Cold Packs vs. Dry Ice: Which is Better for Shipping Frozen Goods

Temperature-controlled shipping can be difficult & can damage the goods if not kept within their ideal environment. If you’re considering shipping frozen goods, it is important to ensure that the items remain at the correct temperature throughout the transit.  

When finding the right cooling solution for perishable goods shipping, the choice often narrows down to cold packs vs dry ice. Each method has its advantages and disadvantages, making them suitable for different situations. In this blog, we'll explore the key differences between cold packs and dry ice, and help you determine the best methods for shipping frozen foods. 

Cold packs, also known as gel packs, are flexible packs filled with a gel-like substance that can be frozen. They are widely used in shipping because they are reusable, non-toxic, and can maintain a stable temperature for an extended period. They freeze at a temperature slightly below 0°C (32°F). As they do so, they absorb heat from the ambient air, which helps maintain cool temperatures inside the package. 

• Safe to Use: Cold packs are considered non-toxic and safer to handle as compared to dry ice, which can cause burns if touched directly.  

• Cost Effective: They’re an economical choice for shippers shipping regularly because of their property to be refrozen and reused multiple times. 

• Controlled Cooling: Cold packs provide a consistent cooling effect, making them ideal for goods that need to stay cold but not frozen solid. 

• Easy to Handle: They do not require special handling or packaging, which simplifies the shipping process. 

• Contamination-Free: Since cold packs are gel-like substances sealed in poly bags, they eliminate the possibility of contaminating your products. 

• Perishable Goods Shipping: Ice gel packs are widely used for shipping perishable goods like fresh produce, dairy, meats, and seafood. They maintain a safe and consistent temperature during transit, preventing spoilage and ensuring products reach their destination in perfect condition. 

• Pharmaceutical Goods: Maintaining strict temperature control is crucial for temperature-sensitive medications and vaccines. Ice packs ensure a stable environment within boxes to ensure that the shipments remain intact during transit. 

• Online Deliveries: With online grocery shopping on the rise, ice gel packs have become a common norm for insulated packaging. They ensure that groceries such as frozen foods, dairy, and fresh produce remain cold until they reach customers' homes. 

• Processed Food: Using ice packs is a great way to maintain the temperature of processed products like cheeses, chocolates, and fine wines. 

• Limited Cooling Capacity: Cold packs can only maintain temperatures between 2°C and 8°C, making them unsuitable for goods that require extremely low temperatures. 

• Add on Weight: Cold packs can be bulky, which may increase shipping costs. 

• Space Consumption: Ice gel packs can reduce the available space for the products by taking up a significant amount of room in a package. This can be a concern, especially for businesses looking to optimize shipping expenses. 

Dry ice is the solid form of carbon dioxide (CO2) and is extremely cold, with a temperature of -109.3°F (-78.5°C). It’s called “dry” because it does not melt into a liquid as traditional ice does; instead, it sublimates directly from a solid to a gas.  

• Exceptionally Low Temperatures: Dry ice can keep items frozen for an extended period, making it ideal for shipping perishable goods like ice cream, frozen meats, and biological samples. 

• Lightweight: Dry ice is lighter than cold packs, which can help reduce shipping costs. 

• Ideal for Long-Distance Shipping: It provides consistent cooling over long distances and extended periods, making it suitable for cross-border shipments. 

• Frozen Food Shipments: Dry ice is an ideal choice to ship frozen foods long distances. It keeps frozen meats, ice cream, and seafood at low temperatures, preventing thawing and maintaining food safety. 
• Specialized Chemical Shipments: Some chemicals and laboratory substances need refrigeration during transport to prevent degradation. Dry ice is ideal for maintaining consistent low temperatures. 
• Aerospace and Industrial Parts: Sensitive aerospace components and industrial parts are often shipped with dry ice to protect them from extreme temperatures, ensuring they arrive in optimal condition. 
• Frozen Meal Kits: Dry ice is often used to keep these frozen meal kits at ideal temperature which increases the shelf-life of these food items.  

• Handling Hazards: Dry ice can cause severe burns if handled without proper gloves. It also sublimates into CO2, which can displace oxygen in enclosed spaces and can cause suffocation if not used in a well-ventilated area. 

• Regulatory Restrictions: Shipping dry ice requires compliance with various regulations, including labeling and packaging requirements set by carriers and international bodies. 

• Non-Reusable: Dry ice can only be used once per shipment because it sublimates in the atmosphere.  

1. Type of Products 

Cold Packs are ideal for shipping perishables that need to stay cold but not frozen, such as dairy products, chocolates, pharmaceuticals, and fresh foods. Whereas dry ice is used to protect products that must remain frozen, such as ice cream, frozen meats, and certain medical supplies.  

2. Duration of Shipping  

Cold packs are suitable for short to medium-duration shipping only. Whereas dry ice is more effective for long-duration shipping, including international shipments, where maintaining extremely low temperatures for an extended period is crucial. 

Conclusion 

Choosing the right cooling solution depends on the specific requirements of your shipment. Cold packs offer a safe, reusable, and easy-to-handle option for shipments that need to stay cold. On the other hand, dry ice provides the necessary low temperatures for goods that must remain frozen, despite its handling complexities and regulatory considerations. Evaluate your shipping needs based on the type of goods, duration, safety, cost, and impact on the environment to make the best choice for ensuring your frozen goods arrive in perfect condition.