Health, diet & safety
Is it safe to have ice in drinks in Morocco?
- Good venues
- Usually filtered/bottled ice — fine
- Street stalls
- Skip if unsure of the source
- The risk
- Ice from untreated tap water
- Safe default
- Order drinks 'sans glace'
Quick answer
It depends where. Reputable hotels, riads and tourist-facing restaurants generally use ice made from filtered or bottled water, and their ice is usually fine. At street stalls, very cheap eateries, and anywhere you can't judge the water source, the cautious choice is to skip ice, since ice made from untreated tap water carries the same small risk as drinking the tap water itself. If you have a sensitive stomach, especially in your first days, ordering drinks without ice is the safe default.
Ice is only as safe as its water
The question of ice comes down to one thing: what water was it frozen from? Freezing doesn't kill the organisms that cause travellers' stomach upsets, so ice made from untreated tap water carries the same small risk as drinking that tap water. That's why the standard travel caution links the two — if you're being careful with tap water, it's logical to be a little careful with ice too. See can you drink the tap water?
The good news is that in practice, most ice you'll encounter at good establishments is made from safe water, so this is a minor concern rather than a reason for anxiety.
Where ice is fine, and where to skip it
At reputable hotels, riads, and restaurants that cater to visitors, ice is generally made from filtered or bottled water and is fine — many also buy commercially produced ice, which is made from treated water. In these settings, a cold drink with ice is rarely a problem. Where the cautious approach kicks in is at street stalls, roadside cafés, very cheap local eateries, and anywhere the water source is unknown or the setting looks basic. There, skipping the ice removes a small, avoidable risk.
If you're unsure, you can simply ask for your drink sans glace (without ice). Bottled soft drinks, bottled water and hot drinks like tea and coffee sidestep the question entirely.
A sensible approach
For most travellers, a practical rule is: enjoy ice at places you'd trust for a salad or fresh juice, and skip it where you wouldn't. In your first day or two, while your system adjusts, it's worth being a little more conservative. In Marrakech's heat, staying hydrated matters more than the ice itself, so lean on bottled or safe water and cold bottled drinks rather than worrying about every cube.
For the wider food-safety picture, see how to avoid food poisoning and is fruit safe?
Related questions
Can I have ice in my drink in Morocco?
At good hotels and restaurants, usually yes — their ice is typically made from filtered or bottled water. At street stalls or unknown venues, the cautious choice is to skip it.
Why might ice be risky?
Freezing doesn't kill the organisms that cause stomach upsets, so ice made from untreated tap water carries the same small risk as the tap water itself.
How do I order a drink without ice?
Ask for it 'sans glace' (without ice). Bottled drinks, bottled water and hot tea or coffee avoid the question altogether.
Is ice in fresh orange juice safe?
At busy, reputable stalls it's often fine, but if you're being cautious, ask for the juice neat without added ice or water, and choose a vendor with high turnover.