Erewhon's viral $19 strawberry has sparked discourse: Is the berry worth the price tag?

The internet can't stop talking about one organic strawberry's unique look and hefty price tag.

It all started when Alyssa Antoci, whose relatives own Erewhon, did a taste test of the $19 Elly Amai organic strawberry in late February.

"This is a $19 strawberry from Erewhon so we're gonna eat it," Antoci says in the video. "It's from Kyoto in Japan and apparently, it's like, the best-tasting strawberry in the entire world."

The 17-year-old then removes the strawberry from its packaging and takes a big bite, telling viewers she could get behind the hype.

"That's the best strawberry. That's crazy. That is the best strawberry I have ever had − in my life," Antoci says. "It's actually the best strawberry I've ever had and it's from Japan, I need to eat every last bit of it."

Antoci's video has garnered over 17 million views and thousands of comments since it was first posted, even migrating off TikTok to other social media platforms, where users and A-listers alike are sharing their own reviews and thoughts on the $19 Erewhon strawberry.

Even "Confident' singer Demi Lovato has tried the viral red berry. In a follow-up video, Antoci said the $19 Erewhon strawberry tastes like a strawberry "but times a thousand," like candy.

Here's what people are saying about the $19 Erewhon strawberry online.

Why is the Erewhon strawberry $19?

The famed red berry is grown in ToChiGi Prefecture, nicknamed the Strawberry Kingdom, from December to June.

The strawberries, like Elly Amai's melons, are considered luxurious because they are sourced from "Japan’s most celebrated farms, ensuring each piece embodies the meticulous care and craftsmanship of generations of Japanese farmers."

An Erewhon in Bevery Hills begin to sell the viral strawberry in early February and due to its popularity was made available for purchase at other Erewhon locations in Southern California. Erewhon is currently "receiving weekly shipments" at their stores in Santa Monica, Pasadena and Beverly Hills.

"These strawberries have been flying off the shelves as soon as they arrive," Erewhon said in a Monday statement. "The response has been incredible, and we’re struggling to keep them in stock!"

The fruit's price is equivalent or less than what you would pay for the strawberry in Japan, Erewhon said.

“If you think logistics-wise, getting it here and being able to try it fresh from Japan, it’s very understandable why the price is what it is,” an Elly Amai representative shared with Today. “Don’t hate on it until you try it.”

Internet mocks, calls $19 Erewhon strawberry 'dystopian'

No one's ecstatic about the price of the strawberry, but some have been tempted to try the fruit since it went viral.

Others think Antoci's review and the virality of the strawberry is a little ridiculous and "dystopian," with some going as far as comparing it to "The Hunger Games" book and movie.

"Watching from District 12," one user wrote.

Another wrote: "If I dropped $20 on a strawberry, I'd probably convince myself it was the best one I've ever tasted too."

Here's a few reactions, from TikTok to X, about the $19 Erewhon strawberry.

This story was updated to modify headlines.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 'Favorite social experiment:' Internet reacts to $19 Erewhon strawberry