Ever found yourself wandering aimlessly through Walmart’s endless aisles searching for dry ice? You’re not alone! Whether you’re planning a spooky Halloween party, keeping perishables frozen during a power outage, or working on a science project, finding dry ice can sometimes feel like a treasure hunt.
Many customers have been wondering if Walmart sells dry ice.
So does Walmart sell dry ice? Walmart sells dry ice in most of its stores. Dry ice is typically located in the freezer section of most Walmart stores. Unlike regular ice, dry ice requires special handling and storage, so it’s not usually self-serve. You’ll need to ask a cashier or store associate to help you purchase it, as they keep it in a special freezer near the checkout area at the front of the store.
I remember my first time hunting for dry ice at Walmart—I must have circled the frozen food section three times before finally asking an employee. Turns out, I was looking in completely the wrong area! Save yourself the steps and head straight to the front of the store.
Why Would You Need Dry Ice Anyway?
If you’re wondering what all the fuss is about, dry ice isn’t your ordinary frozen water. It’s actually solid carbon dioxide that “melts” (technically sublimates) directly from a solid to a gas—no liquid phase! This makes it super cold at -78.5°C (-109.3°F), which is way colder than regular ice.
People use dry ice for all sorts of cool things:
- Keeping food and drinks extra cold for camping trips or outdoor events
- Creating that awesome foggy effect for Halloween decorations or parties
- Shipping perishable items that need to stay frozen
- Science experiments with the kids (under adult supervision, of course!)
How Much Will Dry Ice Cost You at Walmart?
Based on current pricing, you can expect to pay between $1 to $3 per pound for dry ice at Walmart. The price varies depending on your location and how much you’re buying. Most Walmart stores sell dry ice in blocks, which is perfect for keeping things cold for longer periods.
The good news is that dry ice is relatively affordable, especially considering how effective it is at keeping things frozen. Just remember that it doesn’t last forever—it sublimates at a rate of about 5-10 pounds every 24 hours, even in a well-insulated container.
What Else Can You Find Near the Dry Ice Section?
While you’re picking up your dry ice from the front of the store, you might as well grab a few other items that are typically located nearby:
- Regular bagged ice is usually in the same vicinity, perfect if you need both types for your event.
- Coolers and insulated containers might be displayed nearby, especially during summer months. Walmart sells everything from small lunch-sized coolers to large party-sized ones.
- Beverages and snacks are often located near the front of the store for quick grab-and-go shopping.
Tips for Buying Dry Ice at Walmart
Here’s the inside scoop on making your dry ice shopping trip as smooth as possible:
Call ahead before making a special trip. Not every Walmart location carries dry ice year-round, and supplies can vary. A quick phone call can save you time and frustration.
Bring proper gloves. Dry ice is extremely cold and can cause “burns” if it touches your bare skin. Walmart employees will handle it safely for you, but once it’s yours, you’ll need thick gloves (not just winter gloves—think insulated work gloves) to handle it.
Have your cooler ready. Dry ice starts sublimating immediately, so you’ll want to transfer it to an insulated container as soon as possible. Consider bringing your cooler into the store with you or having it easily accessible in your car.
Shop during off-peak hours. If you need assistance getting dry ice, you’ll have better luck when the store isn’t crowded. Early mornings or weekday evenings are usually less busy than weekends.
Safety First: Handling Your Dry Ice
I can’t stress this enough—dry ice isn’t your regular freezer ice! Here are some quick safety tips once you’ve purchased your dry ice:
- Never touch dry ice with bare hands
- Don’t store it in an airtight container (the gas needs somewhere to go)
- Keep it away from children and pets
- Never put it in drinks or consume it
- Use it in well-ventilated areas
The Checkout Process
When you’re ready to purchase dry ice, head to the checkout. The cashier will either get it for you or call someone who can. They’ll weigh it and package it safely, usually in a paper bag with warnings printed on it. Since dry ice is constantly sublimating, they’ll get it for you at the last minute so it doesn’t lose too much weight before you pay.
Final Thoughts on Your Dry Ice Adventure
Finding dry ice at Walmart doesn’t have to be complicated once you know where to look. Just remember: freezer section, near the front of the store, and you’ll likely need to ask for assistance. Plan ahead, bring the right gear, and you’ll be creating spooky fog effects or keeping your cooler extra cold in no time!
Have you used dry ice for any cool projects or parties? Next time you’re at Walmart picking some up, I’d love to hear what you’re using it for! Happy shopping and stay frosty (but not dry-ice frosty—remember those gloves!).