$300 Melon Taste Test Goes Viral: Is It Worth the Hype?
A TikTok video featuring influencer Brigette Pheloung, known as “AcquiredStyle,” has taken the internet by storm after she taste-tested a Japanese Crown Melon priced at nearly $300.
Posted on July 14, 2025, the video showcases Pheloung’s reaction to the luxury fruit, sparking debates online about whether such an extravagant price tag is justified.
Sourced from Ikigai Fruits via New York’s Butterfield Market, this premium muskmelon has captivated viewers with its lavish presentation and unique cultivation process. Here’s a deeper look into the viral phenomenon, the melon’s exclusivity, and the internet’s lively reactions.
A Luxury Fruit with a Royal Reputation
The Japanese Crown Melon, grown exclusively in Shizuoka Prefecture, is no ordinary fruit. Described by Ikigai Fruits as the “king of all fruits,” it’s celebrated for its flawless shape, soothing aroma, and juicy texture.
What sets it apart? The melons are meticulously cared for, with farmers reportedly massaging them daily to maintain their perfect roundness. This labor-intensive process, combined with limited production, drives the price to $138 for a single melon, with bundles reaching up to $384 (excluding taxes and shipping).
Pheloung’s video begins with her unboxing the melon from its elegant, satin-lined “boujee box,” highlighting the premium experience even before the first bite. The melon’s light green flesh and dripping juice added to the spectacle, making it clear this is a fruit designed to impress.
The Taste Test That Shocked the Internet
In the viral clip, Pheloung slices into the Crown Melon, revealing its vibrant, seed-filled interior. “It’s oozing with juice,” she exclaims, before cutting a cube and taking a bite.
Her reaction is instant—eyes wide, she declares, “Oh, my juicy! Holy flavorful!” While she acknowledges the melon’s superior taste compared to regular melons, Pheloung is candid about its value. “Would I spend $300 on a melon? No,” she says, clarifying that Butterfield Market gifted her the fruit.
Her honest review resonated with viewers, who flooded the comments with a mix of awe and humor. One user joked, “The juice dripping is like $4 per drip,” while another quipped, “Imagine putting ‘professional melon massager’ on your resume.” The video’s relatability and Pheloung’s genuine reaction fueled its viral spread, racking up thousands of views and comments.
Why Luxury Fruits Are Trending
The Crown Melon isn’t the first high-end fruit to capture social media’s attention. Earlier in 2025, influencers like Alyssa Antoci went viral for tasting $19 Japanese strawberries from Erewhon, dubbed the “best-tasting strawberry in the world.”
These premium fruits tap into a growing fascination with luxury food experiences, where exclusivity and craftsmanship justify steep prices. Ikigai Fruits, for instance, also sells strawberries for $780 per box and premium persimmons, appealing to foodies and status-conscious consumers.
The Crown Melon’s allure lies not just in its taste but in the story behind it—hand-cultivated, limited in supply, and presented as a work of art. Social media platforms like TikTok amplify this trend, turning taste tests into cultural moments. However, the high cost raises questions:
Is the flavor worth the price, or is it more about the bragging rights? For now, Pheloung’s video has sparked curiosity, with viewers debating whether they’d splurge on a fruit that costs more than a fancy dinner.
As the internet continues to buzz, the Crown Melon saga highlights the power of social media to turn niche products into global talking points. Whether it’s a $300 melon or a $19 strawberry, these luxury foods are redefining what it means to indulge.
