If you are searching for dry ice to purchase, note that none of the products below is actual dry ice: they are reusable freezer packs or ice-holding bags, and one listing explicitly says it is not carbon dioxide dry ice. For real dry ice, contact a local supplier and follow its handling and shipping rules. For reusable cooling, MR.ICE sheets are best for flexible shipping sizes, ICE OWL sheets emphasize non-stick cells, and ICE LOCK bags hold ordinary cubed ice without a freezer.
| Product | Best For | What To Know |
|---|---|---|
| MR.ICE Shipping Cold Packs | Food shipping and custom sizing | Water-activated sheets that can be cut |
| ICE OWL Cold Packs | Perishables and larger cells | Four-cell sheets; not CO2 dry ice |
| ICE LOCK Reusable Bags | Coolers and trips | Fill with cubed ice; no freezer needed |
| RIDGECOOL Refillable Packs | Reusable cooler cooling | Fill with water and freeze |
| Lighibeuty Freezer Sheets | Lunch bags and meal prep | Flexible sheets need soaking and freezing |
MR.ICE Shipping Cold Packs
Best for: People who need flexible cold packs for food parcels, coolers, or containers of varying sizes. The listing includes six sheets, each measuring 14 by 13 inches, with 24 cells per sheet. It says the sheets can be cut to size and used for items such as seafood, produce, milk, and beverages.
To use them, soak the sheets in water for about three to five minutes, wipe the surface, then freeze them flat for at least six hours. The listing specifies that these are not carbon dioxide dry ice and do not produce smoke. That distinction matters if your shipment requires actual dry ice or a specific temperature range. Follow the product’s preparation directions, including keeping the mesh side flat while freezing.
ICE OWL Non-Stick Cold Pack Sheets
Best for: Buyers shipping or transporting perishables who want water-activated sheets with larger cells. ICE OWL lists ten sheets measuring 14 by 8.7 inches, with four large cells per sheet. The product description says the sheets absorb water to reach a weight of three pounds and reports cooling for up to 18.5 hours under stated conditions of 0–10°C (32–50°F).
The listing highlights a non-stick design intended to prevent sheets from sticking together after freezing. It also states that this is not CO2 dry ice and produces no smoke. Choose it if the listed sheet size and cell design suit your package; avoid treating its stated duration as a guarantee for every container, load, or ambient temperature.
ICE LOCK Reusable Ice Bags
Best for: Cooler users who can buy or access cubed ice during a trip and want to separate melting ice from food. The two bags are designed to be filled with up to five pounds of cubed ice each. The listing describes a watertight seal, a collapsible design, a handle, and a pour spout for meltwater.
Unlike freezer packs, these bags do not need to be frozen before use. That makes them a practical choice for road trips or campsite refills. The description recommends them for coolers of 40 quarts or larger. Check the seal direction and fill line as directed. Avoid this option if you need a self-contained frozen pack or actual dry ice for a shipping requirement.
RIDGECOOL Refillable Cooler Packs
Best for: Buyers who want reusable packs that can be prepared at home with water. This six-pack includes a funnel for filling; the instructions say to add water, secure the cap, and freeze overnight. The listing claims cooling for 24 to 48 hours and presents the packs as a way to reduce loose ice and soggy food.
Choose these if a refillable, freezer-based option fits your routine and you have enough freezer space to prepare them. The stated cooling duration is a product claim, not a guarantee for every cooler or set of conditions. These are not actual dry ice, so they are not a substitute where a carrier or shipment specifically requires carbon dioxide dry ice.
Lighibeuty Flexible Freezer Sheets
Best for: Lunch bags, meal prep containers, and buyers who prefer thin, flexible cooling sheets over rigid bricks. The listing includes six sheets and describes them as cut-to-size packs for coolers, picnics, travel, and shipping. Their flat shape is intended to fit around food and drinks without taking up the space of bulky blocks.
Before first use, soak the sheets in clean water for three to five minutes, wipe off excess moisture, and freeze them flat for six to eight hours or overnight. This preparation time is a limitation for anyone who needs cooling immediately. The sheets are a reusable freezer-pack alternative, not actual dry ice.
Buying Guide: How To Choose A Cooling Product
Do you need actual dry ice or a reusable cold pack?
Confirm the requirement before purchasing. Actual dry ice is solid carbon dioxide; freezer packs, gel bricks, and ice bags are different products. If a carrier, food-shipping plan, or recipient specifies dry ice, ask the supplier or carrier what product and packaging rules apply. Do not assume a product called a “dry ice pack” contains carbon dioxide.
Are you cooling a shipment, cooler, or lunch bag?
For shipping, consider sheet size, whether the pack can be cut, preparation steps, and the recipient’s handling needs. For a cooler, a refillable pack or an ice bag may be easier to reuse. For lunch bags, thin sheets can fit more easily around containers than large bricks. Match the product format to the available space.
How much preparation can you manage?
Water-activated sheets require soaking and freezing before use. Refillable packs also need time in a freezer. ICE LOCK bags can be filled with cubed ice when available, so they do not require overnight freezing. Check the included directions and plan for the required preparation time.
What should you check before ordering?
Review the quantity, dimensions, filling method, and stated cooling duration. Cooling time varies with the container, contents, insulation, and surrounding temperature, so product claims should not be treated as universal guarantees. If keeping food cold is important, use an appropriate insulated container and check the food’s temperature as needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are these products actual dry ice?
No. The listed products are reusable ice packs, water-activated sheets, or bags for cubed ice. ICE OWL and MR.ICE explicitly describe their products as not CO2 dry ice.
Where can I purchase real dry ice?
Check with local dry ice suppliers, grocery stores, or industrial gas suppliers, and confirm availability directly. Ask the supplier about safe transport, storage, and any rules for your intended use.
Can reusable freezer packs replace dry ice for shipping?
Not automatically. They provide a different type of cooling. Confirm the temperature needs and shipping requirements for the specific food or shipment before choosing a substitute.
Which option works without a freezer?
ICE LOCK can be filled with cubed ice and does not require overnight freezing. The other listed options require freezing or freezer preparation.
How long will these packs keep food cold?
Cooling time depends on the pack, cooler or package, contents, and surrounding conditions. Follow the product directions and do not treat a listed duration as a guarantee for every use.