Locations:
Search IconSearch

Is It Safe To Eat Snow?

If the flakes are undisturbed, pristine white and come from the top layer, it’s typically safe to indulge in a scoop

two kids eating snow outside

Snowmen, snowballs, snow angels, snow forts — we use the fluffy flakes for a lot of things.

Advertisement

Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy

And you’ve probably spent moments of your childhood catching snowflakes on your tongue. But the idea behind using snow as a culinary ingredient — think snow cones, hot cocoa, ice cream — has heated up lately thanks to a few celebrities showing off their frosty concoctions on social media.

But snow isn’t just pure frozen water. As snow forms, it collects bits of dust or pollen — and as it falls to Earth, it gathers small chemical contaminants.

So, while snow is an element with a lot of fun wintery applications, you may be wondering, Can you eat snow?

“It depends on the situation,” says certified physician assistant, Max Huddleston, PA-C.

Before you start scooping up snow to make dinner or dessert, Huddleston shares some tips on how to enjoy eating snow safely.

When NOT to eat snow

Huddleston says there are certain times and situations when you should AVOID eating snow. These include:

  • If it’s been disturbed. This includes snow that’s been shoveled, plowed or walked on. “Oil or gas from cars can spill on snow,” says Huddleston.
  • If it’s discolored (think yellow or black snow). It may seem like common sense not to eat yellow or black snow, but it bears repeating. “The first thing you think of is urine,” says Huddleston. “But you also don’t know what someone can dump onto snow to cause it to become discolored.” Rule of thumb: Only eat pristine white snow.
  • If it’s the first layer of snow or the first few hours of snowfall. As those first flakes hit the ground they mix with all kinds of things that are already on the ground like salt and fertilizer. And snow helps purify the air as it falls. “The first snowfall in the first few hours contains more pollutants than snow that would fall a couple of hours later,” shares Huddleston.

Advertisement

Consider where you live

Before you snack on some snow, Huddleston says you should also consider where you live when it comes to the safety of snow.

If you live in a big city like New York or Chicago, the amount of pollution increases thanks to the number of cars, trucks, buses, buildings and factories. But if you live in a more rural area, the air tends to be cleaner.

“The amount of pollution that a city gives off is so much more than a smaller city,” explains Huddleston.

That’s not to say that those living in a big city can’t ever eat snow. You just need to be aware of your surroundings and be extra vigilant about where you get your snow from.

Does eating snow dehydrate you?

You may think the answer is no. As snow is made of frozen water crystals it should be hydrating, right? But not so fast, says Huddleston.

“You utilize energy to melt that snow in a drinkable form. You’re using more energy to melt that snow with the heat from your own body,” he explains. “Any hydration you’re getting from eating or drinking snow isn’t as great as the energy you’re using to melt it. So, over time, if you’re consuming a high quantity of snow, in theory, it can dehydrate you.”

Another thing to consider is if eating snow can give you hypothermia. If you’re playing out in the backyard and sneak a few flakes, you should be fine. But hypothermia can come into play if you’re depending on snow as a source of hydration.

“Think of somebody who’s in survival mode out in the wilderness or doesn’t have any other option, you’re already out in the cold,” says Huddleston. “Consuming large amounts of snow can decrease your overall body temperature.”

Let it snow

So, is it safe to eat snow? In small amounts, snow can be safe to eat and a fun wintertime memory. Just make sure you survey the area and make sure the snow is:

  • Undisturbed.
  • Pristine white.
  • The top layer of snow.

And when in doubt, avoid eating snow from that area. But as for Huddleston, as long as the snow in his backyard meets all the criteria above, he’ll be indulging in the frozen treat.

“When my kid wants to eat snow, I always think back to when I used to eat snow as a kid,” he relates. “I’ll eat snow with them and just enjoy it.”

Advertisement

Learn more about our editorial process.

Related Articles

Arms of person bent down examining food in a bottom-of-fridge freezer bin
November 29, 2024/Nutrition
Spoiler Alert: Refrigerated Food Can Go Bad During a Power Outage

Extended outages lasting more than four hours can make food in your fridge unsafe to eat

Smiling mother looking down on baby breastfeeding
November 8, 2024/Nutrition
Intermittent Fasting While Breastfeeding: Is It Safe?

Intermittent fasting could impact your milk supply and energy levels, so it’s best to wait until you’ve weaned your baby from nursing

Adding spoonful of allulose to mug of coffee
November 4, 2024/Nutrition
What You Need To Know About Allulose

Although allulose is an FDA-approved sugar substitute, more research is needed to understand its safety

Close-up of a fruit fly
October 30, 2024/Primary Care
How To Get Rid of Fruit Flies for Good

Make your home a no-fly zone by cleaning your drains, refrigerating your produce and DIYing a fruit fly trap

Person in park wearing fitness apparel, drinking water from bottle, with person walking and person on bench in background
October 3, 2024/Nutrition
How Much Water You Should Drink Every Day

Consumption needs vary based on activity, weather, metabolism and other factors

A plate on table divided into balanced nutrition sizes, with fork and knife, and a spot on the table for dairy
September 27, 2024/Nutrition
What Exactly Is a Balanced Diet?

A typical recommended balanced diet is half fruits and veggies, a quarter protein and a quarter grains

Person wearing oven mitts removing warmed up chicken on a ceramic plate from a microwave
September 26, 2024/Nutrition
Are Microwaves Bad for You? Common Misconceptions Explained

Microwaves use non-ionizing radiation and haven’t been shown to cause cancer — follow food safety practices and use microwave-safe containers

Person in kitchen holding placard with six foods containing calcium, like tofu, broccoli and almonds
September 6, 2024/Nutrition
Food for Your Bones: How To Follow the Osteoporosis Diet

Eating enough dairy, fish and leafy greens is a good way to help keep your bones strong

Trending Topics

Person touching aching ear, with home remedies floating around
Home Remedies for an Ear Infection: What To Try and What To Avoid

Not all ear infections need antibiotics — cold and warm compresses and changing up your sleep position can help

Infographic of foods high in iron, including shrimp, oysters, peas, cream of wheat, prunes, eggs, broccoli, beef and chicken
52 Foods High In Iron

Pump up your iron intake with foods like tuna, tofu and turkey

Person squeezing half a lemon into a glass of water
Is Starting Your Day With Lemon Water Healthy?

A glass of lemon water in the morning can help with digestion and boost vitamin C levels, and may even help get you into a better routine

Ad