![Here is Exactly How Long Can You Eat Snow in Montana Before It Goes Bad?](https://townsquare.media/site/108/files/2024/01/attachment-Untitled-design-2024-01-18T144651.449.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Here is Exactly How Long Can You Eat Snow in Montana Before It Goes Bad?
Don't lie! You love eating snow. You have done it since you were a little kid. You are a master at catching snowflakes on your tongue. But, have you ever wondered if the snow was safe to eat? Obviously, the "yellow" snow is something to steer clear of. But, how about the "not so fresh" stuff? It has been a mild winter so far in Missoula, so finding any fresh snow can be a really tough task.
A study was recently done in Romania, to find out how long snow can sit on Earth before it begins to grow bacteria. Snow is fresh water and safe to eat, much like rain. But, after a couple of hours, the snow can develop some unhealthy bacteria.
According to the New York Post
The 2017 experiment showed it was safe to eat snow that was a half-day old, and safer to eat it in the colder months. But by two days old, the snow is not safe to eat, Istvan Mathe, a professor at the Sapientia Hungarian University of Transylvania, told The Associated Press.
The study shows that small amounts of bacteria start to form on snow that is 12 hours old. But, after 24 hours the number is quadrupled.
But don't slap nature's snow cone out of your kid's hands just yet. Professor Mathe says the bacteria levels are not toxic if only ingested in small amounts. So you should be fine as long as you are not using your snow shovel as a spoon.
LOOK: Biggest snowfalls recorded in Montana history
Gallery Credit: Stacker
Fun Indoor Activities Around Missoula to Entertain Your Kids
Gallery Credit: Ryan Nelson
More From 96.3 The Blaze
![Montana State Fair Drops Popular Dish This Year—Big Foodie Shock](http://townsquare.media/site/108/files/2024/07/attachment-GettyImages-121203442.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Montana: The Ideal State to Test Hulk Hogan’s New Beer Brand](http://townsquare.media/site/108/files/2024/07/attachment-GettyImages-481849785.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![National Weather Service Calls for Valley Rain and Mountain Snow](http://townsquare.media/site/119/files/2018/08/rain-Christopher-Furlong-Getty-Images1.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![NWS – Heavy Mountain Snow and Valley Rain Expected This Week](http://townsquare.media/site/119/files/2021/01/rain-Christopher-Furlong-Getty-Images.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Watch Montana Grizzlies Gameplay in EA’s ‘College Football 2025′](http://townsquare.media/site/108/files/2024/07/attachment-Screenshot-2024-07-25-150241.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Missoula Rock Musicians Create Hilarious Ghostbusters Tribute](http://townsquare.media/site/108/files/2024/07/attachment-450410464_122125697942314318_7804514769510529347_n2-e1720644209882.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![WATCH: Giant Yellowstone Eruption Nearly Triggers Catastrophe](http://townsquare.media/site/108/files/2024/07/attachment-Black-Diamond-Yellowstone-National-Park.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Montana Ranks Among Top States with Least Love for Fair Food](http://townsquare.media/site/108/files/2024/07/attachment-blake-guidry-2KgCckEeF2g-unsplash.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![TOTFEST 2024: Montana’s Ultimate Tater Tot Casserole Showdown!](http://townsquare.media/site/108/files/2024/07/attachment-VIP-PRESALE1.jpg?w=980&q=75)