The Winter Olympics always bring thrilling competitions, but this year something unexpected is capturing everyone’s attention. Athletes are raving about the food in the Olympic villages, turning meals into a major highlight alongside the sports. One particular dessert has sparked a massive buzz on social media, with competitors eagerly seeking it out. This gooey treat is creating fun moments and uniting athletes from different countries in their quest for a sweet bite.
South African skier Matt Smith and American snowboarder Jess Perlmutter have both shared positive thoughts on the dining options. Perlmutter even called the pasta the best she has ever tasted during a press conference. Smith posted about the variety, noting how athletes can grab pizza even for breakfast. These glimpses into daily life show just how much the culinary offerings are impressing everyone involved.
Canadian hockey player Natalie Spooner stands out with her entertaining TikTok videos reviewing the canteen desserts. The three-time Olympic medalist rates chocolates and cakes, often giving them solid scores like six or seven out of ten. Her followers quickly jumped in, urging her to track down the famous chocolate lava cake that others had mentioned. Comments poured in with excitement, pushing her to find this must-try item that many were talking about.
The lava cake first gained traction when Canadian speed skater Courtney Sarault shared a video of it early in the Games. Her post exploded with over 2.5 million views, and she hinted it might even top the viral chocolate muffin from the Paris Summer Olympics. That earlier sensation was popularized by Norwegian swimmer Henrik Christiansen, nicknamed the Muffin Man for his enthusiastic reviews. Christiansen himself commented on Sarault’s video, playfully saying it looked suspicious, which only fueled more hilarious reactions.
@nataliespooner24 2 for 1! Trying the apple tart and grandmothers cake in the village! Still looking for some chocolate desserts and maybe even a muffin 👀 #olmpics #milan2026 ♬ Food Vlogger – Big Dreams
Natalie Spooner is far from alone in this dessert hunt. American skater Amber Glenn chimed in online, wondering if the lava cake appears only at certain times since she had not spotted it yet. Athletes from various teams are swapping tips and searching the villages to get their hands on one. This shared enthusiasm adds a lighthearted layer to the intense Olympic atmosphere.
Italian competitors have been quick to share details about the dessert’s proper name and origins. They explain it as Tortino al cioccolato, a classic treat also known as fondant. The recipe typically involves dark chocolate, butter, powdered sugar, milk, eggs, and a touch of salt for that perfect molten center. Knowing the traditional background makes the hype even more appealing, especially with the Games hosted in Italy.
@courtneysarault Perhaps better than the viral chocolate muffin.. (yes I know it isn’t a muffin) #olympics #milan ♬ som original – Kimi e Yuki
What started as simple food posts has turned into a delightful trend connecting athletes and fans worldwide. These viral moments remind us that even elite competitors enjoy simple pleasures like a warm, flowing chocolate dessert. The lava cake has become the winter version of last summer’s muffin craze, proving food can steal the spotlight in unexpected ways. It is charming to see tough athletes getting excited over sweets amid their demanding schedules.
This dessert frenzy highlights how social media brings out the relatable side of Olympians. Sharing meals and reviews creates bonds across sports and nations. The chocolate lava cake’s popularity shows no signs of slowing down as more videos emerge. Fans at home are loving these behind-the-scenes peeks into village life.
Have you ever tried a chocolate lava cake, or do you have a favorite dessert that deserves Olympic-level hype? Share your thoughts in the comments.
