Is It a Good Idea to Eat Ice Cream When You Have a Cold?

December 25, 2025 •

4 min read

While many people have been told to avoid dairy products when sick, health experts and recent studies confirm that this is largely a myth. The decision to eat ice cream when you have a cold comes down to weighing the potential benefits against the potential drawbacks for your personal symptoms and preferences.

Quick Summary

Eating ice cream can provide temporary relief for a sore throat due to its cold, soothing properties, but its high sugar content may increase inflammation. The belief that dairy increases mucus production is a myth, although it can make existing phlegm feel thicker. Opt for lower-sugar or dairy-free alternatives if concerned about inflammation or dietary sensitivities.

Key Points

Sore Throat Relief: Cold foods like ice cream can provide temporary, soothing relief for a painful sore throat.
Dairy and Mucus Myth: The widely-held belief that dairy products increase mucus production is not supported by scientific evidence.
Sugar's Downside: The high sugar content in many ice creams can potentially increase inflammation, which may not be ideal when sick.
Hydration is Key: Staying well-hydrated is more important than the specific food you eat. Cold treats like sorbet can contribute to fluid intake.
Personal Preference Matters: If a small amount of ice cream brings you comfort without worsening symptoms, it is acceptable. Alternatives like popsicles or smoothies are also good options.
Nutrient-Dense Alternatives: Low-sugar or dairy-free options like sorbets or smoothies with fruit are a good alternative to avoid high sugar intake.
Focus on Rest and Fluids: Regardless of diet, ample rest and fluid intake remain the cornerstones of recovering from a cold.

The Soothing Effects of Cold Foods

When battling a cold, some symptoms, particularly a sore throat, can make swallowing difficult and painful. Cold foods like ice cream can offer a much-needed reprieve. The cool temperature can have a mild numbing or anesthetic effect on the nerve endings in your throat, reducing the pain signals and providing temporary comfort. This can make it easier to consume some calories and stay hydrated, especially if you have a poor appetite. For some, the simple comfort of a frozen treat can also provide a small psychological boost, which is valuable when you're feeling under the weather.

Potential Downsides: Sugar and Inflammation

However, it's important to consider the drawbacks, primarily the high sugar content found in most ice creams. High sugar intake is known to promote inflammation throughout the body and can potentially weaken the immune system's effectiveness. If your symptoms are already fueled by inflammation, a high-sugar dessert could, in theory, exacerbate the issue. For a sore throat, this could mean increased irritation after the initial cooling effect wears off. If you are sensitive to sugar, or if your cold is particularly severe, reaching for alternatives might be a wiser choice.

Debunking the Dairy and Mucus Myth

One of the most persistent myths surrounding the common cold is that consuming dairy products, like milk and ice cream, increases mucus production. This belief, which can be traced back centuries, is not supported by strong scientific evidence. Multiple studies have failed to establish a direct link between dairy consumption and increased mucus production.

The 'Thicker Phlegm' Sensation

So why does it feel like dairy causes more phlegm? The creamy, thick texture of milk can mix with saliva, creating a temporary coating sensation in the mouth and throat that people mistake for excess mucus. While this can make existing phlegm feel thicker and more irritating for some, it does not actually cause your body to produce more. If this sensation is bothersome to you, it's a personal decision whether to avoid dairy, but it is not medically required to aid your recovery.

Ice Cream vs. Other Cold Remedies

Ice cream isn't the only cold or soothing food option available. Depending on your symptoms, other choices might be more beneficial or carry fewer risks. Here is a comparison of different cold remedies:


Remedy	Benefits	Drawbacks	Best For
Ice Cream	Soothes sore throat, provides calories	High in sugar (pro-inflammatory), may cause thicker-feeling phlegm	Temporary sore throat relief, easy calories
Popsicles/Sorbet	Soothing, hydrating, less or no dairy fat	Often high in sugar	Hydration, sore throat relief, dairy-free options
Warm Broth/Soup	Hydrating, soothing, can thin mucus, nutritious	Can be irritating if too hot, some find warm liquids less soothing than cold	Hydration, overall nutrition, thinning mucus
Herbal Tea with Honey	Soothing, antibacterial properties from honey, hydrating	High sugar content if too much honey is added (for infants)	Cough and sore throat relief, hydration
Smoothies	Nutrient-dense with fruits and veggies, hydrating	Some dairy-based options, can be high in sugar if fruit juice is used	Boosting immunity, hydration, easy to swallow

The Role of Rest and Hydration

Regardless of what you choose to eat, the most important aspects of recovering from a cold remain the same: rest and hydration. Giving your body the energy to fight the virus is critical, and staying hydrated prevents dehydration, a common side effect of fever, sweating, and mucus production. The goal with food and drink is to support this process, not replace it. Eating something comforting and easy to swallow, like a small serving of ice cream, can help, but it's not a silver bullet.

Making the Right Choice for You

The right decision is a personal one. If you have a sore throat and a small scoop of ice cream sounds appealing and provides relief, there is no medical reason to avoid it, especially since the dairy-mucus link is a myth. However, if you are concerned about the sugar content or find dairy products irritating, low-sugar or dairy-free alternatives like sorbet or a fruit smoothie can provide similar soothing effects with more nutritional benefits. Focusing on overall hydration and nutrient-rich foods should be your priority, but a little comfort food is perfectly acceptable.

A Final Thought on Symptom Management

When considering what to eat, listen to your body. What provides comfort to one person might not work for another. If you notice certain foods seem to worsen your symptoms, regardless of popular belief, it's best to avoid them. Ultimately, supporting your body with rest and fluid intake will be the most effective strategy for a speedy recovery.

For more information on the common cold and what helps, consider consulting a reliable medical resource such as WebMD.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, eating ice cream can provide temporary relief for a sore throat. The cold temperature can help numb the pain and reduce swelling, making swallowing easier. Opt for smoother, less sugary options if possible.

No, this is a long-standing myth. Scientific evidence does not support the claim that dairy products increase mucus production. The creamy texture of dairy can temporarily make existing mucus feel thicker, but it does not create more of it.

Both hot and cold foods can be soothing, and it depends on personal preference. Cold foods can numb the throat and reduce swelling, while warm liquids can help clear congestion and feel comforting. Try both to see what feels best for you.

Yes, alternatives like fruit sorbet, popsicles, yogurt, or a smoothie can provide similar cold relief while offering more hydration or nutrients. They are also excellent options if you are sensitive to dairy or high sugar levels.

High sugar intake can promote inflammation and may weaken the immune system's response over time. While a small scoop of ice cream is unlikely to have a major impact, a diet high in sugar isn't recommended when trying to recover from an illness.

The most critical steps for cold recovery are staying hydrated with plenty of fluids and getting adequate rest. Eating easy-to-swallow, nutrient-rich foods helps, but rest and hydration are your top priorities.

It is generally not bad to eat ice cream with a cold. The main consideration is the sugar content, which can increase inflammation. However, the temporary relief from a sore throat can be beneficial. Moderation is key.