The United States’ overconsumption of food has been a hot, critical topic within the population for years. Despite many efforts to combat these pressing issues, events that promote overeating, like eating competitions, have held onto their popularity.
Unsurprisingly, the reasoning for the staying power of eating contests is complicated. Popular contests like Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest remain popular due to tradition and their long-standing reputation. That said, shows like Man Vs Food reveal more cultural reasoning for eating contests.
Americans undoubtedly have a love for food and challenges. While other countries have food cultures that promote community and leisure, American food culture pushes indulgence to the forefront. Participants and audiences tune in with morbid curiosity to see how much the human body can take, be it quantity or even spice tolerance.
There is even an added layer thanks to social media, where eating contests and mukbangs are some of the most popular types of content on sites like TikTok and YouTube. Like food shows, people see this content as a way to be introduced to new foods from across the globe. Despite it being unhealthy content, as long as the interest is there will always be an audience.
