Does Publix Sell Dry Ice in 2024? Locations, Prices, and Usage Tips
Dry ice is growing in popularity for cooling everything from food to drinks thanks to its ultra-low temperature of -109°F. But does the popular grocery chain Publix offer dry ice for purchase? Keep reading for a detailed look at dry ice availability, pricing, storage, and usage safety at Publix.
Dry Ice Overview
Dry ice is the solid form of carbon dioxide (CO2). It‘s called "dry" ice because it skips the liquid phase and sublimates directly from solid to gas.
According to Allied Market Research, the global dry ice market size was $336.5 million in 2020 and is projected to reach $586.4 million by 2030. The food industry accounts for the largest share of dry ice usage.
Compared to regular ice, dry ice has some advantages:
- Cools items to lower temperatures (-109°F vs. 32°F for regular ice)
- Sublimates gradually rather than melting so there‘s no liquid mess
- Slows freezer burn, useful for transporting frozen goods
- Creates fog effects for entertainment when added to hot water
Does Publix Sell Dry Ice in 2024?
Yes, many Publix supermarket locations do sell dry ice. However, dry ice availability varies greatly by region and season.
According to Publix customer service, these are the regions and stores most likely to carry dry ice:
- Florida stores near Orlando theme parks and beaches
- Coastal stores in the Southeast like the Carolinas and Gulf states
- Mountain region stores in states like Georgia and Virginia
- College town locations especially during football season
- Stores in metro areas like Atlanta and Nashville
Nearly all Publix stores stock dry ice in the weeks leading up to Halloween when demand peaks. But the rest of the year, calling your local store is the best way to check for availability.
Dry Ice Pricing at Publix
Publix sells dry ice pellets under the Penguin Brand name. Pricing ranges from $1.50 per pound on the low end up to $2.00 per pound depending on location and demand.
Some factors that affect Publix‘s dry ice pricing include:
- Base supplier cost – dry ice availability and demand regionally
- Transportation costs to the store location
- Seasonal demand around holidays like Halloween
- Local competition from other stores selling dry ice
Expect pricing to be highest during the Halloween seasonal peak demand when dry ice is in short supply.
Where to Find Dry Ice in Publix Stores
If your local Publix stocks dry ice, here are the most common places to find it:
- Dry ice freezer near the front entrance
- In the regular ice/water cooler section
- Beside the frozen foods section
- Special seasonal Halloween dry ice freezer
Dry ice may be stored in the large chest freezers near the front entrance or in a special section of the frozen food aisles depending on the store layout. Ask an employee for help locating it.
Dry Ice Alternatives at Publix
If your Publix is out of dry ice, consider these alternatives for cooling and freezing:
| Product | Details |
|---|---|
| Regular ice | Sold in 7lb, 10lb, 20lb bags |
| Gourmet ice cubes | Artisan ice shapes for cocktails/drinks |
| Gel ice packs | Reusable soft gel packs stay cold for hours |
| Ice packs | Hard plastic ice packs for coolers and lunch bags |
Publix also sells block ice for large volumes through special order.
Safely Handling and Using Dry Ice
Dry ice can be extremely useful for cooling, but it does require safe handling:
- Use insulated gloves to handle dry ice to prevent frostbite burns
- Store in an insulated cooler or dry ice holding container
- Ensure proper ventilation when used in confined spaces
- Never ingest dry ice or allow direct skin contact
- Supervise children closely when using for fog effects
With proper precautions, dry ice from Publix provides a convenient and cost-effective cooling solution. Be sure to call ahead to verify availability at your local store before making a trip.
