Does Eating Too Much Ice Cream Cause a Cold? Unpacking a Common Myth

January 10, 2026 •

3 min read

An estimated 82% of people believe that cold exposure, including eating ice cream, increases their risk of catching a cold, according to a recent survey. Despite this common belief, does eating too much ice cream cause a cold? The answer, according to medical experts, is no.

Quick Summary

Ice cream does not cause the common cold; viruses like rhinoviruses are the true culprits. While cold foods can irritate a sensitive throat or worsen symptoms, they do not trigger the infection itself. Excessive sugar intake from ice cream can, however, temporarily suppress immune function, and improper storage may lead to foodborne illness.

Key Points

Viruses, not Cold Food, Cause Colds: The common cold is a viral infection, most often caused by rhinoviruses, and is spread through airborne droplets or contact with contaminated surfaces, not by eating cold things like ice cream.
High Sugar Intake Can Suppress Immunity: Excessive sugar, a primary ingredient in many ice creams, can temporarily weaken the immune system's ability to fight off infections for several hours after consumption.
Throat Irritation vs. Infection: The cold temperature of ice cream may temporarily soothe or irritate a sensitive throat, which can be mistaken for the beginning of a cold, but it does not cause the infection itself.
Lactose Intolerance and Food Poisoning Risks: Some people may experience symptoms similar to sickness, like stomach cramps or diarrhea, due to lactose intolerance or food poisoning from improperly stored ice cream.
Smart Choices Matter When Sick: For a sore throat, low-sugar or dairy-free frozen treats like sorbet can offer soothing relief without the potential inflammatory effects of high sugar.
Hygiene is Key to Prevention: The most effective way to prevent a cold is to practice good hygiene, like frequent handwashing, and avoid contact with sick individuals.

The Viral Truth: What Really Causes Colds

Medical science has long proven that colds are caused by viruses, not by cold temperatures or cold foods. The common cold is a mild viral infection of the nose and throat, with rhinoviruses being the most frequent offender. These viruses are contagious and spread through airborne droplets from a sneeze or cough, or by touching a contaminated surface and then your face. The human body has sophisticated mechanisms to regulate its temperature, and the momentary cooling of your throat from ice cream has no bearing on a virus entering your respiratory system.

Separating fact from old wives' tales

The Temperature Effect: The core body temperature remains stable despite consuming cold foods. The heat generated during digestion quickly warms the ingested food to body temperature.
Immune Response: Your immune system is a complex network of cells and organs, and a cold treat does not deactivate it. A compromised immune system, often due to poor diet, lack of sleep, or stress, is a greater risk factor.
Hygiene vs. Ice Cream: A far more likely scenario for catching a cold is poor hand hygiene after interacting with a sick person or touching public surfaces.

The Real Reasons You Might Feel Sick After Ice Cream

While ice cream won't give you a viral cold, it can trigger other health issues that are often mistaken for one. These are important distinctions to understand to address the root cause of your discomfort.

The Sugar and Immune System Connection

One potential issue is the high sugar content in most ice creams. Research has shown that a high intake of sugar can temporarily suppress the immune system's effectiveness. Specifically, consuming a large amount of sugar (around 75-100 grams) can reduce the ability of white blood cells to fight off infections for several hours. This means that while ice cream isn't the direct cause, a sugar-heavy diet could make you more susceptible to a virus you've already been exposed to.

Other Health Conditions to Consider

Lactose Intolerance: Many people develop lactose intolerance in adulthood, and consuming dairy products like ice cream can lead to gas, bloating, and diarrhea, mimicking a general feeling of illness.
Food Contamination: Improperly handled or stored ice cream can harbor harmful bacteria like Listeria or Salmonella, leading to food poisoning. Signs include nausea, vomiting, and stomach cramps.
Throat Irritation: For some individuals with sensitive throats, the cold temperature and high sugar content of ice cream can cause temporary irritation, soreness, or a perceived thickening of mucus, which might be mistaken for the onset of a cold.

Ice Cream vs. Other Frozen Treats: A Comparison


Feature	Traditional Ice Cream	Sorbet / Popsicles	Frozen Yogurt (Low-Fat)
Dairy Content	High	None	Low to Moderate
Sugar Content	Typically High	Can be High	Varies, can be high
Probiotics	Usually None	None	Often contains live cultures
Nutritional Value	Source of calcium, fat, and calories.	Source of hydration and some vitamins.	Source of protein and calcium.
Sore Throat Effect	May soothe temporarily, but high sugar could worsen inflammation.	Can provide soothing, cold relief; often low in fat and dairy-free.	The high sugar in some versions can be problematic, but probiotics might offer some immune support.

How to Safely Enjoy Cold Treats While Sick

If you have a sore throat or are recovering from a cold, certain frozen treats can actually be soothing. The key is moderation and making smart choices to avoid aggravating symptoms. Opt for low-sugar or non-dairy options, or consider fruit sorbets for a lighter alternative. Ensure proper hygiene to prevent foodborne illness, which is a real risk with any food item. Drinking plenty of fluids remains the most crucial step for recovery. For more information on managing illnesses, see resources from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) about how to prevent the spread of cold and flu viruses.

Conclusion

The idea that eating too much ice cream causes a cold is a widespread but scientifically inaccurate myth. Colds are viral infections transmitted through contact with infected people or surfaces. While the high sugar content in ice cream can temporarily dampen the immune system's effectiveness and irritate a sensitive throat, it is not the cause of the common cold. Understanding the real risk factors, such as viral exposure, poor hygiene, and excessive sugar intake, is key to staying healthy. So, you can enjoy your favorite frozen treat without fear, provided you practice good health habits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Eating ice cream while you have a cold won't make it worse. The cold temperature can even provide temporary relief for a sore throat. However, be mindful of the high sugar content, which could potentially increase inflammation, so moderation is key.

No, this is a myth. While some people report feeling thicker saliva after consuming dairy, studies have not found a correlation between dairy intake and increased mucus production or congestion.

The immune system's response to a viral infection, like a cold, is a complex process involving white blood cells and other components. It is triggered by the presence of a pathogen, not by the temperature of the food you eat.

Yes, improper handling or storage can lead to foodborne illnesses from contaminated ice cream, caused by bacteria like Listeria. This is a very real risk, unlike catching a cold from the coldness of the ice cream.

Cravings for sugary foods during illness can be linked to the body's need for a quick energy source to fuel the immune system, or it could be a psychological comfort response. However, too much sugar can have a negative impact on the immune response.

For a sore throat, lower-sugar options like fruit sorbet, popsicles, or low-sugar frozen yogurt can be better choices. They provide soothing coolness without the potential inflammatory effect of high sugar.

No, consuming cold food or drinks has a minimal and temporary effect on your overall body temperature. Your body is very efficient at regulating its internal temperature.