Whether it is a pre-training snack or a post-event meal, almost nothing is quite as important to Olympic athletes as their diet. Powering up is at the forefront of life in the Olympic Village.

Olympians at the 2026 Winter Games are actually spread out among six villages in total, with main hubs in Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo housing 1,500 and 1,400 people, respectively. As a result, up to 4,500 meals will be prepared every day at the Milan Village to go along with nearly 4,000 in Cortina.

More than ever, fans get a peek behind the Olympic curtain, seeing how athletes prepare for the Games via social media. The food served by the host city has become a particular point of interest for Olympians and fans alike. At the 2024 Paris Olympics, Norwegian swimmer Henrik Christiansen was dubbed the "Muffin Man" after going viral for his well-publicized love of the village's chocolate muffins. Ahead of this year's Games, the swimmer joked that he may have to take up a winter sport to get more muffins.

@henrikchristians1

I HAVE to make it to the winter Olympics

♬ original sound - Henrik Christiansen

It is safe to say the Italian fare has been the favorite at the Village so far.

"I've had the best pasta I've ever had here, and I had gelato last night. So it's been really fun," U.S. snowboarder Jess Perlmutter said during a press conference on Tuesday.

South African cross-country skier Matthew Smith plans on reviewing all the food in the Olympic Village, and has already posted videos reviewing pizza and lasagna. He gave the pizza an 8.5 out of 10 and said the lasagna was good. 

@thesnowbok

Couldn’t help but start my canteen exploration in the Italian section. 🍕 🍝 #crosscountryskiing #xcskiing #athlete #milanocortina2026 #nordicskiing @Milano Cortina 2026

♬ Get Lucky - Stay Groove Band

Since then, Smith has eaten a lot, including a South African flag pizza made fresh just for him. Whether it was the personal touch or the fresh ingredients, this one took the cake.

@thesnowbok

Honestly the volunteers and canteen staff have been absolutely amazing at the Predazzo Olympic village, special thanks to @_bettuz_ for spending 1 hr making the 🇿🇦 flag pizza! First of its kind maybe, but definitely best tasting ❤️ thank you to all who help and contribute to making the @Olympics at @Milano Cortina 2026 so the athletes can just be athletes. Grazie Mille. #pizza #xcskiing #southafrica #milanocortina2026 #nordicskiing

♬ original sound - Mattcsmith

Pizza was also the main dinner choice for U.S. big air snowboarders in the mountain town of Livigno. Lili Dhawornvej said she ate seven slices. Not to be outdone, her teammate Hahna Norman ate an entire pizza.

Canadian speedskater Courtney Saurault revealed a lava cake dessert that might actually be "better than the viral chocolate muffin." 

Although Christiansen was quick to chime in with a timely comment on her video: "Idk man, seems sketchy". 

@courtneysarault

Perhaps better than the viral chocolate muffin.. (yes I know it isn’t a muffin) #olympics #milan

♬ som original - Kimi e Yuki