Does ice have any calories? Unpacking the Nutrition Diet Myth

November 10, 2025 •

4 min read

A 2013 study found that drinking water can significantly increase satiety and boost metabolic rate, yet a common question still lingers for those focused on a nutrition diet: does ice have any calories?. The straightforward answer is no, because ice is simply water in its frozen state. However, the role of ice water in weight management is slightly more complex and has given rise to various diet myths.

Quick Summary

Ice, as frozen water, contains zero calories. While some theories suggest consuming ice water can aid weight loss by burning a negligible amount of calories to warm the body, the overall impact on metabolism is minor. The true value of incorporating ice and water into a healthy diet lies in staying properly hydrated, which offers far more significant health benefits for weight management and overall wellness.

Key Points

Zero Calories: Ice is frozen water, and since water contains no calories, ice is a zero-calorie substance.
Limited Metabolic Effect: Consuming ice or ice water causes a very small, negligible increase in calorie burn as the body warms it to core temperature, a process called thermogenesis.
Hydration Benefits: The primary benefit of consuming ice or water is staying hydrated, which supports healthy metabolic function, organ performance, and appetite control.
Dietary Myth: The "ice diet" is an ineffective and unsustainable myth for weight loss, as it offers no nutritional value and carries health risks like nutrient deficiencies.
No Substitute for a Healthy Diet: Eating ice is not a replacement for a balanced diet and regular exercise, which are the fundamental components of effective and sustainable weight management.

Is Ice a Zero-Calorie Food?

At its most fundamental level, ice is a solid form of water. The simple chemical composition of water, $H_{2}O$, is free of any macronutrients—carbohydrates, proteins, or fats—that contain caloric energy. Therefore, by definition, ice itself contains zero calories. This is a crucial distinction for anyone tracking their caloric intake as part of a nutrition diet.

The Science Behind Calories and Ice

Calories are units of energy that our bodies use for daily functions. These are derived from the macronutrients in the food and drinks we consume. Since ice contains none of these, it cannot provide any energy to the body. This scientific fact helps debunk many popular myths surrounding ice and diet plans.

The "Ice Diet" Myth and Cold-Induced Thermogenesis

Some diet fads and social media trends, often dubbed the "ice diet" or "ice hack," claim that eating ice can lead to significant weight loss. This idea is based on a process called thermogenesis, where the body expends energy to maintain its core temperature when exposed to cold. The theory suggests that by consuming ice or ice-cold water, the body is forced to burn calories to warm it up.

While cold-induced thermogenesis is a real physiological process, its impact from drinking ice water is minimal. For example, one source suggests that drinking a glass of ice-cold water might burn around 17 calories. This is an insignificant number compared to the hundreds or thousands of calories consumed daily and is not a sustainable or effective strategy for weight loss. Moreover, relying on such a method is not a substitute for a balanced nutrition plan and regular exercise.

Potential Risks of the "Ice Diet"

Attempting to substitute meals with ice is a risky and nutritionally empty endeavor. This can lead to serious health problems, including:

Nutrient Deficiencies: Ice provides no vitamins, minerals, or other essential nutrients required for bodily functions.
Metabolic Slowdown: Severe calorie restriction from replacing meals with ice can cause the metabolism to slow down, counteracting the desired effect.
Dental Damage: Compulsive chewing of ice, a condition known as pagophagia, can damage tooth enamel, leading to sensitivity, cracks, and other dental issues.
Increased Hunger: The feeling of fullness from ice is temporary, and the intense cravings that follow can lead to overeating and binge eating.

Water, Hydration, and the Nutrition Diet

The real benefit of consuming water, whether frozen or liquid, comes from its role in hydration. Proper hydration is a cornerstone of any successful nutrition and weight management plan. Drinking water offers several advantages that are far more impactful than the negligible thermogenic effect of ice:

Appetite Control: Drinking a glass of water before meals can help you feel full, leading to reduced food intake.
Metabolism Support: Proper hydration supports the metabolic processes that burn calories.
Reduced Caloric Intake: Swapping sugary beverages like soda, juice, or sweetened teas for water can eliminate a significant number of empty calories from your diet.
Improved Energy and Brain Function: Even mild dehydration can impair cognitive function and lead to fatigue. Staying hydrated ensures your body operates efficiently.

Cold Water vs. Warm Water for Weight Loss

While there is minor scientific discussion on whether cold or warm water is better for weight loss, the consensus is that the temperature difference has a negligible impact on a long-term diet plan. The most important factor is consistent hydration, regardless of temperature. For some people, cold water might be more palatable, encouraging greater intake. For others, warm water may aid digestion.

Comparison of Water Temperatures for Weight Loss


Feature	Cold Water/Ice Water	Room Temperature/Warm Water
Calorie Burn	Negligible increase due to thermogenesis.	None from warming.
Hydration	Excellent for replenishing fluids, especially during exercise.	Excellent for daily hydration, potentially reduces thirst less effectively.
Appetite	Can create a temporary feeling of fullness.	Can create a feeling of fullness before a meal, aiding portion control.
Metabolism	Slight, brief boost due to thermogenesis.	Supports overall metabolic function without a temperature-based boost.
Effectiveness for Weight Loss	Minimal contribution on its own; not a substitute for diet and exercise.	Minimal direct contribution; supports a healthy diet and active lifestyle.

The Conclusion: Ice is Calorie-Free, But it's Not a Magic Bullet

To answer the question, does ice have any calories? unequivocally: no, it does not. Ice is a simple, calorie-free component of water. While the idea that eating ice or drinking ice-cold water could burn a significant number of calories is appealing, the reality is that the effect is extremely minor and unreliable for meaningful weight loss. The true nutritional value for a diet and weight management plan lies in a comprehensive approach. Focus on maintaining consistent hydration by drinking plenty of water, incorporating nutrient-rich foods, and engaging in regular physical activity. This holistic strategy is the only proven and sustainable path to achieving and maintaining a healthy weight.

For more information on sustainable weight management, consider consulting the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's guidelines on healthier drinks..

Frequently Asked Questions

No, the difference in calorie burn is negligible. While the body expends a very small amount of energy to warm cold water, the effect is so minimal it does not lead to any meaningful or measurable weight loss.

No, eating ice is not a healthy or sustainable method for weight loss. It provides zero nutrients and can lead to serious deficiencies, metabolic issues, and increased hunger and cravings in the long term.

Compulsive ice chewing can damage your teeth and lead to enamel erosion, sensitivity, and broken teeth. This is a serious risk that outweighs any perceived benefits for dieting.

Yes, drinking enough water can support weight loss by helping you feel full and reducing overall calorie intake, particularly when used to replace sugary beverages. It also boosts metabolism and helps the body function optimally.

Most water flavor enhancers are labeled as calorie-free. However, it is always best to check the nutrition facts on the specific product to ensure it doesn't contain any hidden calories or sugars.

For most healthy individuals, drinking ice water is safe. However, in some cases, it can trigger headaches in people with migraines or worsen symptoms like congestion. Some traditional health practices also advise against it, though this is not backed by strong scientific evidence.

In a strict nutritional sense, ice is not a food item. It contains no calories and offers no nutritional value other than hydration once it melts. It can, however, be a useful tool for hydration on a nutrition diet.