When it comes to keeping frozen foods safe, fresh, and intact during shipping, there’s no substitute for dry ice. Whether you are a local food business, a meal kit provider, or a specialty producer shipping across the country, dry ice remains one of the most reliable and efficient ways to maintain frozen temperatures. But not all dry ice is the same, and not all shipping strategies are equal. To get the best results, it’s important to understand how dry ice works, how much you need, and what practices will help protect your products from thawing, damage, or compliance issues along the way.
A+ Heler’s is proud to supply beverage-grade dry ice, which exceeds traditional food-grade standards. This higher level of purity not only ensures product safety but also provides peace of mind for businesses that depend on consistent, reliable shipping solutions. Let’s take a closer look at best practices for shipping frozen foods with dry ice, and why working with a trusted supplier makes all the difference.
Why Dry Ice is Ideal for Shipping Frozen Foods
Dry ice is the solid form of carbon dioxide (CO₂), and it sublimates directly from solid to gas without leaving behind any liquid residue. This makes it especially useful for shipping food because:
- No water damage: Unlike gel packs or ice, dry ice doesn’t melt, so packaging stays dry and intact.
- Consistent freezing temperatures: At -109.3°F (-78.5°C), dry ice can keep products frozen solid for extended periods.
- Lightweight: Compared to other cooling methods, dry ice adds less shipping weight, helping reduce costs.
- Regulatory acceptance: Dry ice is widely used in the food industry and is approved by shipping carriers when used correctly.
For businesses shipping frozen meat, seafood, baked goods, or prepared meals, dry ice is often the only way to guarantee that products arrive in excellent condition.
Beverage-Grade Dry Ice: Higher Standards, Greater Confidence
Many suppliers provide “food-grade” dry ice, which meets minimum purity standards for direct contact with food products. A+ Heler’s goes a step further by offering beverage-grade dry ice. This is the same purity level required for use in carbonation of beverages like beer and soda, where safety standards are extremely strict.
For food businesses, that means you’re getting:
- Higher CO₂ purity levels compared to typical food-grade.
- Reduced risk of contaminants that could affect sensitive food products.
- Peace of mind knowing your dry ice meets standards trusted by breweries and beverage manufacturers.
When shipping frozen foods that reflect your brand’s quality and reputation, the added assurance of beverage-grade dry ice can make a major difference.
Choosing the Right Packaging
The key to successful frozen food shipping is not just the dry ice itself, but also how it is packaged. Here are best practices to keep in mind:
- Use insulated containers: Styrofoam coolers inside sturdy cardboard boxes are common, but you can also use specialized shipping coolers with thicker walls for longer transit times.
- Allow space for sublimation: Dry ice turns into gas, which needs room to escape. Containers should not be airtight, as trapped CO₂ could cause pressure buildup.
- Separate product and dry ice: Place a layer of paper, cardboard, or plastic between the dry ice and the food items. This prevents direct contact that could damage packaging or alter product texture.
- Test before scaling: If you’re shipping a new product, do a test run to confirm how well your packaging holds up under real transit conditions.
How Much Dry Ice Do You Need?
The amount of dry ice required depends on:
- Shipment duration: Longer trips need more dry ice.
- Product type: Dense foods like meat retain cold better than lighter foods like baked goods.
- Insulation quality: Better insulation reduces the amount of dry ice needed.
A general rule of thumb:
- 5–10 pounds of dry ice per 24 hours of transit in a typical cooler.
- Larger boxes or shipments requiring multiple days in transit will need proportionally more.
For example, if you are shipping frozen seafood overnight in a medium-sized cooler, 5 pounds of dry ice may be sufficient. But if you’re sending a larger order across several days, you may need 15–20 pounds or more.
A+ Heler’s can help businesses determine the right quantities for their specific shipments, ensuring efficiency without overspending.
Regulatory and Safety Considerations
Shipping with dry ice requires following certain guidelines to keep shipments safe and compliant:
- Labeling: Carriers such as FedEx and UPS require packages containing dry ice to be labeled “Dry Ice” or “Carbon Dioxide Solid” with the net weight included.
- Packaging integrity: Containers must be strong enough to handle handling and transport without leaks.
- Ventilation: Packages must allow CO₂ gas to escape to prevent pressure buildup.
- Limits: Some carriers restrict the maximum amount of dry ice per package, especially on air shipments.
When shipping frozen foods, it’s critical to stay informed about carrier-specific rules. A+ Heler’s regularly helps customers navigate these requirements for hassle-free shipping.
Practical Tips for Success
To make the most of your dry ice shipments, consider these additional tips:
- Ship early in the week: Avoid shipping frozen foods late in the week to prevent weekend delays.
- Use expedited shipping when possible: Faster shipping minimizes the amount of dry ice required.
- Keep products tightly packed: Less air space inside the container helps maintain colder temperatures.
- Communicate with recipients: Make sure customers know their package contains dry ice, especially if it requires safe handling upon arrival.
- Have backup supplies: If you’re shipping regularly, keeping an extra supply of dry ice on hand can help you stay ahead of unexpected orders or delays.
Case Examples: Frozen Food Shipping in Action
- Local bakeries shipping nationwide: Many small bakeries now sell frozen pastries and breads online. With beverage-grade dry ice, they can guarantee freshness without worrying about soggy packaging or inconsistent freezing.
- Meal kit providers: Dry ice helps keep proteins, vegetables, and prepared meals frozen from the kitchen to the customer’s doorstep, even in hot climates.
- Seafood distributors: Fresh seafood often requires overnight or two-day shipping, and dry ice ensures the products arrive as if they were just caught.
Each of these businesses relies not only on dry ice but also on a supplier who understands their specific shipping needs.
Why Work with a Local Supplier Like A+ Heler’s
When it comes to shipping frozen foods, consistency is everything. Partnering with a local, reliable supplier gives you:
- On-demand access to dry ice: No waiting on unpredictable deliveries.
- Flexible sizes and forms: From pellets to slabs, tailored to your shipping needs.
- Expert guidance: Personalized advice on quantities, packaging, and compliance.
- Trustworthy quality: Beverage-grade dry ice that ensures the highest purity for your food shipments.
Based in Madison, WI, A+ Heler’s understands the needs of regional and national food businesses and offers responsive service that larger national suppliers can’t always match.
Conclusion
Shipping frozen foods with dry ice doesn’t have to be complicated, but it does require planning, the right materials, and the right supplier. From choosing the best packaging to determining the proper amount of dry ice, following best practices ensures your food products arrive fresh, safe, and ready to impress your customers.
With A+ Heler’s beverage-grade dry ice, you’re not just getting a cooling solution — you’re getting the confidence that your shipments meet the highest quality standards. For businesses in Madison and beyond, A+ Heler’s is the trusted partner for frozen food shipping success.
