Joey Chestnut banned from Nathan's hot dog eating contest over plant-based deal

NEW YORK (TND) — A Fourth of July tradition is going to look a bit different this year.

Joey Chestnut will not be participating in the Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Competition.

Frankly, the New York Post reported he made a deal to represent a hot dog brand that’s not Nathan’s.

Rubbing salt in the wound, that brand is Impossible Foods, better known for their meatless burgers but also selling hot dogs made from plants.

Chestnut, the self-proclaimed World’s Greatest Eater with a long list of world records — “This is not an opinion but a statement of fact” — spoke out on social media, Tuesday evening.

"They are looking to change the rules from past years," he claimed.

According to the Post, organizers tried to keep Chestnut in this year’s competition and pay him big bucks.

It reported they were even going to let him compete in a rival hot dog eating contest, but his Impossible deal made that impossible.

The 40-year-old champ, who’s apparently full of himself, has won the Coney Island contest 16 times.

As for the decision: “It will deprive the great fans of the holiday’s usual joy and entertainment,” he lamented.