Olympics Food Goes Viral: Chocolate Cake and Nutella Popular

At the Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, people are talking a lot online about the food. A chocolate lava cake and a big Nutella dispenser have become very popular. This shows that people are interested in the athletes' whole experience, not just the sports.
By Newsroom | Sports, Food Trends |

The ongoing Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics are witnessing an unusual trend: popular food items from the athletes' dining halls are generating significant online buzz, eclipsing some athletic achievements in viral reach. This phenomenon highlights a shift in what captures public attention during major sporting events, moving beyond traditional narratives of athletic prowess to include the everyday experiences of competitors, particularly their culinary discoveries.

There's A New Viral Food At The Olympics, And It's Not Lava Cakes Or Muffins - 1

A New Landscape of Olympic Popularity

The 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina are seeing a peculiar spotlight turn towards the athletes' dining facilities. While athletes engage in strenuous competition, their social media feeds and online discussions are increasingly filled with praise for specific food items. This focus on food suggests a growing interest in the holistic athlete experience and provides a unique lens through which to view the Games.

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There's A New Viral Food At The Olympics, And It's Not Lava Cakes Or Muffins - 2

Initial reports indicated a strong interest in chocolate lava cakes, described by some Olympians as superior to the widely publicized chocolate muffins from the previous Paris Games. Concurrently, a giant Nutella dispenser has also emerged as a significant point of interest, showcasing a different kind of indulgence that resonates with athletes.

There's A New Viral Food At The Olympics, And It's Not Lava Cakes Or Muffins - 3

The Rise of the Chocolate Lava Cake

The chocolate lava cake has quickly become a prominent topic of conversation among Olympic athletes and online observers. Its appeal appears to stem from its rich flavor and the molten chocolate center, a sensory experience that has led to widespread positive reviews.

There's A New Viral Food At The Olympics, And It's Not Lava Cakes Or Muffins - 4

  • Athlete Endorsements: Canadian athletes Natalie Spooner and Courtney Saurault have publicly lauded the dessert, with Saurault noting it was "better than the viral chocolate muffin."

  • Culinary Comparison: The lava cake is frequently framed as a successor to the "viral chocolate muffin" that gained notoriety at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, suggesting a pattern of popular food trends at international sporting events.

  • Sensory Appeal: Descriptions emphasize the "warm liquid chocolate center" and the visual of "chocolate spills out" upon cutting, contributing to its viral appeal.

The Allure of the Giant Nutella Pump

Alongside the chocolate lava cake, a colossal Nutella dispenser has captured the imagination of athletes and the online community. This unique food service innovation has become a symbol of the enhanced dining experience at the Olympic Village.

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  • Unusual Scale: The "giant Nutella dispenser" or "Nutella keg" has been observed in the Milan Olympic Village dining halls, drawing considerable attention.

  • Social Media Sensation: Videos showcasing the dispenser have circulated widely on platforms like TikTok, with viewers expressing fascination and a desire to replicate the experience.

  • Availability and Duplication: While the giant dispenser itself is not available for home use, its popularity has led to discussions about purchasing large quantities of Nutella and even finding "dupes" of other viral treats, such as lava cakes from Trader Joe's.

The emergence of these viral food items at the Olympics is not an isolated incident. It builds upon previous trends where specific foods gained widespread recognition during the Games, indicating a broader cultural shift in how audiences engage with Olympic events.

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  • Historical Precedent: The 2024 Paris Olympics saw the "viral chocolate muffin" achieve significant popularity, establishing a precedent for food items becoming breakout stars.

  • Athlete Experience: The attention given to these foods underscores the importance of athlete welfare and comfort during the demanding Olympic period. The dining hall, a central part of daily life for competitors, has become a subject of interest.

  • Social Media Amplification: Platforms like TikTok and Instagram have become critical in disseminating these trends. Athlete-generated content, shared and amplified by followers, quickly elevates specific food items to viral status.

Expert Analysis

Dr. Anya Sharma, a sports sociologist, notes the evolving nature of Olympic narratives: "What we're seeing is a diversification of what constitutes an 'Olympic moment.' In the past, the focus was almost exclusively on athletic performance. Now, the athlete's complete experience, including their daily life and simple pleasures, is being amplified by social media, making things like unique food offerings equally newsworthy."

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An observation from a culinary blogger noted, "The contrast between the intense pressure of competition and the simple joy derived from a well-made dessert or an abundance of a favorite spread is compelling. It humanizes the athletes and makes the Games more relatable."

Conclusion and Implications

The widespread attention garnered by the chocolate lava cake and the giant Nutella dispenser at the Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics signifies a notable trend in how sporting events are perceived and shared. These culinary highlights have become secondary, yet highly engaging, narratives that complement the athletic competitions.

  • Shift in Focus: The viral success of these food items suggests that the public's interest in the Olympics extends beyond athletic achievements to encompass the overall athlete experience.

  • Social Media's Role: The amplification of these trends through social media platforms demonstrates their power in shaping narratives and creating shared cultural moments.

  • Future Implications: This phenomenon may encourage future Olympic organizing committees to pay closer attention to the dining experience, recognizing its potential for positive publicity and athlete satisfaction. It also suggests that food trends will likely continue to play a significant role in the broader conversation surrounding major international sporting events.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What food is popular at the 2026 Winter Olympics?
A chocolate lava cake and a giant Nutella dispenser are very popular. People are sharing pictures and videos of them online.
Q: Why is this food popular?
The food is popular because it's a fun part of the athletes' experience. Social media helps share these simple joys with everyone.
Q: Is this the first time food has been popular at the Olympics?
No, food items have become popular before. A chocolate muffin was very famous at the last Summer Olympics.