As a retail expert and self-proclaimed "picky shopper," I‘m always on the hunt for the best deals and the highest quality products. When it comes to something as seemingly simple as buying a bag of ice, there are actually a lot of factors to consider. In this comprehensive guide, I‘ll share my insights and analysis on purchasing bagged ice at Walgreens, one of the nation‘s largest drugstore chains.
Does Walgreens Sell Ice?
Let‘s start with the most basic question: yes, Walgreens does sell bags of ice at the vast majority of its locations. With over 9,000 stores across the U.S., Walgreens is a go-to destination for picking up household essentials, including ice.
However, it‘s important to note that not all Walgreens stores are created equal. Walgreens operates several different store formats, including:
-
Drugstores – The most common type of Walgreens, these locations primarily sell prescription medications, health and wellness products, and convenience items. Most standalone Walgreens drugstores carry bags of ice.
-
Convenience stores – Some Walgreens locations are more like traditional convenience stores or mini-marts. These stores have a larger selection of food and beverage items, household goods, and other essentials. You can reliably find bags of ice for sale at Walgreens convenience stores.
-
Pharmacies – In some areas, Walgreens operates pharmacy-only locations that do not sell any other products. Ice is not available for purchase at these Walgreens pharmacies.
So while you‘re almost guaranteed to find bags of ice at standard Walgreens drugstores and convenience stores, it‘s always a good idea to call ahead to confirm availability if you‘re unsure what type of Walgreens location you‘re visiting.
Ice Options and Prices at Walgreens
At most Walgreens stores, you‘ll find a few different ice options to choose from. The most common sizes are:
- 5 lb bags
- 7 lb bags
- 10 lb bags
- 20 lb bags
In terms of ice types, Walgreens usually stocks:
-
Cubed ice – The standard option, consisting of small, regularly shaped ice cubes. Best for filling cups and glasses or chilling food and drinks in a cooler.
-
Crushed ice – Made up of smaller, irregularly shaped ice pieces. Ideal for making frozen drinks, blended cocktails, or smoothies. Crushed ice melts faster than cubed ice due to its higher surface area.
Some Walgreens locations may also carry block ice or dry ice, but these options are much less common. It‘s best to call your local store to ask about availability for these specialty ice products.
As for pricing, Walgreens‘ ice prices are in line with other major retailers. On average, you can expect to pay around:
| Bag Size | Price Range |
|---|---|
| 5 lb | $1.50 – $2.50 |
| 7 lb | $2.00 – $3.00 |
| 10 lb | $2.50 – $4.00 |
| 20 lb | $4.00 – $6.00 |
Keep in mind that prices may vary slightly by location due to regional differences in distribution and operating costs.
To see how Walgreens stacks up against the competition, I compared ice prices at several major retailers in my area. Here‘s what I found for a 7 lb bag of cubed ice:
| Retailer | Price |
|---|---|
| Walgreens | $2.29 |
| CVS | $2.49 |
| Rite Aid | $2.39 |
| 7-Eleven | $2.99 |
| Circle K | $2.69 |
| Costco | $1.79 |
As you can see, Walgreens‘ ice prices are very competitive with other drugstores and convenience stores. The only retailer that beat Walgreens‘ price was Costco, but you‘ll need a membership to shop there and will have to buy in larger quantities.
Ice Quality and Bag Types
Of course, price isn‘t everything – the quality of the ice matters too, especially if you‘re a picky shopper like me. In my experience, the ice at Walgreens is on par with other major retailers in terms of quality and consistency.
The cubed ice is well-formed and relatively uniform in shape and size. The crushed ice has a good texture that works well for blended drinks. I‘ve never had any issues with off flavors or odors from Walgreens ice.
In terms of the bags themselves, Walgreens uses standard plastic ice bags with a perforated top that tears off for easy opening. The bags are sturdy enough to hold up to the weight of the ice without ripping or tearing.
Some generic or lower-quality ice bags can impart a plastic-y taste to the ice, but I haven‘t noticed that issue with Walgreens brand bags. The bag materials seem to be food-grade and free of any noticeable odors.
Ice Consumption Statistics
According to the International Packaged Ice Association (IPIA), Americans consume nearly 4 billion pounds of packaged ice each year. That works out to an average of about 12 pounds of ice per person annually.
Of course, ice consumption varies seasonally, with the highest demand occurring during the summer months. The IPIA reports that about 80% of all packaged ice sales happen between Memorial Day and Labor Day.
Consumer surveys show that the most common uses for store-bought ice include:
- Chilling drinks at parties and gatherings (38%)
- Stocking coolers for picnics and barbecues (32%)
- Filling ice chests for camping trips or beach days (16%)
- Making frozen beverages at home (8%)
- Other uses like first aid, shipping perishables, etc. (6%)
While 5 lb and 10 lb bags are the most popular sizes overall, larger 20 lb bags are more frequently purchased for holiday gatherings, tailgating events, and other occasions when large quantities of ice are needed.
Creative Uses for Bagged Ice
Beyond the obvious uses for chilling food and drinks, there are plenty of other creative ways to put a bag of ice from Walgreens to use:
- Making ice cream or frozen yogurt at home
- Creating an ice bath for quickly chilling a bottle of wine or champagne
- Filling a cooler to keep breastmilk or baby bottles cold on the go
- Using crushed ice to make DIY ice packs for sports injuries
- Creating a bed of ice to display chilled appetizers or seafood at a party
- Making flavored ice cubes with fruit juices or herbs for cocktails
- Packing ice around a garbage disposal to sharpen the blades
- Defrosting a freezer by placing bowls of ice inside to speed up the process
- Watering plants with the melted ice water to avoid shocking them with cold tap water
The possibilities are endless! With a little creativity, a humble bag of ice from Walgreens can be a versatile tool in your arsenal.
Making Clear Ice at Home
While bagged ice from Walgreens is perfect for most uses, some cocktail aficionados prefer to use clear ice cubes in their drinks. Clear ice melts more slowly and won‘t dilute your drink as quickly as cloudy ice.
To make clear ice at home, you‘ll need to start with distilled or purified water. Fill a small cooler with the water, then place it in your freezer with the lid open. The ice will freeze from the top down, pushing any air bubbles or impurities to the bottom.
After 24-48 hours, remove the block of ice from the cooler and chip off the cloudy bottom portion. Then cut the clear top portion into cubes using an ice pick or serrated knife. Voila – perfectly clear ice cubes for all your cocktail needs!
Environmental Impacts and Food Safety
It‘s worth noting that while convenient, bagged ice does have some environmental drawbacks. The production and transportation of ice requires significant energy and resources, and the plastic bags used can contribute to waste if not disposed of properly.
To minimize your environmental impact, look for ice brands that use recycled or biodegradable packaging materials. Properly recycle or dispose of ice bags after use, and consider reusable alternatives like silicone ice cube trays or stainless steel ice cubes for home use.
Food safety is another important consideration when using bagged ice. While the FDA regulates packaged ice as a food product, ice can still become contaminated with bacteria and other pathogens if handled improperly.
To minimize the risk of contamination, only purchase ice from reputable retailers like Walgreens that follow strict food safety protocols. Avoid buying ice that is stored in open bins or dispensers, as this ice is more likely to be contaminated.
When transporting and storing ice, keep it in a clean, sealed container to avoid any potential sources of contamination. Use clean utensils or gloves to scoop ice, and never touch ice with your bare hands.
Conclusion
In summary, Walgreens is a reliable and convenient place to buy bags of ice, with competitive prices and a good selection of sizes and types available. While not every Walgreens location carries ice, you‘re almost guaranteed to find it at standard drugstore and convenience store formats.
When compared to other major retailers, Walgreens holds its own in terms of both price and quality. The 5 lb and 10 lb bag sizes are the most common, but you may also find larger bags for special occasions or events.
As a picky shopper myself, I‘ve always been satisfied with the ice from Walgreens. The cubes are well-formed, the crushed ice has a good consistency, and I‘ve never noticed any off flavors or odors. The plastic ice bags are sturdy and don‘t seem to impact the taste of the ice.
While bagged ice does have some environmental and food safety considerations to keep in mind, there are steps you can take to minimize waste and contamination risks. And with so many creative uses for ice beyond just chilling drinks, a bag of ice from Walgreens can be a surprisingly versatile purchase.
So the next time you need ice for a party, picnic, or just to stock your freezer, consider heading to your nearest Walgreens. With competitive prices, good quality ice, and convenient locations nationwide, it‘s a smart choice for savvy shoppers. Just be sure to call ahead to confirm availability if you‘re unsure what type of Walgreens store you‘re visiting.
