- Today
- Holidays
- Birthdays
- Reminders
- Cities
- Atlanta
- Austin
- Baltimore
- Berwyn
- Beverly Hills
- Birmingham
- Boston
- Brooklyn
- Buffalo
- Charlotte
- Chicago
- Cincinnati
- Cleveland
- Columbus
- Dallas
- Denver
- Detroit
- Fort Worth
- Houston
- Indianapolis
- Knoxville
- Las Vegas
- Los Angeles
- Louisville
- Madison
- Memphis
- Miami
- Milwaukee
- Minneapolis
- Nashville
- New Orleans
- New York
- Omaha
- Orlando
- Philadelphia
- Phoenix
- Pittsburgh
- Portland
- Raleigh
- Richmond
- Rutherford
- Sacramento
- Salt Lake City
- San Antonio
- San Diego
- San Francisco
- San Jose
- Seattle
- Tampa
- Tucson
- Washington
Eating Snow Cones or Snow Cream Can Be a Winter Delight, if Done Safely
Experts share advice for enjoying winter treats without risking health
Jan. 28, 2026 at 8:15am
Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›
A massive winter storm brought deep snow and bitter cold to a 1,300-mile stretch of the United States, leaving many people without power or heating. As the storm recedes, some residents may be tempted to make snow cones or snow cream, but experts caution that snow isn't always clean enough to consume. They share advice on how to enjoy winter treats safely, including considering where the snow came from and avoiding snow that's been plowed or mixed with contaminants.
Why it matters
While eating snow can be a fun and whimsical winter activity, especially for children, experts warn that it's important to be mindful of potential contaminants and health risks. This story provides guidance on how to safely indulge in snow-based treats without putting one's health at risk.
The details
Dr. Sarah Crockett, a specialist in emergency and wilderness medicine, often encourages her patients to spend more time outdoors, which can include eating a handful of fresh, untouched snow. However, she cautions that snow isn't always clean enough to consume, as snowflakes can pick up more impurities than raindrops due to their slower fall and greater exposed surface area. The first wave of snow during a storm tends to hold the most particulate matter, so waiting until the storm is well underway before collecting snow is one precaution to take. Additionally, snow that has been pushed by snowplows or mixed with road salt, deicing chemicals, and debris should be avoided.
- The massive winter storm hit the region over the weekend.
- The storm left hundreds of thousands of homes without power or heating in the South.
The players
Dr. Sarah Crockett
A specialist in emergency and wilderness medicine at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center who often encourages her patients to spend more time outdoors, including eating fresh, untouched snow.
Steven Fassnacht
A professor of snow hydrology at Colorado State University who has studied snow for more than 30 years and recently tried 'snow cream' for the first time, describing it as a fun and whimsical experience.
What they’re saying
“To stop and just be present and want to catch a snowflake on your tongue, or scoop up some fresh, white, untouched snow that's collected during something as exciting as a snowstorm, I think that there's space in our world to enjoy that. And while we need to make good choices, I think these are simple things that can bring joy.”
— Dr. Sarah Crockett, Specialist in emergency and wilderness medicine
“Snow can be eaten, but you want to think about the trajectory. Where did that snow come from?”
— Steven Fassnacht, Professor of snow hydrology
“It's a whimsical thing. It made me think about what are the characteristics of that freshly fallen snow, and how does that change the taste sensation?”
— Steven Fassnacht, Professor of snow hydrology
The takeaway
While eating snow can be a fun and nostalgic winter activity, it's important to be mindful of potential contaminants and health risks. By considering the source and timing of the snow, and avoiding snow that has been mixed with road salt or other debris, people can safely indulge in snow-based treats and connect with the natural world around them.
