As an experienced retail industry analyst and a discerning Costco shopper myself, I know how challenging it can be to track down specialty items like dry ice. Costco is often the first place frugal shoppers look when stocking up on groceries and supplies in bulk. But does this retail giant sell dry ice? And if so, how does Costco‘s selection and pricing compare to other stores?
In this comprehensive guide, I‘ll share everything you need to know about buying dry ice at Costco, including availability at specific locations, how much it costs, and important safety tips for handling and using dry ice properly. Plus, I‘ll compare Costco‘s dry ice offerings to other national retailers and share some creative ways to use this ultra-cold substance beyond just keeping your food and drinks chilled.
Whether you‘re a savvy shopper looking to save on dry ice for an upcoming party or an adventurous DIYer eager to try some cool new projects, this guide will tell you everything you need to know to buy and use dry ice with confidence.
Dry Ice Basics
Before we dive into the specifics of buying dry ice at Costco, let‘s cover some fundamentals. Dry ice is the solid form of carbon dioxide (CO2), and it‘s incredibly cold, maintaining a constant temperature of -109.3°F (-78.5°C).
Because it‘s so much colder than regular ice, dry ice is an excellent choice for keeping perishable items frozen during transport or outdoor events. When dry ice "melts," it doesn‘t turn into a liquid, but instead sublimates directly from a solid to a gas. This unique property is what creates the signature foggy effect you often see in haunted houses or stage productions.
According to a recent study by Grand View Research, the global dry ice market size was valued at USD 65.6 million in 2020 and is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.5% from 2020 to 2027. This growth is attributed to increasing demand for dry ice in the food and beverage industry, as well as in healthcare and industrial cleaning applications.
Some key facts about dry ice:
- Dry ice is made by compressing liquid CO2 and rapidly cooling it to -109.3°F
- One pound of dry ice will sublimate into about 250 liters of CO2 gas
- Dry ice sublimates at a rate of about 5-10 pounds per 24 hours in a typical cooler
- Dry ice should never be stored in an airtight container, as the buildup of CO2 gas can cause the container to rupture or explode
Dry Ice Availability at Costco
So, does Costco sell dry ice? The short answer is yes, but availability varies widely by location. Some Costco warehouses carry dry ice regularly, while others only stock it seasonally or not at all.
In my experience, Costco stores with in-store freezer sections are more likely to carry dry ice than those without. However, even warehouses with freezers may not always have dry ice on hand.
To find out if your local Costco currently stocks dry ice, I recommend using the Costco.com warehouse locator to get the phone number for your nearest store, then calling and speaking with a member of the inventory staff directly. Alternatively, you can stop by the membership desk in person and inquire about dry ice availability.
It‘s important to note that even Costco locations that typically sell dry ice may run out of stock periodically, especially during peak summer months and around holidays like July 4th or Labor Day when outdoor parties and barbecues are in full swing. So always call ahead to check availability before making a special trip.
Costco Dry Ice Price Comparison
If you‘re lucky enough to have a Costco near you that does sell dry ice, you‘ll be pleasantly surprised at how affordable it is compared to other retailers. On average, Costco sells dry ice in 10" x 10" blocks weighing approximately 10 pounds each for about $1.50 per pound.
To put that price in perspective, here‘s what you can expect to pay for dry ice at some other national retailers:
| Retailer | Average Price per Pound |
|---|---|
| Walmart | $1.50 |
| Kroger | $1.69 |
| Safeway | $1.79 |
| Publix | $1.99 |
| Whole Foods | $2.49 |
As you can see, Costco‘s dry ice pricing is very competitive, with only Walmart offering a comparable deal in my research. And considering you can only buy dry ice in 1-2 pound quantities at most grocery stores, Costco still comes out ahead for those who need larger amounts.
Keep in mind that prices at Costco and other retailers may fluctuate over time and across geographic markets. When in doubt, call your local store and ask about current dry ice pricing before you buy.
Safe Handling and Storage of Dry Ice
While dry ice can be a great tool for keeping things cold or creating spooky special effects, it also poses some serious safety risks if not handled properly. Here are the key precautions to keep in mind when using dry ice:
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Wear protective gloves. Dry ice is extremely cold and can cause severe frostbite if it comes into contact with bare skin. Always wear well-insulated gloves, such as leather or towel-lined rubber gloves, when handling dry ice.
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Use proper ventilation. As dry ice sublimates, it releases CO2 gas, which can build up in enclosed spaces and cause asphyxiation. Only use dry ice in open or well-ventilated areas, and never store it in an airtight container. If transporting dry ice in a vehicle, open windows periodically to allow CO2 to dissipate.
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Avoid ingestion. Obviously, you should never eat or swallow dry ice in solid form. But even ingesting foods or drinks that contain dry ice can be dangerous, as the extremely cold temperatures can damage tissue in your mouth or digestive tract. Let dry ice sublimate completely before consuming any items that have come into contact with it.
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Don‘t leave dry ice unattended around children or pets. The novelty of foggy dry ice can be tempting for little hands to grab or furry noses to investigate. Keep dry ice out of reach of kids and animals, and provide close adult supervision for any dry ice science experiments or fun projects.
When storing dry ice, it‘s best to use an insulated cooler and minimize the amount of empty space inside. The less air in the cooler, the slower the dry ice will sublimate. For best results, use a 2:1 ratio of dry ice to items being chilled (so 10 pounds of dry ice for 20 pounds of food/drinks).
If you have leftover dry ice after an event or experiment, do not dispose of it in the sink, toilet, or garbage. Simply let the remaining dry ice sublimate in a well-ventilated area away from people and animals, then discard the container once it‘s empty.
Creative Uses for Dry Ice
Aside from the practical applications of keeping food and drinks cold while camping or traveling, dry ice can also be used in a variety of fun and creative ways. Here are some ideas to spark your imagination:
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Spooky cocktails: Elevate your Halloween or mystery-themed party drinks by adding a small cube of dry ice to each glass. The eerie fog will flow over the rim of the glass and create a dramatic mad scientist effect. Just be sure to let the dry ice fully dissolve before enjoying your beverage.
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DIY cloud chamber: Create your own particle detector using dry ice, a clear container, and a few other simple supplies. As the alcohol-soaked felt at the top of the chamber evaporates and sinks, it will collide with the layer of dry ice CO2 at the bottom and condense into a supersaturated mist, allowing you to observe particle trails from cosmic rays or radioactive substances.
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Freeze flowers: Preserve delicate flower blooms by submerging them in a bowl of dry ice until frozen solid (about 30 seconds). The extreme cold will keep petals and leaves perfectly intact, allowing you to immortalize your favorite flowers or create unique decor for special events.
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Make ice cream: For a quick and tasty science lesson, mix up a batch of ice cream base, then pour it into a metal bowl nested in a larger bowl of dry ice. Stir the mixture continuously, scraping the frozen edges into the center, until your ice cream reached the desired consistency. Add toppings and enjoy!
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Fog machine: Fill a large metal or plastic cauldron with hot water, then carefully place a chunk of dry ice into the water. As the dry ice sublimates, it will create a thick, white fog that spills over the sides of the container, making for an excellent photography prop or atmospheric element for parties and performances.
With a bit of creativity and a healthy respect for the power of dry ice, the possibilities for fun and discovery are endless. Just remember to always put safety first and supervise children closely during any dry ice activities.
Key Takeaways
Dry ice can be an incredibly useful tool for keeping items cold during transport or creating special effects, but it‘s not always easy to find. Costco does sell dry ice at some locations, but availability varies widely. Your best bet is to call your local warehouse and speak to a staff member directly to inquire about current dry ice stock before making the trip.
If your nearby Costco does carry dry ice, you can expect to pay around $1.50 per pound, which is one of the lowest prices I‘ve seen among national retailers. Just remember that dry ice sublimates relatively quickly, so only buy as much as you need and use it promptly for best results.
When handling dry ice, always wear protective gloves, use proper ventilation, and keep it away from children and pets. With a bit of know-how and preparation, buying dry ice at Costco can be an affordable way to keep your summer adventures cool and your imagination engaged.
I hope this guide has been helpful in answering your questions about buying dry ice at Costco. For more expert insights on getting the most out of your Costco membership, check out my other articles on savvy shopping strategies. Stay cool out there!
