Over the years, companies have offered special promotions to engage customers in finding a specific item, code, or puzzle in exchange for prizes. Typically, a lucky winner can win the grand prize, which is usually money. After one woman attempted to redeem the $10,000 golden specialty Starburst grand prize, she was heartbroken to learn she was unable to claim it.
In a clip with 17.2 million views, Connecticut-based TikTok creator Kiya (@yeaathatskiyaa) films her mother holding a Starburst Original bar in plastic wrap from the 2010 Hunt For Gold promotion.
“I saved it all these years because I actually won,” her mother says. As Kiya zooms in on the wrapper, “Find the gold Starburst, you could win $10,000” is stamped in blue ink.
When her mother attempted to claim the prize, the deadline had already passed. “But when I tried to submit it, it was too late. I cried for days,” she says, her voice cracking as she fights back tears.
Then, she removes the plastic and peels open the packaging to unveil golden Starbursts. “I said, ‘I’m never getting rid of this pack of Starburst because I’m a winner,” she adds, her voice shaking. Despite the disenchanting atmosphere, Kiya’s niece lightened it.
“Are you gonna eat it?” she asks, which earns a chorus of laughter.
Will Starburst reward her $10K?
“ALL IN FAVOR [OF] PROTESTING AGAINST STARBURST UNTIL COUSIN GET HER COIN SAY I????? Iiiiiiiiiiiiiiii,” one viewer remarked.
“Not another single starburst will come in this house till you get your money!!” another commented.
“Not eating another starburst until you get your $$,” a third stated.
Furthermore, others recommended selling the Starburst in exchange for the cash.
“Put it on eBay auction start it at 10,000,” one commenter proposed.
“Sell it you might can get more now people pay thousands for air literally lol,” a second suggested.
Did Starburst ever respond to Kiya?
In response to the video, Starburst wrote in the comments section, “Yes, of course we saw this. Yes, we love it. And yes, we had to talk to Legal. Check your DMs.”
In a follow-up video, Kiya confirmed this. “The update is coming. We promise,” she says. “We did get the DM, and we are working on some legalities right now. We will keep you updated.”
What is the Hunt For Gold Sweepstakes?
Although the details of this type of Starburst are limited, SweetieSweeps reported that it was part of a 2010 Hunt For Gold Sweepstakes by the parent company, Mars. From June 1 through December 31, United States-based customers aged 13 and older could participate in a search for a certain pack of Starburst and Skittles to redeem prizes. If you end up with a golden candy, participants had to visit www.summerforgold.com to claim their winnings. However, snagging the special candy pack didn’t guarantee the $10,000 prize. Instead, participants had a chance of winning it or other earnings, as stated on the wrapper. It is unknown how Mars determines the grand prize winner.
Is there a deadline to claim a prize?
Normally, winners must accept the sweepstakes prize within a specified timeframe. Certain promotions may give the award to the next winner if it hasn’t been claimed within a certain period. Overall, the rules vary for each sweepstakes because they have different guidelines and exceptions.
The Mary Sue reached out to Kiya via TikTok comment and direct message as well as Mars via media contact form.
@yeaathatskiyaa lil girl is hilarious
♬ original sound – kiya
@yeaathatskiyaa Replying to @chrissysunshine3 ♬ NO AUDIO – Sok Baraby
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