The Nerd Diet: Pocky

*Originally published on 3/7/12


Nerds aren't exactly known for having the best diets. I know this from first hand experience. It's a generalization that, obviously, doesn't apply to everyone but there are instances where this proves to be the case. Even so, the nerd diet is a fascinating one. One of the most unique items featured in the nerd diet is a treat called Pocky.

Pocky refers to a specific brand of cookie that originated in Japan and was first sold back in 1966. It grew popular and soon spread to other Asian countries before moving to Europe and then to North America. This treat is most commonly associated with anime fans, who often go nuts at the idea of chowing down on some Pocky.

What's interesting is that, despite the enthusiasm behind the Pocky love, there isn't really anything unique about the treat itself. It's a biscuit coated in chocolate. There's nothing wrong with that. On the contrary, it's quite tasty. I've had Pocky before and enjoyed it quite a bit, but I don't know if it warrants freaking out in excitement over the idea. There have been other flavors released over the years, notably strawberry and almond (though there are other flavors beyond that), but chocolate is the one that most people, myself included, are familiar with.

With the other flavors, it is a bit more understandable as similar items may not be produced here in the States, but flavor of choice depends on who you ask. I've only had the chocolate variety, so I couldn't comment either way regarding the other flavors.

Some fans even go so far as to eat pretty much nothing but Pocky when going to anime conventions. I have to admit, this plan perplexes me. Putting aside the nutritional problems with eating nothing but cookies for an entire weekend, Pocky isn't exactly filling. A person would have to eat a lot of Pocky if they wanted to make it into a meal. You'd think that by the end of it, the person would be sick of Pocky and never want to eat it again, as would be the case with any food.

No, it's better to use it as the snack food that it is. In the long term, you'll be able to enjoy more Pocky, so it benefits even the ardent fan.

Even though the idea that anime fans eat Pocky has become a joke to the point where it's almost a cliché, Pocky is quite tasty and there's nothing wrong with enjoying it from time to time. It's readily available in most stores and it makes for a nice, tasty treat.