Oscar-winning actress Reese Witherspoon has caused a stir by using snow to make a coffee-caramel drink and sharing the recipe on TikTok. The video, which has been viewed 4.8 million times, shows Witherspoon making a “Snow Salt Chococinno” with snow from her yard, cold brew coffee, and generous amounts of salted caramel and chocolate sauce. However, the idea sparked controversy, with many followers expressing concerns about the cleanliness of snow. In response, Witherspoon posted three additional videos addressing these concerns.
Scientists have indicated that the first snowfall is not the safest to consume due to potential pollutants. Staci Simonich, a professor at Oregon State University, advised that snow from non-urban areas and after the first few centimeters of fall is safer to eat. Meanwhile, Paul Williams, a professor at the University of Reading, warned against eating snow due to potential contamination.
Despite the debate, many dismissed the concerns as overblown. One TikTok user commented that Canadians have been eating snow since childhood without issue. Another user mentioned their family tradition of making snow ice cream without any health problems. Dr. Zachary Rubin, a pediatric allergist, also weighed in on Witherspoon’s post, stating that eating snow is “not a big deal.”
