Why Does Eating Ice Cream Give Me a Cold? Unmasking the Popular Myth

January 6, 2026 •

4 min read

The common cold is a viral infection, not a temperature-induced illness. So, why does eating ice cream give me a cold in some people's perception? The answer lies in misunderstood bodily reactions and coincidence, not the frozen treat itself.

Quick Summary

Eating ice cream does not cause a cold, which is a viral infection. The perception likely stems from throat irritation, immune responses, or simple coincidence.

Key Points

Viral Cause: The common cold is caused by viruses, not by the temperature of food or drink.
Throat Irritation: The coldness of ice cream can temporarily irritate a sensitive throat, mimicking the onset of a cold.
Dairy Misconception: Dairy does not increase mucus production, though it can cause a temporary perception of thicker mucus.
Coincidence: Feeling sick after eating ice cream is likely a coincidence, as you may have already been exposed to a cold virus.
Immune System: The actual cause of sickness is a weakened immune system or recent viral exposure, not the frozen treat.
Allergic Reactions: In some people, a dairy intolerance or other allergy could cause symptoms that are confused with a head cold.
Soothing Effect: Ironically, for those with a sore throat, ice cream can provide a soothing, numbing effect that helps relieve discomfort.

The Viral Truth Behind the Common Cold

Contrary to a long-held myth, the common cold is caused by viruses, most commonly rhinoviruses, and not by cold weather or chilly foods. These viruses are highly contagious and are spread from person to person through respiratory droplets in the air or by touching contaminated surfaces. When a person who is already sick sneezes or coughs, they release these viral particles, which can then be inhaled by others or transferred from surfaces to the eyes, nose, or mouth. A person's body temperature, whether raised by warm food or lowered by a frozen dessert, has no bearing on the presence or transmission of these viruses.

How Viruses Enter Your System

For an infection to occur, a virus must enter the body through the mucous membranes. These are the linings of your nose, eyes, and mouth. A cold virus has an incubation period of 12 hours to three days, and once inside, it begins to replicate. You could be exposed to a virus hours or even days before you enjoy that scoop of ice cream, with symptoms only appearing later. The brain's natural tendency to seek patterns can lead us to incorrectly associate the ice cream with the onset of symptoms, simply because the timing coincided.

The Chilling Sensation vs. Actual Illness

While ice cream does not cause the common cold, its temperature can affect your body in ways that might be misinterpreted as the first signs of sickness.

Temporary Throat Irritation

Consuming very cold food or drink can temporarily irritate the lining of your throat, especially if it's already sensitive. This can cause a temporary feeling of soreness or scratchiness that feels similar to a cold's early symptoms. However, this is a localized effect caused by temperature, not a full-blown infection.

The Allergic or Intolerance Response

Some individuals may have a dairy intolerance or a food allergy to an ingredient in the ice cream. A dairy intolerance can trigger symptoms that mimic a head cold, such as increased mucus production, a runny nose, and sinus congestion. For those who are lactose intolerant, consuming ice cream can also lead to digestive issues, creating general discomfort that could be mistaken for feeling unwell.

Ice Cream vs. Other Foods: A Comparison

To better understand why this myth persists, consider the different effects of various foods and drinks on your body, especially concerning cold symptoms. This table highlights the primary ways different consumables might interact with your respiratory system and overall health.


Feature	Ice Cream	Warm Tea or Soup	Spicy Foods
Effect on Body Temperature	Provides a temporary, localized cooling sensation in the mouth and throat.	Provides overall warming and can feel soothing.	Can induce sweating, which cools the body as it evaporates.
Symptom Relief (Sore Throat)	Can provide a soothing, numbing effect that temporarily reduces the pain of a sore throat.	Can provide a soothing effect and help clear congestion.	Can help clear sinuses and relieve congestion due to natural decongestant properties.
Effect on Mucus	Some people feel dairy thickens existing mucus, but it does not increase production.	Hot liquids help thin out mucus, making it easier to expel.	Can help to thin mucus, similar to hot liquids.
Allergy/Intolerance Risk	High for those with dairy allergies or lactose intolerance, causing cold-like symptoms.	Low, depending on specific ingredients, unless you have an intolerance to a component like a specific herb.	Low risk of allergy, though can cause irritation in some sensitive individuals.

How to Avoid Getting a Cold

If the myth about ice cream is false, what can you do to actually prevent getting sick? The most effective methods involve avoiding viral transmission.

Wash your hands frequently: Use soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after being in public places.
Avoid touching your face: Viruses can enter your system through the eyes, nose, and mouth, so it's important to keep your hands away from your face.
Stay away from sick people: If you know someone is sick, try to maintain a safe distance, as viruses are highly contagious.
Strengthen your immune system: A healthy diet, regular exercise, and adequate sleep help ensure your body is ready to fight off infections effectively.
Use hand sanitizer: If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer to kill germs.
Clean surfaces: Regularly disinfect frequently touched surfaces, like doorknobs and phones, to reduce the spread of germs.

Conclusion: Enjoy Your Treat Responsibly

Ultimately, eating ice cream does not give you a cold. The perceived link is a common myth rooted in a misunderstanding of how illnesses are transmitted and the body's natural reactions. While consuming very cold items can temporarily irritate the throat or trigger symptoms in those with dairy sensitivities, it is a viral infection that causes a cold. So, the next time you crave a frozen treat, feel free to enjoy it without fear of catching a cold. Just be mindful of hygiene and a balanced diet to support your immune system. You can learn more about the common cold from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, eating ice cream cannot cause a viral infection. Viral infections like the common cold are spread through viral pathogens, not by consuming cold foods or experiencing a drop in body temperature.

The extreme coldness can temporarily irritate the sensitive lining of your throat, causing a sensation of soreness or scratchiness in some individuals. This is a localized temperature effect, not an infection.

While some people perceive their mucus to be thicker after consuming dairy, studies show that dairy products do not actually increase the production of phlegm. This perception is usually temporary and doesn't worsen the illness.

There is no scientific reason to avoid ice cream when you have a cold. In fact, for a sore throat, the cold temperature can be quite soothing. You should, however, consume it in moderation, especially if you have a sugar sensitivity.

The common cold is caused by viral pathogens, most often rhinoviruses. These viruses are transmitted from person to person through respiratory droplets from coughing or sneezing, or by touching contaminated surfaces.

Yes, symptoms of dairy intolerance or a dairy allergy, such as increased mucus, nasal congestion, and throat irritation, can sometimes be mistaken for the symptoms of a head cold.

The increased prevalence of colds during colder months is primarily due to behavioral factors. People tend to spend more time indoors and in closer proximity to one another, which facilitates the easy spread of viruses.