Guelph students get ‘re-leaf’ from exam stress with lettuce eating competition

CTV’s Alexandra Holyk find out what it takes to get ahead in a crunchy competition.

More than a hundred people gathered on the campus field Friday afternoon for the second annual lettuce eating competition.

“You eat the whole head of lettuce. That’s the whole thing,” said Keira Carter, a second-year student and president of the university’s Lettuce Club.

To take part in the contest, you must BYOL – Bring Your Own Lettuce. The organizers weigh each head, and participants are grouped by their lettuce weight class.

Students’ strategies varied, with some choosing to eat the lettuce raw, while others dressed it up.

“I’ve got a Caesar dressing to help it go down easier,” said Sean Lloyd, a two-time participant. “Last year, I had a vinaigrette and I felt like that didn’t help me as much as this will.”

“They can have dressing, they can use utensils, they can drink things,” Carter clarified. “As long as they eat the whole head of lettuce.”

The inaugural contest was held last year. This year, the Lettuce Club is recognized as an official group under the Central Student Association.

“It’s just a fun club for students,” Carter said. “It’s an exciting de-stressor for school.

“Lettuce is delicious, and nothing can beat the sensation of eating a whole head of lettuce at one time,” she added.

“It’s definitely the experience you’re going to tell your friends when you’re talking about college,” said first-time competitor Taryn Young.

But only one person can win the coveted crown and title of “Head Lettuce.” This year, third-year theatre studies student Alexandra Mussar took home the top prize.

“I feel on top of the world being Head Lettuce at U of G,” Mussar said following her win. “I feel closer to the school than I’ve ever been in my life.”

While this is Mussar’s first title, she revealed the secret to her success.

“Shove as much lettuce into my esophagus as humanly possible,” she said.

Once all the lettuce was consumed, the results were mixed.

“I feel a little nauseous,” said Logan O’Hara, lettuce enthusiast. “(My pants are) covered in dressing. I think there’s some dressing on my face.”

“I feel refreshed after putting a lot of lettuce in my mouth, considering I had no dressing on it,” participant Talia Walters said.

Others said they are already training for the next event.

“Definitely would get a smaller lettuce for next year,” said first-year student Aria Kochnichol. “I’d probably practice a few weeks before.”

“Head lettuce, you better watch your back, because I’m coming for you,” participant Paul Zan warned.

The club hosts several events throughout the year, though the next lettuce eating competition isn’t expected until 2026.