where to buy dry ice
You can usually buy dry ice at big grocery chains, some gas stations, and local ice or gas suppliers, but you should always call ahead because stock varies and sells out fast.
Quick Scoop: Where to Buy Dry Ice
1. Big grocery and warehouse stores
These are often the easiest places to start.
- Large supermarkets: Walmart, Kroger, Safeway, Albertsons, Publix, H‑E‑B, Meijer, Hy‑Vee, Winn‑Dixie often carry dry ice, usually in a special freezer near the front or customer service desk.
- Warehouse clubs: Some locations of Costco and similar membership clubs sell dry ice; policies vary by store, so phoning first saves a trip.
- How to get it: In many stores, you need to ask at the service desk or a staff member with a key; it’s not always self‑serve like bagged ice.
“Don’t just walk around the freezer aisle hoping to spot it. Ask customer service right away; it’s often in a back or side freezer.”
2. Gas stations and convenience stores
For smaller quantities or late‑night needs, a few convenience chains may stock dry ice.
- Certain gas stations (examples mentioned online include Speedway, 7‑Eleven, Wawa in the U.S.) sometimes resell branded dry ice blocks.
- Availability is hit‑or‑miss; many forum users say they always call first because some locations simply don’t carry it or are out of stock.
3. Dedicated dry ice and ice companies
If you need a lot of dry ice or buy it regularly, going straight to a supplier can be easier.
- Dry ice manufacturers/distributors: Companies like Airgas and regional dry ice firms sell it directly by the pound; many are open to the public at specific hours.
- Local ice houses: Businesses that sell bagged ice for events often also stock dry ice, especially in big cities and tourist areas.
- These suppliers are good for bulk orders, special effects (fog, Halloween), or shipping/medical use.
4. Online locators and directories
If you’re not sure who sells it near you, use an online finder.
- Brand/store locators:
- Penguin Brand Dry Ice has a “where to buy” locator listing thousands of grocery stores that stock their product.
- General directories:
- Sites that list “dry ice near me” or dry‑ice directory services can show nearby retailers and dedicated suppliers worldwide; you still need to confirm hours and stock by phone.
5. Typical price and quantities
Knowing what to expect makes the purchase smoother.
- Price: Commonly around 1–3 USD per pound, depending on store and region.
- Forms: Usually sold as blocks/bricks or small pellets; blocks are common for coolers, pellets for special effects or more even cooling.
- Minimums: Some suppliers sell by the pound with no minimum, others have a minimum like 5–10 pounds, which is a common complaint on forums.
6. Safety tips (important)
Dry ice is powerful but needs careful handling.
- Never handle it with bare skin; use thick insulated gloves or tongs to avoid frostbite‑like burns (it’s about −109°F / −78°C).
- Transport in an insulated cooler with the lid loosely closed so gas can vent; do not seal it in an airtight container because pressure can build up and cause damage or injury.
- Store in a well‑ventilated area, not in a small sealed room or a fridge/freezer; as it sublimates, it turns into carbon dioxide gas.
- Keep away from children and pets, and follow any printed instructions from the brand or store.
7. Quick “where to buy” snapshot (HTML table)
| Place to check | What to expect | When it’s ideal |
|---|---|---|
| Big grocery stores (Walmart, Kroger, Safeway, etc.) | [1]Dry ice by the pound; ask at service desk or special freezer. | [1]Everyday use, parties, camping trips, cooler transport. | [1]
| Warehouse clubs (Costco, others) | [8][1]Varies by location; sometimes larger blocks, good prices. | [1]Medium to large events, road trips, bulk cooling. | [8][1]
| Gas stations & convenience stores (some chains) | [3][1]Small stock, often branded dry ice, must call ahead. | [3][1]Last‑minute purchases, small projects. | [3][1]
| Dry ice suppliers / Airgas / local ice houses | [7][3]Larger quantities, business hours, sometimes delivery options. | [5][7]Commercial use, shipping, special effects, big events. | [5][7]
| Online locators & directories | [2][5]Helps you find nearby retailers and suppliers worldwide. | [2][5]Planning ahead, traveling, new city or country. | [2]
Always call the store or supplier before you go. Dry ice sells out quickly around holidays, heat waves, and big event weekends.
TL;DR: Check big grocery chains and warehouse clubs first, then gas stations or local ice/dry‑ice suppliers, and use online locators to confirm who has dry ice in stock near you—always call ahead and handle it with proper gloves and ventilation.
Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.