Guinness World Records is a fascinating book that showcases the extraordinary things people can do. Originally created by the Guinness Brewery to settle pub debates, it has grown into a global phenomenon. Many records involve food, whether it’s about growing the biggest item or performing unusual culinary feats. While some records might seem ridiculous, the individuals who achieve them take great pride in their accomplishments. Let’s dive into some surprising food-related Guinness World Records.
1. Fastest Celery Slicing
Wallace Wong, affectionately known as the Six-Pack Chef, sliced 128 celery sticks in just 30 seconds, both blindfolded and not. This record-breaking event took place at Guinness World Records Headquarters in London on June 12, 2024. Wong, a master of knife skills, didn’t let a blindfold slow him down. He also conquered records for tomatoes, peppers, garlic, and more within the same impressive session.
2. Most Big Macs Eaten
Don Gorske has been relishing Big Macs since 1972. As of March 15, 2025, he has consumed a staggering 35,000 burgers, earning him the Guinness World Record for the Most Big Mac Burgers Eaten in a Lifetime. Gorske was inspired by the Guinness World Record book and, after achieving the record in 1999, has been expanding it ever since. Remarkably, his health markers remain normal despite his passion for Big Macs, and the McDonald’s he frequents even honors him with a special booth.
3. Longest Cooking Marathon
Evette Quoibia set the record for the Longest Cooking Marathon on February 19, 2024, cooking for over 140 hours. But watch out—there’s a potential new record from Danaisa Orchestre, who claims to have cooked for 192 hours straight in April 2025. The verification process can take time, so we’ll see if Quoibia still holds the title.
4. Largest Wedding Cake
Imagine baking a wedding cake that weighs over 15,000 pounds! This monstrous creation was made at the Mohegan Sun Hotel and Casino in 2004. Standing 17 feet tall, it was assembled with construction machinery to reach such incredible heights, all designed to attract attention during a bridal showcase.
5. Watermelons Sliced on a Bed of Nails
On April 11, 2021, Prabhakar Reddy P and Vijay Sai Panthangi of India broke the record for slicing the most watermelons on a bed of nails—81 to be exact! It’s a wild stunt showing trust and skill, combining martial arts with culinary prowess.
6. Eating Stinging Nettles
Alex Williams set the record for eating the most stinging nettles in a minute back in 2005, consuming 5 feet of the prickly plant. This unusual challenge stems from an annual competition in England dedicated to eating nettles—a testament to the lengths people will go for glory!
7. The Highest Popping Toaster
In November 2012, young Matthew Lucci invented a motorized toaster that catapulted bread 15 feet into the air! This remarkable feat surpassed the previous record of 8.5 feet, combining creativity with engineering—a fun, yet impressive kitchen gadget.
8. Largest Chocolate Sculpture
A giant chocolate rabbit, created in Brazil on February 25, 2017, holds the record for the Largest Chocolate Sculpture. Weighing over 9,300 pounds and standing about 15 feet tall, it delighted spectators during its construction and was ultimately devoured in just two hours!
9. Crushing Apples
Two apples records exist: one for crushing by hand, set by Yoshihiro Yuji, who crushed 25 apples in a minute in 2024, and another for crushing by bicep. Linsey “Mama Lou” Lindberg holds the women’s record, while Drew Mitchell claims the men’s. These records showcase unique physical feats that blend athleticism with casual fruit.
10. Eating Carolina Reapers
In a fiery finale, Canadian YouTuber Mike Jack set the record for the fastest time to eat 100 Carolina Reaper peppers— renowned for their extreme heat—in 36 minutes and 38.81 seconds. The Scoville scale, which measures chili pepper heat, rates these at a staggering 1.6 million units on average. Jack’s feat is thrilling yet intense, given the risks associated with consuming such spicy foods.
These records highlight not just human creativity but also dedication and the occasional absurdity of our culinary quests. From eating challenges to record-breaking feats, they remind us of the limits people will go to in pursuit of recognition and fun.