Are Snowballs Fattening? The Surprising Truth

December 20, 2025 •

3 min read

An intriguing fact about snow is that, as frozen water, it contains no calories. However, the concept of a 'snowball' is ambiguous and could refer to either a simple frozen sphere or a calorie-laden dessert, fundamentally changing its nutritional impact.

Quick Summary

The term 'snowball' has two distinct meanings with vastly different calorie counts. A ball of pure snow is not fattening as it is simply frozen water with zero calories. In contrast, 'snowballs' as a dessert or confection are rich in sugar and fat, making them high in calories and potentially contributing to weight gain.

Key Points

Context Matters: Whether a snowball is fattening depends on its composition; pure snow is zero-calorie, while dessert 'snowballs' are high in fat and sugar.
Pure Snow is Calorie-Free: Real snow is frozen water and contains no calories, so it is not fattening in itself.
Dessert Snowballs are Caloric: Confections like Hostess SnoBalls or New Orleans shaved ice desserts are rich in calories from added sugars, syrups, and fat.
Contaminated Snow is Risky: Consuming plain snow, especially from urban areas, carries health risks from contaminants like pollutants and animal waste.
Healthier Alternatives Exist: For a low-calorie winter treat, consider making your own with blended fruit or yogurt to avoid excess sugar and fat.
Weight Loss Myth: The minimal calories your body expends to melt ingested snow is not an effective or safe weight-loss method.
Read Ingredients: Always check the nutritional information of store-bought snowball treats to understand their caloric and sugar content.

Plain Snow vs. Dessert Snowballs: A Calorie Analysis

The question "Are snowballs fattening?" is a classic example of ambiguity in language. The answer relies entirely on whether you are referring to a simple ball of frozen precipitation or a confectionary dessert. While the former is a novelty with no nutritional substance, the latter is a high-calorie treat that can indeed contribute to weight gain.

The Nutritional Profile of Real Snow

Pure snow is frozen water ($H_2O$) and, as such, contains zero calories. The act of consuming pure snow can actually cause your body to expend a minimal amount of energy, as it must raise the temperature of the snow to match your core body temperature. However, the energy expenditure is negligible and is not an effective or safe weight-loss strategy. Furthermore, eating significant quantities of snow can lower your core temperature and may carry risks of hypothermia.

Beyond the calorie count, the purity of snow is a major concern. Falling snow can act like an atmospheric filter, absorbing pollutants, chemicals, and other contaminants. For this reason, consuming snow, especially in urban areas or near roads, is not recommended and can pose health risks.

The Caloric Reality of Confectionary Snowballs

The term "snowball" more commonly refers to a variety of sweet desserts. These confections are a world away from the purity of frozen water, and their calorie content reflects this. Whether it's the Hostess SnoBalls, a New Orleans shaved ice dessert, or a homemade cookie, these treats are made with caloric ingredients.

For example, Hostess SnoBalls contain significant calories from sugar, corn syrup, and fats. Similarly, New Orleans sno-balls, a shaved ice dessert, are drenched in sugary syrups and sometimes stuffed with ice cream or condensed milk, all of which contribute to a high-calorie profile.

Comparing Snow vs. Dessert Snowballs


Feature	Plain Snow (Frozen Water)	Dessert Snowball (e.g., Hostess)
Calories	Zero	High (e.g., 160+ per serving)
Sugar	None	High (e.g., 20+ grams per serving)
Fat	None	High (e.g., 5+ grams per serving)
Ingredients	Frozen water ($H_2O$)	Sugar, flour, corn syrup, coconut, etc.
Health Risk	Contaminants, hypothermia	Sugar crash, weight gain, dental issues
Taste	Neutral	Sweet, rich, and flavorful

Safe and Low-Calorie Winter Treats

For those seeking a healthier alternative to fattening dessert snowballs, there are plenty of satisfying options that capture the wintery spirit without the high calorie count. Consider making your own healthy frozen treats with fresh fruit and natural sweeteners instead of opting for store-bought, sugar-laden versions.

Blended Fruit Snow Cones: Blend ice with natural fruit puree (like strawberries or pineapple) and a small amount of maple syrup for a delicious, low-sugar dessert.
Yogurt-Based Frozen Treats: Mix Greek yogurt with honey and berries, then freeze in small scoops to create a rich, protein-packed treat.
Spiced Fruit Compote: A warm, spiced compote made from stewed apples or pears is a comforting and nutritious alternative to cold desserts, providing fiber and vitamins.

The Risks of Ingesting Contaminated Snow

While the caloric difference is the main focus, it is crucial to reiterate the dangers of consuming polluted snow. As snow falls, it can pick up contaminants like black carbon from vehicle exhaust, industrial emissions, and heavy metals. Snow that has been on the ground is even more likely to be contaminated with dirt, animal waste, and road salt. Therefore, if you are not eating a manufactured dessert, the only truly safe 'snowball' is one you don't ingest.

Conclusion: Read the Label

So, are snowballs fattening? The answer is a definitive “it depends.” A ball of pure snow has no calories, but the potential health risks from contaminants make it a poor choice for consumption. Conversely, the confections known as snowballs are a rich source of sugar, fat, and calories and can contribute to weight gain if not consumed in moderation. The key takeaway is to understand the context of the word and to make informed choices about what you consume. If you are craving a sweet winter treat, opt for a healthier alternative over a processed dessert.

For more information on safe snow consumption, consult resources like the Cleveland Clinic or food safety guidelines.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, eating plain snow is not a safe way to lose weight. While your body expends a very small amount of energy to warm and melt the frozen water, this is not an effective weight-loss strategy and can carry significant health risks.

According to CalorieKing, one Hostess SnoBall contains approximately 160 calories, with 5 grams of fat and 29 grams of carbohydrates, including 20 grams of sugar.

Yes, you can get sick from eating snow, as it can contain contaminants like bacteria, viruses, chemicals, and pollutants picked up from the air and ground. This is especially true for snow in urban areas or near roads.

A New Orleans sno-ball is made with finely shaved, fluffy ice that absorbs the flavored syrup, while a typical snow cone uses coarser, crunchier ice where the syrup often sinks to the bottom.

To make a healthier version, blend ice with fruit puree and a natural sweetener like maple syrup, or create frozen yogurt bites with Greek yogurt, fruit, and honey.

Eating a large amount of snow can lower your core body temperature, which increases the risk of hypothermia. It can also lead to dehydration, as your body uses fluids and energy to melt the snow.

No, discolored snow (yellow, brown, pink, or orange) is not safe to eat, as it is a strong indicator of contamination from animal waste, algae, or pollutants.