Whether you need to keep frozen food cold during a power outage, create fog effects for a Halloween party, or ship perishable goods across the country, knowing where to buy dry ice and how to handle it properly makes all the difference. This solid form of carbon dioxide sits at a frigid -109.3 degrees Fahrenheit, which means it can freeze skin on contact and sublimates directly into gas rather than melting into a puddle. That combination of extreme cold and clean evaporation is exactly what makes it so useful, but it also means you need to plan your purchase carefully. Below, you will find a complete guide covering what dry ice is, where to find it in stores and online, safety precautions, and the best options for different needs.
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What Is Dry Ice and Who Needs It
Dry ice is the solid form of carbon dioxide gas, compressed and frozen to an extremely low temperature of -109.3 degrees Fahrenheit. Unlike regular frozen water, it does not melt into liquid. Instead, it undergoes sublimation, transitioning directly from a solid to a gas. This process is what makes it so valuable as a cooling agent for shipping frozen food, preserving biological samples, creating theatrical smoke effects, and dozens of industrial applications like dry ice blasting for cleaning equipment. Anyone who needs to keep items extremely cold without the mess of water runoff will benefit from having this product on hand. Event planners, caterers, hunters transporting game, campers without refrigeration, and science educators all rely on it regularly. It is also popular around Halloween for creating dramatic visual effects at parties and haunted houses.
What to Look For When Buying Dry Ice: Features and Buying Criteria
Block versus pellet form. This product comes in two main forms. Blocks are large, dense slabs that last longer because they have less surface area exposed to warm air. Smaller pieces break apart more easily and distribute evenly in a cooler, but they lose mass faster. Choose blocks for long-duration cooling and smaller granules for smoke effects or quick-chill applications.
Quantity needed. A general rule is five to ten pounds per twenty-four-hour period for a standard cooler. If you are shipping frozen food overnight, plan for ten to fifteen pounds depending on package size and how well you protect the container. Buying too little means your items thaw before arrival.
Freshness and timing. Because this product turns to gas continuously, it loses mass from the moment it is produced. Pick it up as close to the time you will use it as possible. Even stored in a well-padded cooler, it loses roughly five to ten pounds per day. Never buy it more than a few hours before you need it.
Container protection. A thick-walled Styrofoam cooler works best. Standard plastic coolers with thin walls allow faster sublimation. Wrapping the container in towels or blankets helps slow the rate at which cold escapes, but never seal it in an airtight space because the buildup of carbon dioxide can create dangerous pressure.
Food-grade certification. If you plan to use it near food or beverages, confirm that the product you purchase is food-grade. Most grocery store and retail options meet this standard, but industrial suppliers may carry technical-grade products intended only for cleaning or shipping.
What to Avoid When Buying Dry Ice
Storing it in a sealed container. Never place it in an airtight container, tightly sealed cooler, or your freezer. As it turns to gas, the released CO2 builds pressure that can cause the container to burst. Always leave the lid slightly cracked or use a container with ventilation.
Handling with bare hands. Direct contact with skin causes frostbite within seconds. Always wear insulated gloves or use tongs when handling it. Standard kitchen gloves are not thick enough to protect against the extremely cold temperature.
Using it in an enclosed room. As the product turns to gas, it releases carbon dioxide that can displace oxygen in a poorly ventilated area. Always work in a well-ventilated space. If you feel dizzy or short of breath, move to fresh air immediately. Elevated carbon dioxide levels in a small room pose a real health and safety risk.
Buying too far in advance. Unlike frozen water you can keep in your freezer indefinitely, this product has a limited lifespan regardless of storage method. Purchasing it a day or two early guarantees you will have significantly less than what you paid for by the time you need it.
Where to Buy Dry Ice In Store
Several major retailers and specialty suppliers stock this product. Availability can vary by location and season, so calling ahead is always a smart move.
Walmart
Many Walmart locations stock dry ice near the front of the store, typically in a dedicated Penguin Brand freezer chest near the checkout lanes or customer service area. Expect to pay around $1.00 to $2.50 per pound depending on your region. Check availability on their site before making the trip, as not every location carries it year-round. Stock is most reliable during the summer and around Halloween.
Safeway
Safeway stores in many regions carry dry ice, usually found in a standalone freezer near the front registers or the frozen food section. Pricing is similar to Walmart. Ask the customer service desk if you cannot locate the freezer chest, as placement varies by store layout.
Costco
Select Costco warehouse locations offer dry ice, often at competitive per-pound pricing. Availability tends to be seasonal and location-dependent, so check with your local warehouse before visiting. Costco is a good option when you need a larger quantity for shipping or event use.
Kroger and Other Regional Grocery Chains
Many Kroger, Meijer, H-E-B, and Publix locations also carry dry ice, especially during peak demand seasons. Look for a standalone chest freezer near the entrance or ask at the service counter. You may need to be eighteen years old or older to purchase it, depending on local regulations.
Specialty Gas and Supply Companies
Companies like Continental Carbonic operate more than thirty-five locations across the United States and Canada, offering bulk quantities at competitive prices. Praxair, now part of Linde, is another major supplier that provides high-purity CO2 products for both commercial and consumer needs. CeeKay Supply in St. Louis manufactures and distributes dry ice locally with custom sizing options. Call ahead when ordering large quantities from any specialty supplier.
Tip: Call ahead to confirm stock, especially during Halloween and summer months when demand spikes. Smaller grocery locations may carry limited supply or run out quickly during peak season.
Where to Buy Dry Ice Online
Ordering online works well when you need a guaranteed quantity delivered on a specific date. Because the product turns to gas during transit, reputable online vendors add extra weight to offset the loss.
Dry Ice Delivered
Dry Ice Delivered ships across the United States and includes additional weight in each shipment to compensate for sublimation during transit. Simply visit their site, select the amount you need, and choose your shipping speed. Overnight and two-day options are available. This is a reliable option for consumers who do not live near a store that carries it.
Amazon
Amazon lists several related products from third-party sellers, including cold packs and shipping kits. While you cannot always buy straight blocks through Amazon due to shipping restrictions, you can find accessories and shipping supplies that complement your purchase from a local supplier.
Penguin Brand Dry Ice
Penguin Brand is one of the most recognized names in this category. Their store locator tool helps you find the nearest retailer that stocks their product. Many grocery stores and big-box retailers carry Penguin Brand in dedicated freezer chests.
The Iceman
The Iceman services the Greater Toronto Area and beyond, offering shipping across the United States, Canada, and internationally. Their trained customer service team can help you determine the right quantity for your needs. Contact them by phone at 416-504-6615 for custom orders.
Top Picks for Buying Dry Ice
Best for convenience: Walmart Penguin Brand. Available at hundreds of locations nationwide, Penguin Brand is the easiest option for most consumers. Expect to pay around $1.00 to $2.50 per pound. Check the freezer near checkout for availability.
Best for online orders: Dry Ice Delivered. Their add-extra-weight policy means you receive close to the amount you ordered even after transit sublimation. Ideal for anyone without a local retailer. Pricing varies by quantity and shipping speed.
Best for bulk and commercial use: Continental Carbonic. With over thirty-five locations and custom block sizing, they serve businesses that need large, reliable quantities at a lower per-pound cost. Call ahead for pricing and availability.
Best for Canadian buyers: The Iceman. Serving the GTA with delivery options across Canada and the US, they are the go-to source for buyers north of the border. Phone ordering makes it easy to get the right quantity for your project.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does dry ice last?
In a standard cooler, dry ice typically lasts eighteen to twenty-four hours, losing about five to ten pounds per day through sublimation. A higher-quality padded container slows this process. The quantity you start with also matters because a larger block lasts longer than the same weight in pellets due to less exposed surface area.
How much does dry ice cost?
Retail prices generally range from $1.00 to $3.00 per pound at grocery stores and big-box retailers. Buying in bulk from a specialty supplier can bring the cost down. Online orders cost more due to expedited shipping and the extra weight added to offset sublimation loss.
Is it legal to buy dry ice?
Yes, it is legal to purchase in all fifty US states and across Canada. Some retailers require buyers to be at least eighteen years old. There are no permits required for personal use, though commercial quantities may be subject to safety and transportation regulations.
Can you put dry ice in drinks?
Food-grade product can be placed in beverages to create a dramatic smoke effect. However, you must never swallow or chew a piece because the extremely cold temperature causes severe internal frostbite. Wait until the piece has fully turned to gas before drinking. Use only small granules and allow them to dissolve completely.
Does Walmart sell dry ice year round?
Many Walmart locations stock it throughout the year, but availability depends on the individual store and regional demand. Stock is most consistent during the summer grilling season and around Halloween. Call your local store to confirm before making a trip.
How should I dispose of unused dry ice?
Place leftover pieces in an open, airy area and let them turn to gas naturally. Never put them in a sink, toilet, or sealed garbage container. Do not leave them in an unventilated room or a closed vehicle because the released carbon dioxide can displace oxygen and create a health and safety hazard.
Reviewed by the wheretobuyguides.com editorial team. Last updated: March 2026.
Whether you grab a bag from the freezer chest at your local grocery store or order a bulk shipment from a specialty supplier, finding the right source for dry ice comes down to timing, quantity, and safe handling. Plan your purchase close to when you need it, wear protective gloves, and always work in a well-ventilated space.