Can you get energy from ice? Exploring the Nutrition Myth

October 17, 2025 •

4 min read

While it's true that the human body expends a tiny amount of energy to melt ice and warm the resulting water, this does not mean you can get energy from ice. The simple scientific answer is that ice, being frozen water, contains zero calories, carbohydrates, fats, or proteins—the macronutrients our bodies metabolize for fuel.

Quick Summary

Ice offers no nutritional value or caloric energy for the body. The sensation of a boost is linked to other factors like hydration or a response to an underlying deficiency. Chewing ice, a condition known as pagophagia, can signal health issues and cause dental problems.

Key Points

Ice Lacks Calories: Ice is frozen water and contains no macronutrients, meaning it provides zero calories or energy to the body.
Melting Is Not Metabolism: The minimal energy expended by the body to melt ice is not a viable or efficient source of fuel.
Craving Indicates Deficiency: The compulsive desire to chew ice, known as pagophagia, is often a symptom of iron deficiency anemia.
Hydration Benefits Exist: As frozen water, ice does contribute to overall hydration, though it is a less efficient method than drinking water directly.
Dental Health Risks: Regularly chewing ice can damage tooth enamel, leading to chips, cracks, and increased sensitivity.
Alternative Stress Relief: For those who chew ice due to stress or anxiety, healthier coping mechanisms are recommended to address underlying psychological issues.
Proper Energy from Food: For actual energy, the body requires carbohydrates, fats, and proteins from a balanced diet, not frozen water.

No Energy to Be Found: The Science of Ice and Calories

To understand why you can't get energy from ice, we must first look at how the human body generates energy. Our bodies rely on macronutrients—carbohydrates, fats, and proteins—which contain chemical energy stored in their molecular bonds. When we digest food, these bonds are broken down through metabolic processes to create adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the body's primary energy currency. Ice, as frozen H2O, contains none of these macronutrients. Therefore, there are no chemical bonds to break to release energy in the metabolic pathway.

The myth of getting energy from ice often stems from a slight increase in metabolism that occurs when the body works to raise the temperature of the cold substance. The thermal energy required to melt and warm the ice to body temperature is minimal, burning only a handful of calories. This is not a sustainable or efficient way to burn calories or lose weight, and the energy expenditure is negligible compared to the fuel needed for bodily functions.

The Allure of Ice: What Your Craving Might Indicate

For some, the desire to chew or crunch ice is not a nutritional choice but a medical phenomenon known as pagophagia. This condition is classified as a form of pica, an eating disorder involving non-nutritive substances. Compulsive ice chewing is frequently associated with iron deficiency anemia. While the exact mechanism is not fully understood, some studies suggest that the oral stimulation or the cold sensation from chewing ice may temporarily increase alertness and relieve the fatigue and fogginess associated with anemia. However, chewing ice is a symptom, not a cure, and a craving for it warrants a visit to a healthcare professional.

Other potential reasons for craving ice include:

Hydration needs: Dehydration can cause a dry mouth, and ice can provide soothing relief.
Stress and anxiety: The repetitive action of chewing and the cold sensation can act as a coping mechanism for some individuals.
Oral health issues: Dry mouth (xerostomia) or inflamed gums can sometimes be soothed by chewing ice.
Boredom: For some, it is simply a habit born of boredom or an oral fixation, similar to chewing gum.

Ice vs. Common Energy Sources: A Nutritional Comparison

To highlight the distinction between ice and true energy sources, consider the following comparison. While ice is calorie-free and offers zero fuel, the alternatives contain chemical energy that your body can use. Water remains the best source of hydration, but for a true energy boost, you need to turn to other foods.


Feature	Ice (Frozen Water)	Carbohydrates (e.g., Banana)	Fats (e.g., Almonds)
Energy (Calories)	0 kcal per serving	~105 kcal for one medium banana	~164 kcal per ounce
Primary Function	Hydration, cooling	Quickest source of energy	Slowest, most efficient energy storage
Macronutrients	None	Sugars, Starches (Complex)	Fatty Acids (e.g., Omega-3s)
Effect on Body	Minimal metabolic increase	Immediate blood glucose spike	Sustained energy release over time
Dental Impact	Risk of tooth damage	Minimal impact	Minimal impact

The Risks of Chewing Ice

Beyond the lack of nutritional benefit, there are several health risks associated with the habit of chewing ice, especially for those with pagophagia.

Dental Damage

Chewing hard, solid ice can have serious consequences for your oral health. The intense pressure can chip, crack, or fracture your teeth, wearing down enamel and potentially causing long-term damage. This can lead to increased tooth sensitivity and cavities.

Anemia Complications

If your ice craving is linked to an underlying iron deficiency, ignoring the symptom and only addressing the craving can have serious consequences. Untreated anemia can lead to a host of problems, including heart issues and fatigue. Consulting a doctor is essential for a proper diagnosis and treatment.

Psychological Factors

For some, chewing ice is related to stress, anxiety, or obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Using ice as a coping mechanism does not address the root psychological issue and can perpetuate unhealthy behaviors. Replacing the habit with healthier stress-relief techniques is a more productive approach.

Poor Digestion

While not a significant issue for most, some research suggests that consuming very cold substances can slow stomach contractions and the rate at which food moves through the digestive system. For individuals with specific gastrointestinal conditions, this could complicate digestion.

Conclusion

In summary, the notion that you can you get energy from ice? is a nutritional myth. Ice provides zero calories or macronutrients for fuel. The slight caloric burn from melting ice is insignificant, and any perceived energy boost is more likely a physiological or psychological effect. Persistent cravings for ice often indicate an underlying health issue, most commonly iron deficiency anemia, and warrant medical attention. While ice can offer hydration and temporary cooling, it is not a source of dietary energy and should not be chewed regularly due to the risk of dental damage. Prioritizing a balanced diet of energy-rich foods like carbohydrates and fats, alongside proper hydration, is the key to maintaining genuine and sustainable energy levels.

Frequently Asked Questions

While the body does burn a few calories to melt ice, this effect is so negligible that it is not a realistic or effective weight loss strategy. Sustainable weight loss depends on overall diet and exercise, not consuming ice.

Pagophagia is the medical term for the compulsive consumption of ice. It is considered a form of pica, an eating disorder linked to nutritional deficiencies like iron deficiency anemia. It should be taken seriously as a potential sign of an underlying medical problem that needs diagnosis and treatment.

Yes, chewing ice is bad for your teeth. It can cause serious dental problems, including chipped or cracked teeth, worn-down enamel, and damaged dental work like fillings and crowns. It is highly advised to avoid this habit.

Water is vital for almost every bodily function, but it does not contain energy in the form of calories from macronutrients. While staying hydrated helps maintain energy levels, the water itself does not provide fuel.

Beyond anemia, cravings for ice can be linked to other factors, such as stress, anxiety, or boredom. It can also be a coping mechanism or a way to soothe dry mouth. However, a persistent craving should always be evaluated by a healthcare professional.

To break the habit of chewing ice, it is recommended to first address any underlying nutritional deficiencies, particularly iron. Substituting ice with healthier alternatives like cold water or sugar-free popsicles, practicing mindful eating, and finding healthy outlets for stress are also effective strategies.

Eating ice does not aid digestion. While drinking water is important for digestive health, consuming very cold substances may actually slow down the digestive process slightly by cooling stomach contents. There is no scientific evidence to support the idea that ice improves digestion.