Does Target Sell Dry Ice: 4 Other Stores That Sell It Under $1.50

The weather has been pretty hot over the week, and we could all enjoy a chilled drink when getting home from work. Unfortunately, my refrigeration gave up, and I couldn’t make any dry ice at home. The first time I had to look for stores selling ice; naturally, Target was my first go-to place. However, does Target sell dry ice? Let’s find out.

Can I Buy Dry Ice At Target? 

Target does not sell dry ice in any of its store locations. You will have better luck finding it at alternatives like Walmart. 

Dry is quite helpful, especially in summer. We often use it to preserve beverages and perishable food.

However, you may not find it everywhere since there are dangers associated with not handling it properly. Therefore, only a few stores in the US sell dry ice, and, unfortunately, Target is not one of them. You can contact Target customer support desk for updates.

Reasons Why Target Does Not Sell Dry Ice

Target does not sell dry ice for multiple reasons; the most prominent one is that it is unsafe to store inside.

Target has not invested in the appropriate refrigeration system to maintain dry ice at the correct temperature. Store refrigerators are only used to chill frozen items or fresh produce.

Can I Buy Bags of Ice At Target 

In almost all store locations, you will find bags of ice in Target’s produce section.

The bags are priced under $5, but the exact cost will vary depending on the size and flavor that you buy. Moreover, ice bags are not available online.

Where to Buy Dry Ice? 

Walmart, Costco, Whole Foods, Kroger, Amazon, Safeway, King Soopers, etc., are prominent stores selling dry ice. 

Although you would expect otherwise, dry ice is available only at some grocery and retail stores. If you shop online, shipping expenses can make the purchase costly. Therefore, it becomes crucial to figure out selective stores that always sell dry ice.

Safeway: Safeway has approximately 240 store locations in California alone, and it stacks plenty of dry ice in the basement of most of the stores. You can visit Safeway.com to check if the one in your area has ice stock.

Hy-Vee: One of the most common choices for buying dry ice in the Midwestern US is Hy-Vee. It has over 200 stores in South Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas, Illinois, Missouri, Iowa, Minnesota, and Wisconsin. All of these locations sell dry ice.

Publix: Buyers residing in the Southeastern portion of the US, such as in Florida, can get dry ice from Publix. The store has a limitless amount, and the prices are reasonable too. I recommend you call the authorities beforehand to confirm the type of ice a specific Publix store sells.

Vons: Vons stores in California and Nevada have dry ice in almost 200 retail locations. They are also reasonably priced.

Note: Some stores only sell dry ice during specific hours (such as early morning) or in large amounts. You should call beforehand to confirm a store’s policy on selling dry ice.

Certain online stores in the US sell and deliver dry ice. You can even purchase large quantities from here, for example, Amazon.com.

Dry Ice Cost At Walmart 

Walmart sells dry ice between $1 to $1.50 per pound, but typically, you will find it for just $1. 

Walmart is a go-to choice for many who want to buy dry ice and need help finding it in mainstream stores like Target. The price is cheap, too, making it an ideal option.

Steps To Make Dry Ice At Home

1. Find a cloth bag, heavy-duty gloves, and a carbon dioxide tank. Alternatively, you can also use a carbon dioxide fire extinguisher in place of the tank.
2. Cover the tube attached to the extinguisher (if you use one).
3. Ensure that you have a container for dry ice available. If not, you can purchase a new one at any store for approximately $7 or less.
4. Discharge the fire extinguisher into the cloth bag and see as the ice begins to form.
5. You can turn it off when you are satisfied with the amount.
6. Then gently shake the bag to confirm no ice is stuck to the extinguisher’s nozzle.

Dangers of Dry Ice: What To Watch Out For?

Dry ice is a solidified carbon dioxide, the same gas considered quite poisonous to humans if exposed in larger quantities. That may explain why dry ice presents a safety hazard if mishandled.

Carbon dioxide is also hazardous for kids and pregnant women. If you think someone has been exposed to the side effects of the gas at your place, check for the following symptoms immediately.

• Fatigue
• Dull headache
• Dizziness
• Confusion
• Irritability
• Breathing difficulty
• Blurred vision
• Fainting
• Brain damage
• Any flu-like symptoms

Precautions for Using Dry Ice

• Try not to touch the ice with bare hands.
• Never ingest dry ice.
• Ensure that the ice is out of reach of children and pets.
• Don’t store dry ice in a sealed container. The vapor can create pressure causing it to burst.

Uses of Dry Ice 

• It is used to ensure that food products are kept fresh while shipping. Dry ice also helps to extend the expiry date of perishable items such as fruits and vegetables.
• Dry ice stores medical samples, supplies, and even organs for an extended period.
• It often serves as an alternative to liquid nitrogen for minor surgeries. For example, it is used to remove warts and other skin treatments.
• The most common use of dry ice is at parties, where it creates clouds of vapor or fog.

Key Takeaways 

• Target does not sell dry ice at any of its locations, so alternatives like Walmart, Amazon, Safeway, and Publix should be considered instead.
• Typically, a pound of dry ice will cost you between $1 to $3.
• You can make dry ice at home with the right equipment but keep in mind the dangers and precautions associated with it.