Dry ice demand has surged alongside the cold chain and food logistics industries, with the global dry ice market projected to expand steadily through 2030 (Fortune Business Insights). Whether you need it for shipping perishables, special effects, or emergency cooling, knowing where to buy reliable dry ice fast makes all the difference. Unlike finding specialty fuels nearby, dry ice sources range from local ice houses to national industrial gas distributors — each suited to different quantities and use cases. Let's get started!
Quick Answer
Dry ice is available at grocery stores (Walmart, Kroger, Safeway), wholesale clubs (Costco, Sam's Club), hardware stores, and specialty ice houses. For bulk quantities, contact industrial gas suppliers like Airgas or Praxair. Most grocery retailers stock 5–10 lb blocks near the checkout area, typically priced at $1–$3 per pound.
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Summary Table
| Item Name | Price Range | Best For | Website |
|---|---|---|---|
| Continental Carbonic | $1.00–$3.00/lb | Bulk & commercial orders nationwide | Visit Site |
| Reliant Dry Ice | $1.00–$2.50/lb | Reliable nationwide delivery | Visit Site |
| Advanced Gases & Equipment | $1.50–$3.50/lb | Industrial & lab-grade dry ice | Visit Site |
| Emergency Ice | $2.00–$4.00/lb | Urgent or last-minute needs | Visit Site |
| Long Beach Ice | $1.50–$3.00/lb | Local Southern California buyers | Visit Site |
| ABC Ice House | $1.00–$2.50/lb | Walk-in retail & small quantities | Visit Site |
| WestAir Gases | $1.50–$3.50/lb | West Coast industrial & food-grade supply | Visit Site |
Where to Buy Dry Ice: 7 Top Spots (2025)
Below you'll find detailed information about each aspect, including important details and considerations.
1. Continental Carbonic
Continental Carbonic is one of the largest dedicated dry ice suppliers in the United States, making it a reliable first stop when searching for dry ice near you. They operate an extensive network of distribution centers across the Midwest and Southeast, supplying both retail customers and businesses with consistent product availability.
Key details:
- 50+ distribution locations across multiple states
- Supplies dry ice in pellet, block, and slice forms
- Serves both individual buyers and bulk commercial orders
2. Reliant Dry Ice
Reliant Dry Ice focuses on regional distribution, particularly serving customers in the Southern and Central United States who need a local purchasing option. Their direct-distribution model means you can often arrange same-day pickup or scheduled delivery, which is practical for time-sensitive needs like food transport or event cooling.
What to expect:
- Available in pellet and block formats
- Flexible pickup and delivery scheduling
- Primarily serves Texas and surrounding states
3. Advanced Gases & Equipment
Advanced Gases & Equipment is a specialty gas supplier where you can purchase dry ice alongside industrial gases, making it a practical stop for businesses and laboratories needing consistent supply. They typically serve commercial clients requiring bulk quantities, often offering scheduled delivery to reduce procurement hassle.
What to expect:
- Bulk dry ice available in pellet and block form
- Serves industrial, medical, and food-service sectors
- Contact directly for pricing and minimum order quantities
4. Emergency Ice
Emergency Ice specializes in rapid-delivery ice products, including dry ice, making it a go-to source when you need frozen CO₂ on short notice. Their business model focuses on quick turnaround, which is particularly useful for event planners, caterers, or anyone facing an unexpected cooling need.
Notable perks:
- Same-day or next-day delivery in supported areas
- Available in smaller consumer quantities, not just bulk
- Call ahead to confirm dry ice stock and local availability
5. Long Beach Ice
Long Beach Ice is a local ice supplier serving the greater Long Beach, California area, stocking dry ice for both residential and commercial customers. If you're in Southern California and need a reliable regional source rather than a national chain, this is a straightforward option worth calling first.
Key details:
- Serves local pickup and select delivery zones in the LA/Long Beach area
- Stocks dry ice in block and pellet formats depending on availability
- Best for: Local customers wanting a dedicated ice supplier over a grocery store
6. ABC Ice House
ABC Ice House supplies dry ice alongside standard block and cube ice, making it a convenient one-stop source for cooling needs. Ice houses like ABC typically stock dry ice in pellet or slab form and cater to both individual customers and event or catering businesses. Availability tends to be strong in Southern and Gulf Coast regions where ice houses are more prevalent.
Notable perks:
- Often stocks larger quantities than grocery retailers
- Pellet and slab dry ice formats commonly available
- Walk-in purchasing with no advance order required in most locations
7. WestAir Gases
WestAir Gases is an industrial and specialty gas distributor that carries dry ice as part of its broader product catalog, serving the western United States. For buyers who need larger volumes — such as laboratories, food processors, or shipping operations — WestAir offers a more scalable purchasing option than retail stores. Similar to buying specialty gases locally, sourcing through an industrial gas supplier often means better pricing per pound at higher quantities.
Key features:
- Serves commercial, industrial, and medical customers
- Bulk dry ice purchasing available for high-volume needs
- Multiple branch locations across California and the Southwest
Final Words
Your best bet depends on how fast you need dry ice, how much you need, and whether you'd rather shop in-store or explore grocery delivery options from your couch.