As the world counts down to the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has unveiled a unique and symbolic culinary creation: pasta shaped like the iconic Olympic rings. Crafted in Italy using traditional artisanal methods, this limited-edition pasta is designed as both a tribute to Italian culinary heritage and a celebration of the Olympic spirit rooted in unity and sharing.
To mark 100 days before the Opening Ceremony, Italian Michelin-starred chef Carlo Cracco has introduced an exclusive dish named Pasta alla Crudaiola. Inspired by the colors of the Italian flag, the recipe features sun-ripened tomatoes, olives and extra-virgin olive oil — a vibrant and simple composition that captures the essence of Italian cuisine. Beyond a dish, it is meant as a cultural gesture: a blending of food, art and sport meant to bring people together.
This special pasta will not be widely commercialized. Instead, select boxes — illustrated by Italian artist Marianna Tomaselli — will be distributed through digital activations organized by the IOC. Each package depicts winter sports scenes set against alpine landscapes, reinforcing the connection between tradition, geography and celebration.
Carlo Cracco : A Culinary Ambassador for the Games
One of the most influential figures in contemporary Italian cuisine, Carlo Cracco has long carried Italian culinary culture onto the world stage. Trained in the kitchens of legendary chef Gualtiero Marchesi, Cracco is known for his refined techniques and his dedication to local ingredients. His involvement in this project reinforces strong parallels between gastronomy and sport : precision, discipline, creativity and teamwork.
To promote the campaign, Cracco appears alongside Olympic figure skater Valentina Marchei in the IOC’s digital series Drop-In with Carlo Cracco, where they prepare the Olympic pasta while reflecting on the shared values between chefs and athletes. For Cracco, excellence — whether at the stove or on the ice — is the result of perfect coordination and collective effort.
A Taste of Unity Before Milano Cortina 2026
The Olympic Games are not only a global sporting event; they are also a celebration of culture and identity. With this initiative, the IOC honors Italy through one of its most universal symbols: its food. Just as the Games bring together athletes from across the world, the Olympic Rings Pasta invites fans to connect around the table — one of Italy’s most cherished traditions.
This announcement also follows the recent revelation that the medals for Milano Cortina 2026 will be designed in two halves to symbolize unity through diversity — another powerful gesture linking heritage, emotion and shared human experience.
As anticipation builds, Milano Cortina 2026 promises to be more than a competition. It is shaping up to be an encounter between creativity, culture and performance. And this time, victory may also be something to savor — quite literally — on the plate.
