What is it and can I use it in my drinks?

DRY ICE

FAQs

  • The FDA classifies dry ice as non-consumable. Ingestion can be lethal, and it should never be used directly in a beverage intended for consumption.

  • Some programs may use dry ice, while others present open flames on individual drinks. Incidents may never occur—until they do. The liability posed by such risks could be devastating for the entire business.

  • If you still wish to proceed with using dry ice in your beverage program, we require you to sign an FDA supplement acknowledging it as 'non-consumable,' along with a separate liability waiver that absolves WEST COAST ICE PRO of any liability for mishandling after sale.

  • Dry ice typically lasts anywhere from 3 to 24 hours, depending on several factors such as the size of the dry ice, the storage method, and the surrounding temperature. In a well-insulated cooler, smaller pieces of dry ice may sublimate (turn from solid to gas) more quickly, lasting 3 to 5 hours, while larger blocks can last up to 24 hours or more. To maximize its lifespan, keep dry ice in a cooler with minimal air exposure and avoid opening the cooler frequently.

  • At WEST COAST ICE PRO, we do not manufacture dry ice, as the production process is entirely different from that of clear ice. We act as a courier, picking up dry ice from a wholesale supplier and delivering it as an add-on to your clear ice order. Please note that this service is available only if the minimum order of clear ice is met. Regular dry ice deliveries aren’t sustainable unless you’re a large property with significant demand. For substantial dry ice needs, we recommend sourcing from a dedicated dry ice supplier.

  • Dry ice is solid carbon dioxide (CO2) that is used primarily for refrigeration and creating fog effects. Unlike water ice, which is created by freezing water, dry ice sublimates directly from a solid to a gas at temperatures of -78.5 degrees Celsius (-109.3 degrees Fahrenheit). This process does not involve a liquid phase, making dry ice much colder than regular ice and allowing it to create a dramatic effect when it transitions into gas.

    The key differences between dry ice and water ice include:

    1. Composition: Water ice is made from frozen water, while dry ice is made from carbon dioxide.

    2. Temperature: Dry ice is significantly colder, allowing it to last longer in cooling applications.

    3. Sublimation: Dry ice sublimates, producing CO2 gas, while water ice melts into liquid water.

    4. Usage: Dry ice is

    Dry ice is the solid form of carbon dioxide (CO2), which is a colorless gas that occurs naturally in the atmosphere. At a temperature of -78.5 degrees Celsius (-109.3 degrees Fahrenheit), dry ice sublimates, meaning it transitions directly from a solid to a gas without passing through a liquid state. This unique property makes it an excellent choice for refrigeration and creating fog effects in theatrical productions.

Useful References