This Competitive Hot Dog Eater Endorsed Impossible Foods – Now He’s Kicked Out of Nathan’s Famous Contest

Competitive eater Joey Chestnut has been banned from participating in the Nathan's Famous International Hot Dog Eating Contest this year due to his commercial deal with plant-based meat maker Impossible Foods. Chestnut, who has won multiple titles in the past, chose to represent a rival brand by endorsing Impossible Foods' plant-based beef franks, resulting in his disqualification from the competition.

The decision by Major League Eating, which oversees the contest, to exclude Chestnut has sparked controversy, as he was offered a significant contract to appear in the event. Despite the backlash, Chestnut stands by his decision to promote plant-based foods and hopes to continue competing. This incident reflects a broader trend of increasing consumer focus on health and alternative protein sources in the food industry.