Is It Safe to Eat Snow? What You Need To Know
More than a foot of snow has fallen in some parts of the U.S. this winter. People stuck at home might've looked outside and thought about eating it. Or making snow ice cream. Or just grabbing a handful because it looks clean and fluffy.
Experts say hold on a second.
Snow might look pristine, but potentially harmful bacteria can live on it. Doesn't matter if it just fell or has been sitting there. And there are other things to worry about beyond bacteria.
As winter drags on and snowfall keeps hitting different regions, here's what you need to know before eating snow.
Sometimes It's Safe, Sometimes It's Not
Snow is safe to eat—sometimes. Fresh snow might look untouched, but bits of dust, pollen, and chemical contaminants could be mixed in by the time it hits the ground, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
More particles and contaminants join the snow once it's on the ground, especially if there's human activity around. Cars driving by. People walking through it. Plows pushing it aside. All of that adds stuff you don't want in your mouth.
Where you live matters. Air quality matters. "The amount of contaminants that a city gives off is so much more than a smaller city," Cleveland Clinic physician assistant Max Huddleston said.
What Snow to Avoid
If you're going to eat snow anyway, Huddleston recommends avoiding certain types.
Don't eat the first layer of snow on a surface or the first few hours of snowfall during a winter event. The first snow mixes with chemicals already on the ground. The snow that falls later will be cleaner.
Don't eat snow that's been disturbed. Shoveled, plowed, or walked-on snow could contain contaminants or chemicals from cars. Exhaust, oil, road salt—all that gets mixed in.
Don't eat discolored snow. Yellow or black snow compared to pristine white snow is an obvious no. If it looks off, it probably is.
So, if you're going to eat snow, wait until after the first layer falls, find a spot away from roads and foot traffic, and make sure it's white.
Hypothermia Is a Real Concern
Hypothermia probably isn't an issue if you're eating a bowl of snow ice cream or catching a few flakes while playing outside. But it can become a problem if you're depending on snow for hydration.
"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," Huddleston said.
Your body uses energy to melt the snow and bring it up to body temperature. If you're eating a lot of snow, you're burning more energy than you're getting hydration. That can lead to dehydration and lower your overall body temperature.
Someone in survival mode in the wilderness might not have another option. But "consuming large amounts of snow can decrease your overall body temperature," Huddleston said.
If you're in an emergency situation and need water, the CDC says snow can be melted and drunk if it's boiled first. Boiling kills most germs in the snow. But it won't remove chemicals the snow picked up.
The Bottom Line
Snow looks clean. It's not always clean. Dust, pollen, chemicals, bacteria—all of that can be in there by the time it hits the ground. More gets added once it's sitting on the ground, especially in cities or near roads.
If you're going to eat it anyway, avoid the first layer, stay away from disturbed or discolored snow, and don't eat large amounts. A handful while playing outside probably won't hurt you. Using snow as your main water source in an emergency can lead to dehydration and hypothermia.
Boiling snow kills germs but doesn't remove chemicals. So even in survival situations, snow isn't ideal.
Basically, snow ice cream is probably fine if you're careful about which snow you use. Eating bits of it for fun? Probably fine. Relying on it for hydration? Bad idea. Eating yellow snow? Never.
Curious for more stories that keep you informed and entertained? From the latest headlines to everyday insights, YourLifeBuzz has more to explore. Dive into what’s next.