A single strawberry priced at $19 has sparked quite a controversy!
Sold by Erewhon, a luxury grocery chain in Los Angeles, this premium berry comes from the Japanese vendor Elly Amai and originates in Japan’s Tochigi Prefecture, often dubbed the “Strawberry Kingdom.”
The specific variety, Tochiaika, is hand selected for its flawless heart shape, intense sweetness, and lack of sourness, flown in weekly from Kyoto to hit Erewhon shelves within 24-48 hours of harvest.
Packaged individually in a miniature plastic cloche with a cushioned tray, it’s marketed as a luxury experience or gift item, not an everyday snack.
The uproar began when influencer Alyssa Antoci, whose family owns Erewhon, posted a TikTok review on February 22, 2025, calling it “the best tasting strawberry in the entire world.”
Her video exploded, racking up over 16 million views and thousands of comments.
Public reaction has been polarized. Some rave about its “perfect sweetness” and aromatic allure, while others slam the price as absurd (especially when a pound of strawberries elsewhere might cost $3) or call it a dystopian symbol of wealth disparity, given rising grocery costs nationwide.
Is $19 too much for a delicious treat? Click the link below to see the video and decide for yourself!
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