A: 72 hot dogs.
That’s the number reigning champion Joey Chestnut polished off in 10 minutes to claim victory in yesterday’s Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest.
This construction supervisor-turned-professional eater owns 40 records spanning everything from apple pie to burritos, according to Nathan’s hall of fame. (And yes, “how to become a pro eater” is now on our list of topics to cover, so keep an eye out.)
Price of Nathan’s Famous Hot Dogs
Chestnut didn’t pay a cent for this colossal Fourth of July feast, naturally. Unless you count the opportunity cost of never wanting another hot dog again.
Or the toll his body is probably feeling today.
Had he purchased the food at the iconic Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Stand in Coney Island, New York, each frank would run $2.49, which amounts to $179.28. Add the 8.9% sales tax and the total comes to $195.24.
That’s quite a costly meal. Hope he savored it. (And yes, the dad jokes persist beyond the fireworks.)
Now, you’re probably thinking: Dana, be reasonable. If I wanted to eat 72 hot dogs, I wouldn’t order them from a restaurant. I’d make them at home.
Smart thinking.
A five-pack of Nathan’s Famous hot dogs costs $4.98 at Walmart. For 72 franks, you’ll need 15 packs, which comes to $74.70.
And remember, Chestnut consumed 72 buns as well. He soaked them in water to make swallowing easier — a smart trick, if a bit disgusting.
An eight-pack of buns at Walmart is just $0.84, so you’ll spend $7.56 on buns.
That brings the grand total to $82.26 to match the champ.
But we’re betting you can do it even more affordably.
Ways to Spend Less on Hot Dogs
If you want to shop — and chow down — like a Savinly reader, you’ll want to download a rebate app to keep costs down.
Our top pick is Ibotta, which gives you cashback on hot dogs and buns — and even everyday staples like milk and bananas.
But who ever heard of a banana-eating contest? (Add a cream pie competition to that mix and now there’s a challenge.)
To cut costs on your hot dogs all summer — and on your groceries in general — here’s how to get started with Ibotta:
- Sign up for Ibotta here, using your name and email address.
- Look through the cash-back offers available in your area and remember them for your next shopping trip. For instance, today there’s an offer for $0.75 cashback on McCormick beef franks and $0.50 back on several types of mustard. If you prefer ketchup (we won’t tattle), you can get $0.50 back on a bottle of Sir Kensington’s.
- Snap a photo of your receipt with the app once you get home, and your cashback will be credited to your account within 48 hours.
Plus, you’ll score a $10 cashback bonus when you redeem your first receipt! That’s no small offer.
Cut Grocery Costs, Whatever You Buy
I’m sure you’re wondering why we’re fixated on a hot dog duel. Honestly, we mustard have gone a little crazy, right?
Not at all. We’re serious. We’ll seize any opportunity to remind you of ways to trim your spending. Like this: here’s how to save on groceries every time you head to the store.
Dana Sitar (@danasitar) is a senior writer at Savinly. She’s contributed to Huffington Post, Entrepreneur.com and Writer’s Digest, weaving in humor whenever possible (and occasionally where it’s not).
Want more tips on stretching your food budget without sacrificing taste? Check out eat well for less good and cheap for practical ideas and recipes to help you eat better for less.
