# Arcade Game Buns The Circle K Pac-Man Cookie is Being Gobbled Up by Japan By Alex Scott | Published 2010-01-21 | Lifestyle Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/circle-k-pac-man-cookie References: [bookofjoe](http://www.bookofjoe.com/2010/01/18/index.html#a6a00d8341c5dea53ef0120a7e59628970b) & [technabob](http://technabob.com/blog/2010/01/13/pac-man-cookie-buns/) In commemoration of everyone’s favorite video game character, a 30th anniversary limited edition Circle K Pac-Man cookie has been released in their stores in Japan. How ironic that the guy who’s been devouring those poor little ghosts for years is finally getting a taste of his own medicine. Justice has been served! Though the Circle K Pac-Man cookie is not available in North America yet, I’m sure this glucose-laden snack will make its way overseas by this summer. It seems like more and more of our [digital heroes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-hershey-company-and-nintendo) have been turned into [tasty treats](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pillsbury-minecraft-cookies) one way or another. I think I’ll stay away if they come out with the Frogger snack though. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.5/10 - Popularity: 29% | Activity: 37% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 70% men, 30% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle) > [Food](https://www.trendhunter.com/food) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Video Game-inspired Snacks:** As more and more video games characters are being adapted into snacks and treats, there is a potential disruptive innovation opportunity to create healthier, more nutritious alternatives that appeal to the gaming community. - **Limited Edition Products:** The Circle K Pac-Man cookie's popularity highlights the potential for limited edition products to drive demand and sales in a variety of industries. - **Nostalgic Marketing:** The success of the Circle K Pac-Man cookie also demonstrates the effectiveness of nostalgic marketing and how it can be used to target older generations who grew up with iconic video game characters like Pac-Man. ### Who This Affects Most - **Food and Beverage:** Food and beverage companies can capitalize on the trend of video game-inspired snacks by creating healthier, better-for-you alternatives that still appeal to the gaming community. - **Retail and Consumer Goods:** Retail and consumer goods companies can take advantage of the popularity of limited edition products by producing exclusive, one-of-a-kind items that drive demand. - **Marketing and Advertising:** Marketing and advertising agencies can use nostalgia as a powerful tool to target older audiences and create campaigns that evoke feelings of familiarity and fondness for iconic pop culture references. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Video Game-Inspired Donut Collections](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/krispy-kreme-and-bandai.md) - [Gamified Cookie Packs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/oreo-pacman.md) - [Video Game-Inspired Desserts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mario-kart-cookie-cruiser.md) - [Nostalgic Video Game Cookies](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fudge-stripes-rocky-road-cookies.md) - [Nostalgic Gaming Cookies](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/oreo-x-super-mario.md) - [Video Game Cookie Collections](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/final-fantasy-vii-rebirth.md) - [Video Game-Themed Food Products](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/general-mills-sonic-the-hedgehog.md) - [Cherry-Flavored Summer Sorbets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cherry-chomp-sorbet.md) - [Expansive Gamer Treat Menus](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/baskinrobbins-super-mario-menu.md)