Ice Packs for Food Shipments: How to Choose the Right One to Maintain the Cold Chain

We have already seen how insulated boxes are essential for shipping fresh products at a controlled temperature. But the box alone is not enough: without an adequate refrigerant system, even the best polystyrene box cannot maintain the temperature throughout the entire shipment. Ice packs are the indispensable complement to any cold chain packaging solution, and choosing the right one makes the difference between a product that arrives fresh and one that disappoints.

 

In this guide we help you understand the differences between the types of ice packs available and how to choose the one best suited to your product and logistics chain.

How an Ice Pack Works

An ice pack is a container filled with water or refrigerant gel that, once frozen, releases cold slowly during transport, keeping the temperature stable inside the insulated box. Unlike loose ice, an ice pack does not produce water as it melts, or contains it internally, protecting the product from moisture.

 

The duration of the cold depends on several factors: the mass of the ice pack, the quality of the insulated box used alongside it, the external temperature during transit and the expected shipping time. For longer shipments or during warmer periods, it is generally necessary to increase the number of ice packs used.

Flexible Ice Pack: Versatile and Adaptable

The Flexible Ice Pack is a flexible pouch filled with refrigerant gel. Thanks to its flexibility, it adapts to the available space inside the box, optimising contact with the products to be kept cold and reducing empty spaces that disperse the cold.

 

It is the ideal choice for anyone shipping products with irregular shapes, such as cheeses, deli items or mixed orders. Its flexibility also makes it easier to position around products, ensuring a more uniform distribution of cold compared to a rigid panel.

Foam Brick Ice Pack: Structured and Long-Lasting

The Foam Brick Ice Pack is a rigid foam panel with integrated refrigerant gel. Its solid and structured shape makes it particularly suited to larger insulated boxes, where it is necessary to cover wide surfaces and maintain the temperature for longer periods.

 

Thanks to its rigidity, it also acts as a structural element inside the box, helping to stabilise products during transport. It is the preferred choice for B2B shipments, large orders or products that require prolonged thermal protection.

Absorbent Ice Packs: For Fresh Products That Release Liquids

Absorbent Ice Packs are a specific solution for fresh products that may release liquids during transport, such as meat, fish or seafood. In addition to their refrigerant function, these packs absorb excess liquids, protecting the other products in the same shipment and keeping the box clean and hygienic.

 

They are a particularly suitable choice for anyone shipping fresh animal products directly to the end consumer or to restaurants and catering businesses.

How Many Ice Packs to Use

There is no single answer, but some practical guidelines can help. For short shipments, within 24 hours, and during periods of mild temperatures, a single medium-sized ice pack is generally sufficient for a compact insulated box. For longer shipments, during warm seasons or for products that require very low temperatures, it is necessary to increase the quantity and choose larger ice packs.

 

The practical rule is to cover the bottom, sides and top of the box with refrigerant material, ideally wrapping the product on all sides to ensure a uniform distribution of cold.

Need to keep your products cool during shipping?

Explore our range of flexible, foam and absorbent ice packs, designed to work with our insulated boxes for safe cold chain delivery.

Browse Ice Packs

STAY UPDATED!

Subscribe to the newsletter and start receiving news and special offers from ThePackStock!

Most Popular

Original Gift Packaging Ideas for Businesses and Small Producers

PET Bottles for Juices and Drinks

Cake and Pastry Boxes: How to Choose the Right Packaging for Your Bakery

Tamper Evident Plastic Tubs: The Secure Solution for Your Food Products

The Complete Guide to Home Preserving