Reese Witherspoon's latest TikTok has melted hearts and raised eyebrows in equal measure. The actress, who lives in the currently snow-drenched city of Nashville, Tennessee, filmed herself as she whipped up a drink made from the icy flakes that had accumulated on top of an outdoor structure. Her "Snow Salt Chococinno" is a concoction of, well, snow, salted caramel sauce, chocolate syrup, and cold brew. But while some viewers dubbed the recipe virtual sunshine, others were dubious about the snow's safety.
The comments section became a frenzy of conflicting opinions. While some cheered Witherspoon's creativity, others warned of potential stomach troubles. "U can get seriously sick," one worried fan typed. Reese answered questions in a separate TikTok. She claimed that she had melted the snow in a microwave and it resulted in clear water. She also deadpanned that she (like many other Gen Xrs) didn't grow up drinking filtered water but drank it straight from the tap, and sometimes even the hose in the yard. (Same, Reese. Same.)
The answer is complex. Snow that's safe to eat depends on many factors, including the level of air and ground pollution, how long it has been snowing, and how long the snow has been accumulating. The longer snow sits, the more time it has to gather dust, pollutants, and potentially harmful bacteria.
Ultimately, the choice to indulge in a snowy drink is yours. So, if you're tempted to make Witherspoon's wintery drink, tread carefully, choose your snow wisely, and maybe pack some Pepto-Bismol. And if you're feeling brave, check out our easy recipe for Snow Cream!