Health
Is Eating Snow Actually Safe?
Health Points
- Fresh, untouched snow is usually safe in small amounts, but ground contamination increases risks.
- Never eat discolored or old snow, as it may contain pollutants, animal waste, or chemicals.
- Eating moderate bits of clean snow can enhance outdoor enjoyment, but avoid excess and watch for hypothermia.
Nibbling a few snowflakes is a classic winter thrill, but snow isn’t as pure as it looks. Snowflakes often collect airborne dust, pollen, and even microscopic plastics as they fall, so there’s more to consider before that next taste.
“Snow is beautiful, but it’s definitely not sterile,” says Sarah Crockett, MD, an emergency medicine physician. After landing, snow can mix with bacteria, animal droppings, and roadside pollutants, making ground contact a big factor in safety.
A helpful tip: If you wouldn’t drink rainwater from the same spot, you might want to skip eating the snow, too. City snow and snow near busy roads are especially likely to pick up harmful substances, though even rural snow isn’t risk-free after hitting the ground.
“Stick to pristine, white, undisturbed snow, and only from the top layer,” Crockett recommends. Snow that’s been shoveled, piled, or touched is likely contaminated. Avoid colored snow of any kind — and steer clear especially of yellow, green, or gray patches.
Freshly fallen snow, within the first hour or two, is less likely to contain harmful debris. Collecting snow directly in a clean bowl is another cautious approach.
Eating snow in moderation is important, as consuming too much can lower your body temperature and even lead to hypothermia if you’re outdoors for long periods. People with weakened immune systems are advised to avoid snow entirely, since potential bacteria or fungi can pose higher risks.
Pets face the same hazards, particularly if they munch snow treated with salt or roadside chemicals. Keep your dog away from anything except untouched, fresh white snow far from roads.
“You can do a lot riskier things, like driving home on I-95 in heavy traffic or eating cookie batter that you just mixed up,” notes Sheldon Campbell, MD, PhD. For healthy people, a couple of flakes from clean snow is usually fine.
“Catching a few flakes on your tongue can be a magical part of winter play for children and adults alike,” says Crockett. Connecting with nature can also boost your mental wellness, making wintertime fun a worthwhile part of a healthy life.
Ready to savor a snow day? Prioritize safety by picking untouched, clean snow, and enjoy those playful moments with peace of mind.
