(Updated for 2023)
For years now, social media challenges have been becoming increasingly popular. From the drop challenge to dumping freezing water on yourself, there have been a lot. Some are more unique or challenging than others. If you haven't already seen it though, there's a social media challenge that involves eating the hottest chip in the world.
It's called the Paqui One Chip Challenge.
It involves eating a single spicy tortilla chip... yup, that's it, just one single chip. Super easy right?
Think again. This might not seem like such a big deal, but trust us, it is! You'll want to think twice before taking on this challenge.
If you're looking to take on the One Chip Challenge though, or just want to know more about it, you're in the right place. Today we'll talk to you about everything you need to know about this spicy challenge!
What is the One Chip Challenge: The Paqui Chip 2023
The One Chip Challenge is a social media craze started by Paqui, a tortilla chip company. They sell miniature containers, each with only one very spicy chip and the label reading “One Chip Challenge”.
While the 2021 One Chip Challenge was a red chip, and the 2022 year was blue, the newest 2023 Paqui chip is green and comes packing with a heat you won't soon forget! The challenge is to eat the single hot tortilla chip and see how long you can last before eating or drinking anything else.
(Note: Paqui makes a limited amount of chips for these challenges. Once they are sold out, you're out of luck. So don't wait to long to get one. The 2022 chip is out of stock, but you can currently sill get the 2023)
The Paqui website tests people's will by having them try to wait at least an entire hour after eating one of their chips before consuming anything to relieve the heat. If you manage to do so, you are considered “invincible”. While those who give in and eat or drink a minute after consuming the chip are seen as being “powerless”.
Participants in this challenge then post their reactions accordingly on social media platforms such as TikTok or Facebook. Paqui even goes as far as to share your social media challenge post right on their website!
How Hot is The Paqui Chip: The Scoville Units of the One Chip Challenge
With the challenge being so simple... just eating a simple chip, it begs the question... is the one chip challenge actually hot and if so how hot is it? According to Paqui, the chip hasn't been measured on the Scoville scale, which is what you typically use to gauge how hot a spicy pepper is.
So the Paqui Chip Challenge doesn't have an official Scoville rating technically.
Now with that being said, we do know what peppers are in the 2023 one chip challenge. This year's latest edition is made with the famous Carolina Reaper Pepper and the Naga Viper Pepper both of which are some of the hottest peppers in the world.
The 2022 edition used Carolina Reaper peppers and the Scorpion Pepper.
If you're a chili head or someone that enjoys spicy food, you're probably familiar with these peppers as they are among the hottest peppers out there. For those of you who are not chili enthusiasts and are just interested in how hot this chip could actually be... just know that those peppers are extremely hot.
To get an idea, you can simply look at the Scoville rating of the two peppers.
Carolina Reaper Peppers are around 1.7 million Scoville Units and the Naga Viper Pepper is around 1.4 million Scoville Units. In comparison, a Jalapeno pepper falls in the range of 2,500 to 5,000 Scoville Units.
So as you can see, these peppers are significantly hotter! So if you're looking to do the One Chip Challenge, be prepared for some serious heat!
How Long Do the Effect of the Paqui Chip Challenge Last
Now that we've talked about how hot the chip actually is... let's move on to how long the effects of this chip will last. The answer to this question is... it depends on the person.
Heat affects people differently, so while it may last only a few minutes for some, it could be painful for others for over an hour. Some people report feeling the effects of the Paqui Chip Challenge for up to an hour or more while others report only feeling it for a few minutes.
It really varies from person to person and how sensitive they are to spicy foods. If you've ever had a really spicy dish before, you know that the heat can last for a while and linger on your tongue. The same goes for the One Chip Challenge, the heat will linger but eventually dissipate.
With that being said, the challenge has four levels to grade people. Those who last a minute are listed as powerless. 10 minutes are powerful, 30 minutes are supercharged, and if you can stand an hour, you're labeled as INVINCIBLE.
What are the Rules
Now let's move on to the rules. The rules of this challenge are pretty simple. All you have to do is eat the entire chip and then wait as long as possible before drinking or eating anything else.
Once you've waited as long as you can handle, you can post your reaction on social media with #onechipchallenge and mention @paquichips.
That's all there is to it! Pretty simple right?
If you want a good laugh, we highly suggest watching some of the videos that people have posted!
Commonly Asked Questions About the 2023 Paqui Chip Challenge
Now that we've gone over the background information of the Paqui Chip Challenge and what it entails, let's move on to some commonly asked questions.
Where can I purchase the 2023 One Chip Challenge?
Paqui makes a limited number of chips. Once they are sold out, you won't be able to purchase the chip anymore. The 2021 and 2022 one chip challenges are no longer available. However, you can snag the 2023 one chip challenge chip on our website while supplies lasts!
Is the 2023 Chip the Same as Their Other Chips?
Paqui has been doing the one chip challenge since 2016. And each year it has been different.
How Long Do The Effect Last?
The effects of the Paqui Chip Challenge will last anywhere from a few minutes to an hour or more. It all depends on the person and how sensitive they are to spice.
What is the Purpose of The Challenge?
The purpose of the challenge is to see how long you can last before drinking or eating anything else.
How Painful is the One Chip Challenge?
The One Chip Challenge can be very painful for some people. The chip is extremely spicy and the heat will linger. The chip uses the Carolina Reaper and the Scorpion Peppers. Which are some of the hottest peppers in the world.
I Can't Handle Spice, Can I Still Do the Challenge?
We definitely don't recommend it if you can't handle spicy. If a Jalapeno Pepper tends to be too hot for you, stay clear away from this challenge. The Paqui Chip Challenge is not for everyone.
Is the One Chip Challenge Real?
Yes, the One Chip Challenge is a real challenge. It was created by Paqui Chips and people have been doing it since 2016.
Can the Paqui Chip Kill You?
The Paqui Chip contains a lot of capsaicin. Capsaicin in concentrations can cause seizures and heart attacks. It's extremely rare for this to happen to the average person. It's more likely to cause someone some pain or burning along with possible intestinal discomfort. The company also states the following:
“Our #OneChipChallenge includes a safety disclaimer that it should not be ingested by individuals who are sensitive to spicy foods, allergic to peppers, nightshades, or capsaicin, or who are minors, pregnant or have medical conditions."
What are the Ingredients of The Paqui Chip
The 2023 One Chip Challenge chips contains Blue Corn, Sunflower and/or Safflower Oil, Carolina Reaper Pepper, Naga Viper Pepper, and Sea Salt.
Do You Think You Could Handle The One Chip Challenge?
Heck Yes!
Not A Chance
The Paqui Chip Challenge
If you guys are brave enough to join the others who have taken on the Paqui Chip Challenge, be prepared! Using some of the hottest chili peppers in the world, this chip is no joke.
If you guys decide to try out this unique and wild challenge, make sure not to touch your face after touching the chip, and don't try to drink water, drink milk instead.
Good luck and make sure to share your reaction on social media!
If you want to stay up to date with the one chip challenge and when the next one comes out for 2023, make sure to subscribe to our newsletter. We'll give you the latest updates on everything spicy... Along with some juicy discounts!
