A good theatrical event or a very special party just isn’t complete without a few essentials, and dry ice is one of them. It’s used to keep things cool, and it can be used for drinks too, as well as making fog if need be! If you’re an event planner, you’ll know that using it makes an enormous difference at events and activities. It’s used for tons of things, and if you want to know where to get it and how to use it, then it’s time to find out…
As a top multinational retail corporation, Walmart operates a chain of hypermarkets and discount department stores. For most people in the U.S, a Walmart is just down the road.
So, does Walmart sell dry ice? Let’s find out…
Can You Buy Dry Ice At Walmart?
Walmart operates approximately 10,500 stores and clubs under 46 banners. It also operates internationally, with 24 countries under its belt. You can find almost any product at your nearest Walmart. The good news is that dry ice is one of them!
Many Walmart locations sell dry ice, and customers can find it in the Penguin freezers. These are usually located next to the cashiers towards the front of the store. Dry ice is a solid form of carbon dioxide, and you might find yourself curious to know how it got its name.
What Is Dry Ice?
When you think about it, the concept of dry ice should be an oxymoron. This type of ice is useful in several situations, which we’ll look into in a minute. The most common form of ice that we use daily is made from water. This, of course, turns back into a liquid once it melts.
Dry ice gets its name based on the fact that it doesn’t melt into a liquid when heated. Instead, it changes directly into a gas. Now that you know more about this form of ice, check out how you can get it from Walmart.
Does Walmart Sell Dry Ice?
You can buy a pound of dry ice for $1.44; however, there is only one brand that Walmart stocks, Penguin Brand Dry Ice, which is also available online, depending on your location.
Some Walmart stores sell dry ice for less than $1.44 per pound! If you’re lucky, you can get it for a dollar. There may be a few instances where the price will be slightly higher because of the location. This shouldn’t discourage you from buying it, though, because the typical dry ice price range is between $1.00 to $3.00.
Always be cautious…
When buying the ice, ask a Walmart associate to handle and package it for you if you don’t have the appropriate work gloves. You can use a pair of thermal work gloves, which are cold resistant. They have a latex coating that makes them ideal when handling dry ice.
Why Some Walmart Stores Don’t Sell Dry Ice
Dry ice can’t be stored with other frozen products. Simply put, it is frozen carbon dioxide, meaning its storing requirements are different from those for regular ice. It needs to be stored at -78.5° C, while most frozen food is stored at -18° C.
Try to plan before buying it and avoid making a spur-of-the-moment purchase. The best way to do this is to contact your local store because you can’t check the stock for dry ice online. A quick call after using Walmart’s Store Locator tool will make your planning easier. Simply enter your ZIP code, city, or state, and the contact details will pop up. You may call the store and enquire whether they sell dry ice or not.
How To Store Dry Ice
Dry ice completely evaporates in 24 hours, so it’s best to buy it within this timeframe before use. When you buy a packet, do not put it in the fridge or freezer. It’s so cold that it doesn’t need to be chilled in any way. Remember, it releases carbon dioxide and should not be kept in an air-tight container.
It’s best if you set it in an empty ice chest with no additional ice in it. Leave the lid off and most certainly out of reach from children and pets. You should keep the bag sealed until right before your activity. A Coleman Ice Chest with 6- inch wheels will make it easier for you to transport the ice from one spot to the next. It’s fully insulated and has a stain-resistant liner that makes it easy to clean.
What Can You Use Dry Ice For?
You can use it to create amazing special effects at events. It can be used to serve up some memorable fun for family and friends. There are many ways to use dry ice. Some top picks for you include using it for camping, emergencies such as power outages, and even for science experiments.
Science Experiments
Dry ice is a fantastic addition to science experiments, and it makes the experiments cool and fun. It also makes science projects entertaining for young learners. When used for projects, anyone handling the ice should use tongs to place a chunk of it into a container.
Events and Activities
In the events industry, dry ice is used to create a magic environment. It gives a touch of drama to the movement of the artists, whether they are actors or musicians. The ice is commonly used in fog machines to cover a floor or stage with a layer of dense fog.
In Drinks and Cocktails
Here’s something you probably didn’t know. You can safely use dry ice in drinks. It sinks to the bottom of drinks and doesn’t harm your beverage. You’ll probably have the most well-chilled drink of your life.
Take note that you don’t want to consume the dry ice in its solid form. It’s best to try it in your drinks when served at a bar or restaurant. There’s a great chance bartenders know best how to serve it in your drinks. Don’t serve it to children because they might tilt a glass too far and let the solid form touch their lips.
Which Other Stores Sell Dry Ice?
Walmart is one of your great options when shopping for ice. Other stores that offer this product include Kroger, Costco, Safeway, Meijer, and Publix. If any of these stores near you don’t have dry ice, you can always check with your local ice cream parlor. There’s a good chance they have it in stock.
Buying Dry Ice Online?
Planning the perfect party? Why not save yourself time and order your dry ice online? We found the Luna Ice 36 Pack -Dry Ice-Dry ice for Shipping Frozen Food-Bulk Ice, as well as the Nice Packs Dry Ice for Coolers – Lunch Box Ice Packs – Dry Ice for Shipping Frozen Food – Reusable, available in 2023.
Or perhaps take a look at the portable the Shipping Ice Packs Reusable Small Dry Ice Pack Sheets 48 PCS, along with the ARCTECH Dry Ice Packs for Coolers – Lunch Box Shipping Frozen Food Lunch Bags, Leak-Proof Gel Refrigerant, Reusable.
For transporting your dry ice, check out these great options such as the Landworks Rotomolded Ice Cooler 45QT Up to 5 Day Ice Retention Commercial Grade Food Safe Dry Ice Compatible UV Protection, the Igloo BMX 52 Quart Cooler with Cool Riser Technology, Fish Ruler, and Tie-Down Points, and finally the Cooler Basket for Yeti Tundra Haul – Wire Cooler Rack for Yeti Haul Wheeled Ice Chest, also available online today.
Does Walmart Sell Dry Ice? – Final Thoughts
Most Walmart stores sell dry ice, and it can be found close to the check-out points. It is cheaper at Walmart than it is at other stores. At less than $2 per pound, you can buy some for different purposes.
It’s useful for preserving frozen foods when there’s a power cut or when you go camping. It can be used for cocktails and drinks but keep it out of children’s reach. If you’re a Walmart membership card holder, enjoy the perks and benefits, including sales and discounts on other products.
Have fun and enjoy your exciting event!
