Whether you‘re stocking up for a party, need ice for camping, or just want some on hand at home, bagged ice offers a quick and convenient solution. But where can you buy bags of ice, and how much will they cost you? If you‘re a fan of Dollar General‘s low prices and wide selection, you may be wondering: does Dollar General sell ice?
In this ultimate guide, we‘ll answer all your burning questions about buying ice at Dollar General and beyond. From what sizes and prices to expect, to how to properly store your bagged ice, to some creative ways to use it – we‘ve got you covered!
About Dollar General
Before we dive into the specifics of Dollar General‘s ice offerings, let‘s recap what this popular chain is all about. Dollar General is an American chain of variety stores headquartered in Tennessee. As of 2020, Dollar General operates over 17,000 stores in 46 states.
While Dollar General started out as a true "dollar store" where every item cost $1 or less, their offerings have since expanded. Today, Dollar General sells a wide variety of products at low prices, including food and snacks, cleaning supplies, housewares, health and beauty products, and seasonal items.
Does Dollar General Sell Ice?
The short answer is yes, Dollar General does sell ice! You can find bags of ice at most Dollar General locations, typically stocked in a freezer case near the front of the store or in the refrigerated section.
However, ice availability may vary by store location. According to Dollar General‘s customer service, while most stores do carry ice, it‘s not guaranteed to be in stock at every single one. It‘s a good idea to call ahead to your local Dollar General to double check if they currently have ice available before making a special trip.
What Sizes of Ice Does Dollar General Carry?
Most Dollar General stores sell two sizes of bagged ice: 10 pound bags and 20 pound bags. This differs slightly from some of their competitors like grocery stores, which often carry 7 pound bags as well.
Of the two size options, 10 pound bags tend to be the most popular and widely stocked. These 10 pound bags provide plenty of ice for most purposes, from filling a cooler to serving a small get-together. The 20 pound bags work well for larger events or if you go through a lot of ice regularly.
How Much Does Ice Cost at Dollar General?
True to Dollar General‘s commitment to low prices, bags of ice there are very affordable. In most locations, a 10 pound bag of ice will cost between $1 and $2.50. The larger 20 pound bags usually range from $2.50 to $4.00.
Of course, exact prices may vary slightly by region due to factors like delivery costs. These prices are also subject to change over time, especially during peak ice-consuming seasons like summer. Still, Dollar General‘s ice tends to be priced competitively compared to other retailers.
Buying vs Making Your Own Ice
If you‘re on a budget, you may be wondering: is it really worth it to buy bags of ice? Why not just make your own ice using trays or an ice maker?
There are a few key advantages to buying bagged ice:
-
Convenience. Making your own ice takes time, from filling trays to waiting hours for it to freeze. Buying bagged ice is instant gratification.
-
Quantity. If you need a large amount of ice, it‘s easier to buy a few bags than to make many trays worth.
-
Space. Bagged ice takes up less space in your freezer than bulky ice trays or a dedicated ice maker. This is especially helpful if you have a small freezer.
-
Quality. The ice in store-bought bags tends to freeze more clear and hard compared to cloudy homemade ice that melts faster. Commercial ice makers filter the water first.
So while making your own ice is doable, bagged ice offers some distinct benefits in terms of ease, quantity, storage, and quality. The low cost of bagged ice, especially at budget-friendly retailers like Dollar General, makes it an affordable time-saver.
How to Store and Preserve Bagged Ice
To get the most out of your bagged ice, you‘ll want to store it properly to avoid freezer burn and premature melting. Start by keeping your bag of ice in the freezer as soon as you get it home. Don‘t let it melt and refreeze, as this can cause the cubes to fuse together into a solid block.
If you don‘t need all the ice right away, consider portioning it into sealed freezer bags. Squeezing out excess air helps prevent freezer burn and preserves the ice longer. Use within a couple weeks for best quality.
When it‘s time to use your ice, only take out as much as you need and reseal the rest tightly in the freezer. Leaving ice out at room temperature or exposed to air will make it melt faster. Aim to keep bagged ice in a cooler or insulated container when using it outdoors or for serving.
What Other Stores Sell Bags of Ice?
While Dollar General is a great place to pick up affordable ice, you have plenty of other options too. Most grocery stores, markets, liquor stores, and gas stations stock bagged ice in a range of sizes.
Some of the most common places to buy ice include:
- Kroger
- Safeway
- Walmart
- Sam‘s Club
- Costco
- 7-11
- Circle K
- Walgreens
- CVS
Some chain restaurants and fast food places will also sell bags of ice, either inside the store or via the drive thru. For example, McDonald‘s, Burger King, and Dunkin‘ are known to offer 5 or 10 pound bags of ice on request.
If you have trouble finding ice in stock, try visiting an ice vending machine or calling an ice delivery service. You can also always make your own ice as a last resort.
Creative Uses for Bagged Ice
Bags of ice can do a lot more than just chill drinks or fill the cooler. Here are some cool and creative ways to put bagged ice to use:
-
Injury treatment. Ice is a go-to remedy for reducing pain and swelling after an injury. Wrap some cubes in a towel to create a DIY ice pack.
-
Food preservation. If your fridge stops working, pack food into a cooler with ice to keep it from spoiling while you wait for repairs.
-
Faster drink chilling. Add salt to your ice bucket or cooler to chill room-temperature drinks in a flash. The salt lowers the freezing point.
-
Keeping flowers fresh. Floral shops use ice to keep cut flower arrangements looking their best longer. Try this trick at home!
-
Camping hygiene. Melt some ice to get fresh water for brushing your teeth, washing your face, or cleaning dishes at the campsite.
-
Emergency leak control. If a pipe bursts and you can‘t turn off the water, stuff bags of ice around the pipe to freeze the leak temporarily.
-
Fog machine. Create an eerie fog effect for Halloween by placing dry ice (frozen CO2) in a bucket of hot water. Use gloves and ventilate well.
-
Smoother cocktails. Blend ice with your cocktail ingredients for a bar-quality texture without dilution. Great for frozen margaritas, daiquiris and more.
Conclusion
Dollar General is a reliable and affordable place to pick up a bag of ice or two on the go. Most locations sell 10 and 20 pound bags, typically priced between $1 and $4. While not every store is guaranteed to have ice in stock, the majority do – making Dollar General a solid choice whether you need ice for a party, a cooler, or creative uses like first aid, mixed drinks, or fog effects.
To make your bagged ice last, store it sealed tightly in the freezer and only take out what you need at a time. If Dollar General is out of stock or you need more size options, try your local grocery store, gas station, restaurant, or ice delivery service.
We hope this guide helped answer all your questions about buying ice at Dollar General and beyond! With this insider knowledge, you‘ll never be left high and dry (or lukewarm) when you need ice on demand.
