Ever heard of a sandwich so massive it could feed a family? Well, competitive eater Craig Harker recently took on the challenge of consuming a bacon sandwich containing a staggering 7,600 calories. This monumental feat left Greggs employees in disbelief and has since become a viral sensation.
2. The Man Behind the Challenge
Craig Harker, a 37-year-old member of the British Eating League, is no stranger to extreme food challenges. Known on social media as “Dad Loves Food,” Craig regularly pushes his culinary limits, but this bacon extravaganza was unlike anything he’d attempted before.
3. The Birth of the Bacon Behemoth
Walking into a Greggs bakery in Stockton-on-Tees, County Durham, Craig made an unusual request: a sandwich packed with 100 rashers of bacon. Initially, the cashier thought it was a joke. Once they realized he was serious, the staff got to work crafting this colossal creation.
4. Constructing the 7,600-Calorie Sandwich
The final product was so enormous it barely fit inside a pizza box. Standing nearly nine inches tall, Craig humorously dubbed it “Bacon Mount Everest.” The sandwich included:
- 100 slices of bacon: The star of the show, contributing the bulk of the calories.
- A massive bread roll: Serving as the foundation for this towering meal.
- Condiments: Full bottles of ketchup and brown sauce to enhance the flavor.
5. The Cost of Indulgence
This bacon-loaded behemoth didn’t come cheap. Craig shelled out £60 for the sandwich, but for a challenge of this magnitude, he considered it a worthy investment.
6. Tackling the Towering Sandwich
Back home, armed with a bottle of Coca-Cola to aid digestion, Craig began his feast. Initially, he made impressive progress, savoring each layer of crispy bacon. However, as time went on, the sheer volume became overwhelming.
7. The Breaking Point
Despite his best efforts, after consuming 38 rashers, Craig had to admit defeat. “As for 100 slices, I think it’s impossible,” he confessed, acknowledging that even elite competitive eaters would struggle with such a massive meal.
8. Sharing the Spoils
Not one to let food go to waste, Craig shared the remaining bacon with friends and family. His children eagerly gathered around, excited to partake in the leftovers. Holding the massive sandwich, he quipped it was like “holding a newborn baby.”
9. Reflecting on the Experience
Owning a pub, Craig is familiar with hearty appetites, but this challenge was in a league of its own. Previously, he’d gained attention for a sandwich containing 51 rashers, but doubling that proved too ambitious.
10. The Caloric Breakdown
Curious about the calorie count? Here’s the breakdown:
- 100 slices of bacon: 7,600 calories
- One stottie (bread roll): 172 calories
- Ketchup: 20 calories
Total Calories: 7,792
11. A Lesson Learned
After this endeavor, Craig humorously declared, “I never want to look at a piece of bacon again.” While his passion for food challenges remains, it’s safe to say this particular sandwich won’t be on his menu anytime soon.
12. The Viral Aftermath
Unsurprisingly, Craig’s bacon sandwich challenge quickly went viral. Social media platforms buzzed with reactions ranging from astonishment to amusement, solidifying Craig’s status as a competitive eating legend.
13. The Impact on Greggs
The bakery chain, known for its pastries and sandwiches, received unexpected publicity from this event. While they cater to various appetites, a 100-rasher bacon sandwich was a first, showcasing their flexibility and customer service.
14. The Bigger Picture
This challenge highlights the extremes of competitive eating and sparks discussions about dietary choices and health implications. While entertaining, it’s a reminder of the importance of balanced eating habits.
15. Conclusion
Craig Harker’s ambitious attempt to conquer a 7,600-calorie bacon sandwich not only left Greggs staff in disbelief but also captivated audiences worldwide. This extraordinary feat serves as a testament to human curiosity and the lengths some will go to push culinary boundaries.
