Courtesy of Airgas Carbonic & Dry Ice

Many people are familiar with the spooky fog created by dry ice at Halloween. But dry ice has many practical uses to prevent food from spoiling while camping, picnicking or during a power outage. Today, dry ice is readily available in over 4500 grocery stores. To find a store near you call 877-PENGUIN or visit www.penguinbrand.com. 

Picnics, Camping and other outdoor events:

Keep refrigerated items cool 3-4 days by packing your cooler with dry ice. Place a few pounds of dry ice in the bottom of the cooler, cover with cardboard or newspaper, cover completely with ice cubes, then pack your cooler as normal with food and beverage items. The dry ice freezes the wet ice creating an extra cold cooler for days without the mess of ice water. 

Don’t Forget the Ice Cream and Popsicles

Nothing is more refreshing than ice cream on a hot day. And popsicles will really cool off your favorite little league team after their big game. Or take frozen deserts on your next picnic or family outing. Use dry ice to keep ice cream frozen until time for the delicious treat! 

Severe Weather:

As you run to the store to pick up milk, bread, water, batteries and other essentials, pick up a few bags of dry ice. During a power outage, place one bag in the freezer above items to be kept frozen and one bag on the bottom shelf of the refrigerator. The dry ice will keep perishable items from spoiling during the power outage. Use 1.5 pounds of dry ice per cubic foot in Caution: Do not place dry ice directly on glass shelf and do not use in an operating refrigerator or freezer.

Carbonated Beverages

Use dry ice to make your favorite carbonated beverages at home.  Follow this simple recipe and enjoy home made root beer, cream soda or strawberry beverages. 

To make 1 gallon mix:
2 cups sugar
1 gallon water
1 ounce flavoring

Add 1 to 2 pounds of dry ice to mixture. Be sure all dry ice has vaporized before drinking (for best results, chop dry ice into smaller pieces and lightly place a lid on top of container so mixture absorbs more CO2 – Do not tightly seal lid).

Handle with Care

Dry ice is -109°F and should always be handled using gloves, towel or an oven mit. Do not put dry ice in your mouth.  Do not place in a tightly sealed container. Do not inhale and always use in a well ventilated area.