Why Ice Cream Melts During Transit?
Ice cream melts in transit mainly because of heat and the absence of proper cold chain. Ice cream is a product that is very sensitive to temperature changes and as it is being transported, the frozen structure of the product is likely to be disrupted. If the ice cream is not well insulated or refrigerated, the heat from the environment seeps in and melts the ice cream. Furthermore, if the ice cream is not packed with sufficient cold packs or dry ice or if the storage container is opened frequently, it is impossible to maintain the cold temperature required to keep the ice cream solid and thus it melts.
How to Keep Ice Cream Cold from Melting?
Maintaining the temperature of the ice cream and ensuring that it does not melt during storage or transportation is a crucial factor. Selecting the right method will help you make sure that your ice cream stays frozen and ready for consumption.
Choosing the Right Container
Choosing the right container is very important in ensuring that the ice cream stays cold as it is supposed to be. Paper cups with a layer of insulation are perfect for serving individual portions, especially if the cups are made to withstand freezing temperatures. Lidded paper cups also help in preserving the ice cream since they shield it from warm air that could melt the ice cream. For larger quantities, insulated coolers or thermal bags with thick walls are the best to use as they do not melt easily and they also retain the required temperature.
Discover high-quality containers that prevent melting in Top 6 Ice Cream Cup Manufacturers: Your Ultimate Guide.
Use Dry Ice for Maximum Coldness
Dry ice is also preferred for use in transporting ice cream since it is much colder than normal ice. If the ice cream is packed in insulated containers, dry ice can keep the ice cream in a frozen state for a longer time, even in hot conditions. However, it is crucial to be safe while using dry ice since it can be dangerous when inhaled, and one should wear gloves while handling it.
Pack Ice Cream at the Bottom of the Cooler
Location is important when storing ice cream in a cooler. Cold air falls to the bottom of the cooler and therefore putting your ice cream at the bottom will keep it in the coolest part of the cooler. This strategy reduces the amount of time that the ice cream is exposed to warmer air at the top of the cooler and thus maintains its low temperature.
To get the maximum chill, place the ice cream in a circle of ice packs or dry ice. This arrangement ensures that the cold air surrounds the ice cream from all sides, thus minimizing the chances of melting. Do not forget to also cover the top of the cooler with aluminum foil or thermal blankets to help keep the cold air locked in the cooler.
Use Insulated Freezer Bags for Extra Protection
For further safeguard, especially when the car is in transit for a short period, consider using insulated freezer bags. These bags are made in such a way that they will reflect cold air back into the container and can be very useful when transporting ice cream over short distances, such as from supermarkets to homes. They provide an additional barrier that can be very helpful in preserving the frozen state of the ice cream.
The insulated freezer bags are very convenient to use and can be carried around, which makes it ideal for anyone who wants to carry their ice cream in a cooler for a picnic or a short trip. Accompany them with ice packs or dry ice for even better results, to make sure your ice cream remains frozen until it is time to consume.
Add Rock Salt to the Ice
One of the most effective yet lesser-known secrets of maintaining the ice cream’s frozen state during transportation is the use of rock salt. Rock salt reduces the freezing point of water and, as a result, the ice melts at a lower temperature and in the process, it takes heat from the surroundings. This method assists in preserving the low temperatures that are required to support the frozen state of ice cream for a longer duration.
Just spread rock salt on the ice in your cooler to make the environment colder. This technique is most useful when combined with normal ice since it improves the ice’s capacity to maintain a low temperature around the ice cream. It is a simple and cheap method of increasing the efficiency of your cooler without having to use other costly components.
Use Gel Packs as an Alternative to Ice
Gel packs are a great substitute for ice and if you do not want to deal with the mess that comes with ice melting. These packs are filled with a gel that lasts longer in the frozen state than water-based ice and do not make puddles as they melt. Gel packs are also reusable and this makes them economical, especially when transporting ice cream frequently.
In case you are using gel packs, it is advisable to position them in a manner that will allow equal distribution of coldness to the ice cream container. They are also capable of sustaining low temperatures for a long time, which makes them suitable for occasions where you want to use a cooler to store ice cream for several hours. To make it even more convenient, gel packs come in different sizes to fit any cooler or insulated bag that you may have.
Avoid Overpacking the Cooler
You might think that the more space you leave in the cooler, the less chance your ice cream will melt, but this is not the case. When a cooler is too full, there is not enough space for cold air to flow around and this leads to warmer temperatures and poor cooling. The best way is to fill your cooler with cold packs or ice, but leave some room for air to circulate but not too much that the temperature fluctuates.
For the cooler to be most effective, the ice cream containers should fit tightly into the cooler but not overcrowded. This balance enables the cold air to circulate within the cooler while at the same time ensuring that the temperature is constant. Also, there is the placement of items, where larger ice packs or dry ice should be placed at the bottom, ice cream in the middle, and smaller cold packs on top.
Store in the Coldest Part of the Vehicle
Even the position of your cooler inside your car can also affect the ability of the cooler to freeze the ice cream. The trunk is usually the coolest part of most vehicles since it is not exposed to sunlight and the car’s heat source. This is because when you store your cooler in the trunk, you minimize the chances of exposing your ice cream to warmer temperatures.
Do not put the cooler near the windows or on seats that may come into contact with direct sunlight or heat. When you are carrying ice cream on a sunny day, it is advisable to put other insulators like blankets or reflective sheets over the cooler. This method provides your ice cream with the best opportunity to remain frozen until you get to your desired location.
Green Methods for Keeping Ice Cream Cold
Using environmentally friendly ways to maintain the temperature of the ice cream is both environmentally friendly and efficient. First of all, replace disposable cups and lids with those that are made from biodegradable materials such as plant fibers. These cups not only offer good insulation but also have a lesser environmental footprint as compared to the conventional plastic or foam cups. To increase the efficiency of the cups in cooling the ice cream, it is recommended to freeze the cups before putting the ice cream in them to make them as cold as possible. This approach helps to maintain the frozen ice cream for a longer period and also provides an environment friendly solution.
When transporting or storing the ice cream, one should use coolers that are eco-friendly and made from recycled material like recycled plastic or wool. In the cooler, use reusable ice packs or freeze water in stainless steel or glass containers to have cold sources that will last for a long time without having to dispose of ice packs. Using biodegradable paper cups for the ice cream and re-usable cooling methods, you can ensure that your ice cream remains cold and tasty while being environmentally friendly.
When exploring green methods for keeping ice cream cold, ice cream cup supplier Yoonpak’s high-quality disposable eco-friendly ice cream cups are a great option. Learn more at ice cream cups in bulk.
How to Transport Ice Cream?
For shipping ice cream successfully, it is important to prepare it in a way that will keep it frozen and have the right texture. First, pack the ice cream in a strong and well insulated cooler or thermal bag. It is recommended to use dry ice since it will be able to maintain the temperature below the freezing point. If dry ice is not available, gel ice packs or normal ice can be used, but it is advisable to wrap the ice cream in other insulating materials such as towels to avoid direct contact with the ice as this will lead to uneven freezing. Put the ice packs or the dry ice at the bottom and the sides of the cooler and put the ice cream in the middle surrounded by the cold packs.
When transporting, do not place the cooler in the boot of the car or in direct sunlight but in the car’s interior with the air conditioning system on. Do not open the cooler unless it is necessary to reduce the number of times the temperature is changed. If you are going to transport the perishable food over a long distance, then it is advisable to add more ice or dry ice on the way to ensure that the food remains cold. By following these steps, you will be able to make sure that the ice cream gets to the intended place in the best condition that it can be consumed.
Avoiding Common Mistakes When Transporting Ice Cream
- Overpacking the Cooler: Although it may appear to make sense to pack the cooler as closely as possible, this can hinder the circulation of cold air and, as a result, the cooling and melting process is not effective. Remember to leave some room for air circulation as this will help in proper circulation of air.
- Using the Wrong Type of Ice: Regular ice may not be sufficient to keep the ice cream frozen for a long time. However, dry ice or gel packs are more preferable because they are colder and can be used for a longer period of time without melting.
- Not Pre-Chilling the Cooler: It is also important to remember that before you load your ice cream, the cooler should be pre-chilled. Placing ice or ice packs in a warm cooler will only result to faster melting of the ice and therefore a warmer environment inside the cooler.
- Exposing the Cooler to Direct Sunlight: This is because direct sunlight can easily heat up the inside of your cooler. Do not let the temperature rise to this level by keeping the cooler in the shade or covered with a blanket.
- Using Non-Insulated Containers: Not all containers are the same. Ensure that your ice cream is placed in insulated containers, for instance, frost-resistant paper cups so that they can remain cold for a longer period.
- Not Securing the Cooler in the Vehicle: If the cooler is shifted during transportation, then there is a possibility of air leakage and hence the cooling is not uniform. Ensure that the cooler is well positioned in the coolest area of the car to avoid fluctuation of temperature.
The Impact of Different Ice Cream Types on Melting Rates
The fat content, air incorporation and stabilizers make different types of ice cream to melt at different rates. Knowledge of these factors goes a long way in explaining why some ice creams take longer to melt than others.
| Ice Cream Type | Main Ingredients | Fat Content (%) | Melting Rate | Notes |
| Premium Ice Cream | High cream content, low air, sugar, egg yolks | 14-20% | Slow | Due to high fat and low air content, premium ice cream melts slower, maintaining a creamy texture as it softens. |
| Regular Ice Cream | Cream, milk, sugar, egg yolks | 10-14% | Moderate | Regular ice cream has a balanced fat content and air incorporation, leading to a moderate melting rate. |
| Light Ice Cream | Reduced-fat dairy, sugar substitutes | 4-8% | Fast | Lower fat content and higher air incorporation make light ice cream melt faster, often leading to a quicker loss of structure. |
| Gelato | High cream content, less air, more sugar | 4-8% | Very Slow | Gelato has a dense texture with less air and more sugar, resulting in a very slow melting rate and a rich, creamy consistency as it softens. |
| Soft Serve | Cream, milk, sugar, air | 3-6% | Very Fast | Soft serve contains a lot of air, which makes it light but also causes it to melt very quickly, especially in warm conditions. |
| Frozen Yogurt | Yogurt, milk, sugar, live cultures | 0-4% | Fast | The low fat content and high air incorporation in frozen yogurt contribute to a faster melting rate compared to traditional ice cream. |
| Sorbet/Sherbet | Water, fruit puree, sugar | 0% (sorbet), 1-2% (sherbet) | Moderate to Fast (depending on sugar content) | Sorbet and sherbet have no or very little fat, causing them to melt faster. High sugar content in some recipes can slow the melting slightly. |
Discover all you need to know about ice cream cup sizes from Ice Cream Cup Sizes Explained: From Sample to Sundae to find the perfect fit for your dessert.
Best Practices for Keeping Ice Cream Frozen
- Emily (Home Baker, USA): ‘I always use insulated ice cream paper tubs with tight-fitting lids to ensure my homemade ice cream remains cold for longer. ’ The walls of the paper tubs are thick and this helps in insulating the ice cream while the lids help in preventing air from getting into the tubs hence slowing down the melting process especially when I am transporting the ice cream to events or picnics.
- Liam (Café Owner, UK): “For occasions when I have to transport ice cream to our outdoor café, I use pre-chilled thermal bags and gel ice packs and dry ice for freezing the products, gel packs help maintain the temperature while the dry ice makes sure everything is below freezing. I also portion the ice cream in smaller portions using double-walled paper cups with lids to help with insulation and ease of serving. ”
- Sophie (Event Planner, Germany): “For large events, I use a cooler lined with aluminum foil to reflect heat and dry ice at the bottom to keep the ice cream cold, and each ice cream container is placed in a paper tub with a lid to reduce exposure to warm air,” she said, adding, “This method has never let me down, not even during summer events, and the ice cream remains frozen until it is time to serve. ”
- Oliver (Food Blogger, Canada): ‘In my experience, the best way is to use insulated coolers along with dry ice,’ I put the ice cream in insulated paper tubs with lids to provide an additional layer of insulation and to prevent the ice cream from melting too quickly, especially during long photo shoots, dry ice keeps everything at an extremely low temperature.
- Isabella (Mom of Three, Italy): During summer, whenever we go out for a family event, I have a secret of how to prevent the ice cream from melting. I put the ice cream in small, tightly sealed plastic containers and put them in the freezer the night before the trip and then pack them in a cooler with enough frozen gel packs. The smaller portions freeze solid overnight, and the extra layer of insulation provided by the gel packs preserves everything.
Yoonpak’s Innovative Ice Cream Packaging Solutions
As for the problem of maintaining the temperature at which ice cream is transported, Yoonpak has some of the most effective packaging technologies. Yoonpak has over 24 years of experience and has the capability of producing over 15 billion units per year of these custom ice cream cups that are eco-friendly and durable. Their packaging is food safe and biodegradable and is made from plant materials in combination with the latest coating and printing techniques.
Among the many products that Yoonpak offers, one of the most notable is their paper ice cream cups with lids wholesale. These cups are made to be heat and cold resistant and they do not crack or leak at temperatures as low as -40°C. This makes them suitable for anyone who wants to transport ice cream over long distances or wants to store it for a long time. Also, Yoonpak provides flexibility in the choices of ice cream cups with lids and businesses can order for cups that reflect their company’s image. The combination of high-quality materials, excellent insulation, and customization options makes Yoonpak a leading ice cream cup supplier for businesses worldwide.
FAQs
Is it safe to use dry ice for maintaining the cold temperature of ice cream?
Yes, dry ice is safe to use provided that it is used appropriately. Dry ice should be handled with gloves to avoid frostbite and the cooler should be properly aerated to avoid accumulation of carbon dioxide gas.
How many hours is it possible to keep ice cream frozen in a cooler during transportation?
Ice cream can remain frozen for several hours in a cooler depending on the cooling technique that has been employed. Using dry ice, ice cream can stay frozen for 24 hours or even more. Gel packs and normal ice can keep ice cream cool for a limited time of 4-6 hours.
At what temperature should a cooler be to keep the ice cream frozen?
The cooler should be kept at a temperature of not more than -18°C (0°F) in order to keep the ice cream frozen. This temperature can be achieved and maintained using dry ice or adequate number of ice packs during the transportation process.
