During the recent Olympics, chocolate muffins became a sensation on TikTok, and their popularity has outlasted the sporting event itself.
One of the standout stars of this trend was Norwegian swimmer Henrik Christiansen, who was dubbed TikTok’s “muffin man” thanks to his documented love for the chocolate muffins served in the cafeteria. Christiansen’s videos went viral, inspiring other Olympians to join in on the muffin craze (there were even reports of shortages in the cafeteria). Even after the Paris games ended, the muffins remained a sought-after item in cafes and on recipe websites.
The Olympic chocolate muffins are everywhere.
Christiansen’s muffin journey began in July with a TikTok video reviewing the Olympic Village’s food options. Throughout the games, his videos depicted his quest for (and hoarding of) the muffins. His content became more playful, with videos fantasizing about the muffins’ beauty and poking fun at their rival, the cookie.
Today, replicas of the Olympic muffins can be found in cafes and bakeries, drawing crowds eager to taste the treats. Businesses like Isshiki Matcha in New York City and Panifico Bake Shop in San Antonio, Texas, have created their own versions of the muffin, while food influencers and bloggers are sharing recipes for at-home alternatives.
The after-life of a TikTok trend
Despite Christiansen’s reduced focus on the muffins, the trend continues to attract attention. Just like previous viral food trends, such as baked feta pasta and Emily Mariko-style rice bowls, the Olympic muffins seem to have a lasting appeal. It’s possible that this short-lived TikTok sensation could evolve into a long-lasting national craze.
