Is It Safe To Eat Snow? Experts Weigh In
Nothing is quite as magical as the first snow of the season. It's untouched, glittering in the sunshine, and perfect for outdoor activities. However, there are many who revel in the first snow of the season for different reasons—namely, for eating! It seems that someone on the internet goes viral for doing just this every year. Last year, Reese Witherspoon made chococcinos out of the snow on top of her car, and this year, an influencer posted her recipe for snow ice cream on Instagram and the comment section popped OFF.
People seem to have strong opinions on whether it's "kosher"to eat snow or not. Let's face it—everyone did it when we were kids, if we had the chance. However, many argue that with all of the pollutants these days, it's no longer safe to eat snow...and not just the notorious yellow snow we always avoid.
"Growing up, this was big in my mom's Southern family—we always used to put empty, clean bowls outside and waited for the snow to collect in bowls and it is delicious!" Delish Temporary Assistant Digital Food Producer Mackenzie Filson shares. "We'd add cream, chocolate syrup, strawberry syrup, etc. It can't be much worse than the ultra-processed foods of the world, is how I think of it."
She's not the only Delish staff member with opinions on eating snow. Director of Community & Audience Development Julia Smith explored the trend in 2024 over on TikTok:
The question remains: is it actually safe to eat? Food and nutrition expert Heidi McIndoo, MS, RD, LDN, says it is, generally! However, she notes that if you do go for it, you should follow a few guidelines. "Be sure to choose only untouched snow, not snow that's been shoveled or plowed," she notes. "That snow could have dirt, oils, gas, or other yucky stuff mixed into it."
And contrary to what you may think, don't pick up that super fresh snow (sorry Mackenzie). "Wait for the snow that has fallen later in the snowstorm, meaning wait a few hours into the snowfall before eating the snow," advises Adiana Castro, MS, RDN, CDN, and owner of Compass Nutrition. This may seem counterintuitive, but that's because "the first hours of snow picks up pollutants, microplastics, and pesticides," Castro explains.
"After a couple of hours, most of the pollutants in the air have been absorbed," McIndoo adds. So that's a better time to scoop up your snow.
Integrative nutritionist Lea Wetzell, MS, LN, CNS, also recommends considering the air quality where you live. "In major cities with poor air quality, pollutants from the environment might contaminate the snow," she explains. It likely goes without saying, but you should also avoid any snow that is discolored, as well as any snow from the streets, cars, yards, or porch stairs. Castro also notes, "Avoid scooping snow that is near trees, gardens, or bird feeders where animals could be close by and contaminate the snow."
One positive thing of note, mentions Wetzell, is that with eating snow, there is a "potential consumption of trace minerals, though these are not substantial enough to be considered a significant source of nutrition."
The bottom line: "Eating a small amount—a few bites—of fresh snow that has fallen later in the snowstorm and is white, fluffy, and from the air is not highly likely to cause serious health problems for adults," explains Castro. However, she cautions immune-compromised individuals like babies, the elderly, and adults with chronic diseases against eating snow.
For everyone else, Wetzell notes, "Snow offers a quick way to make ice cream and can become a fun and engaging activity to share with children or loved ones." Plus, unlike the store-bought variety, you can tailor your ice cream specifically to you. "By using natural sweeteners such as maple syrup or honey, you can make your homemade snow ice cream healthier than the store-bought varieties," she says. Luckily, we have just the recipe for you to try during your next snowstorm.
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