shaped box. Scorpion Pepper and Sichuan pepper were added to increase the heat. Participants had to avoid eating or drinking for an hour after eating the chip, and a warning was added for children and those with health risks.
September 2021: One Chip Challenge Returns
The One Chip Challenge returned in September 2021.
September 2022: One Chip Challenge Banned in Huerfano School District
In September 2022, the One Chip Challenge was banned by Huerfano School District RE-1 in Colorado due to students being hospitalized after participating.
September 2022: One Chip Challenge Returns, Sichuan Pepper Dropped
The One Chip Challenge returned in September 2022, with the mention of Sichuan pepper dropped. The challenge scale was changed, and the chips were made with blue food coloring.
November 2022: More Schools Ban One Chip Challenge, Student Hospitalized in Georgia
Following the ban in Colorado, other schools banned the One Chip Challenge. In November 2022, a student in Georgia required medical attention after participating.
September 2023: Paqui Removes One Chip Challenge Promotion and Product
Following the death of Harris Wolobah, Paqui removed promotional material for the One Chip Challenge from its website and asked retailers to remove the product from shelves.
2023: Naga Viper Pepper Added, Challenge Scale Adjusted
Before the challenge was discontinued, the Naga Viper pepper was added to the One Chip Challenge. The challenge scale was adjusted to a snake theme.
2023: Teen's Death Prompts Recall
In 2023, the death of 14-year-old Harris Wolobah after participating in the One Chip Challenge prompted Paqui to recall the product from stores.
2023: Celebrities and Others Participate in One Chip Challenge
In 2023, various celebrities, including Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Shaquille O'Neal, and others, participated in the One Chip Challenge. Rapper T.I.'s son, King Harris, controversially offered a homeless man money to complete the challenge.
2023: One Chip Challenge Discontinued
The One Chip Challenge was discontinued in 2023 following the death of a 14-year-old boy. Paqui withdrew the product from sales and stopped publicity for the challenge.
May 2024: Autopsy Confirms Cause of Death, Paqui Responds
In May 2024, an autopsy report confirmed that Harris Wolobah died from eating a large quantity of chili pepper extract. The report also mentioned a pre-existing heart condition. Paqui responded by stating that their warning label cautioned against children and those with health risks participating.
May 2024: Autopsy Report Released
In May 2024, the autopsy report of Harris Wolobah was released, confirming the cause of death as cardiopulmonary arrest linked to the consumption of the spicy chip.