ALDI Is Selling a Dupe of the Milan Olympics' Most Viral Dessert—and It’s Less Than $4

The Milan Olympics may have officially come to an end, but a tasty surprise on the ALDI shelves will carry that Olympic spirit forward well beyond the extinguishing of the Olympic flame. Here, we're dishing out all the information on ALDI's Chocolate Lava Cakes, plus our thoughts on the chocolate and caramel flavors.

The Viral Chocolate Lava Cake

As we've previously noted, the rich chocolate muffins that became the envy of the internet during the Paris Olympics in summer 2024 were replaced this year by a viral chocolate lava cake. Nearly as soon as the Games began, the dessert became the talk of the Olympic Village, as athletes sought it out across the various food halls. 

The cake was a hit with athletes, including Canadian hockey star and proud dessert lover Natalie Spooner and, most recently, the newly engaged Spanish ice dancer Olivia Smart. In a Feb. 19 Instagram reel, Smart was joined by her fiancé, former competitive ice dancer Jean-Luc Baker, to share their review of the popular chocolate lava cake. 

Smart revealed that she, Baker, and fellow Olympic ice dancers Paul Poirier and Jason Chen were treated to the cakes by officials “because of our engagement,” and they seemed to be a hit with the entire table. “She’s so perfect and round and plump,” the ice dancer commented. “I’m going to sneak in every day,” Baker added.

ALDI's Olympic Village Dupe

For those of us without access to the Olympic Village, ALDI is selling an Olympic lava cake dupe of its own. The grocery chain’s Specially Selected Lava Cake is available in two different flavors—one with a chocolate lava center and the other with a caramel center. They are being sold for just over $3 per two-pack.

The Taste Test

Of course, however, the biggest question is whether ALDI’s lava cakes can live up to the Olympic hype. Thankfully, I was able to try both the chocolate and caramel lava cakes, and I’m proud to say they are absolutely delicious. 

The texture of the cake’s outer ring looks brownie-like out of the package, but after 30 seconds in the microwave, it transforms into a gooey, light piece of dessert heaven. The outside had a soufflé-like texture, while the liquid center was somewhere between a pudding and a custard, which I would have preferred to be a bit more oozy. The dark chocolate flavor, though, was very satisfying. 

The caramel variety of the cake dialed up the sweetness a bit too much for my liking, but the chocolate original was practically flawless, especially considering its price point and how easy it is to prepare. All things considered, it’s a convenient and tasty dessert that’s definitely worthy of the podium.

How to Get ALDI's Lava Cake

ALDI’s lava cakes are currently on the shelves at its stores nationwide for just over $3 for a refrigerated two-pack—but they won’t be around forever. According to the company, they will be available through April 3 or until supplies last.