Dry ice demand has surged alongside the booming cold-chain and food delivery industries — the global dry ice market is projected to grow significantly through 2030, per Fortune Business Insights. Whether you need it for a Halloween fog effect, shipping perishables, or keeping a cooler frozen on a long trip, knowing where to buy dry ice quickly is essential. Like finding places to buy specialty gases, availability varies widely by location — and not every store carries it. Let's get started!
Quick Answer
Dry ice is sold at grocery stores like Walmart, Kroger, and Safeway, usually near the entrance or customer service desk. You can also find it at gas stations, convenience stores, and specialty suppliers like Airgas or Dry Ice Corp. Expect to pay $1–$3 per pound. Call ahead to confirm availability.
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Summary Table
| Item Name | Price Range | Best For | Website |
|---|---|---|---|
| Walmart | $1.00–$1.50/lb | Quick, affordable pickup nationwide | Visit Site |
| Kroger | $1.00–$1.50/lb | Grocery shoppers in the Midwest & South | Visit Site |
| Publix | $1.25–$1.75/lb | Southeast U.S. shoppers | See details |
| Albertsons | $1.00–$1.50/lb | West & Northwest grocery shoppers | Visit Site |
| Safeway | $1.00–$1.50/lb | Shoppers in Western & Mid-Atlantic states | Visit Site |
| Costco | $1.00–$1.25/lb | Buying large quantities at low cost | Visit Site |
| Meijer | $1.00–$1.50/lb | Midwest shoppers needing same-day supply | Visit Site |
| Whole Foods Market | $1.50–$2.00/lb | Shoppers already in-store for groceries | Visit Site |
| Smart and Final | $1.00–$1.50/lb | West Coast shoppers & bulk buyers | Visit Site |
| 7-Eleven | $1.50–$2.50/lb | Last-minute, late-night emergency needs | Visit Site |
| Wawa | $1.50–$2.50/lb | Mid-Atlantic residents needing quick access | Visit Site |
| Speedway | $1.50–$2.50/lb | Gas station convenience on road trips | Visit Site |
| Airgas | $1.00–$3.00/lb | Industrial & large-volume purchases | Visit Site |
| Local ice companies | $0.75–$1.50/lb | Best pricing for bulk or recurring orders | Visit Site |
| Butcher shops | $1.00–$2.00/lb | Meat transport & temperature-sensitive shipping | See details |
15 Best Places to Buy Dry Ice Near You (2026)
Below you'll find detailed information about each aspect, including important details and considerations.
1. Walmart
Walmart is one of the most accessible places to purchase dry ice, with many Supercenter locations stocking it near the checkout area or in standalone freezer units. Availability varies by store, so calling ahead is recommended. Prices typically run around $1.00–$1.50 per pound, making it a budget-friendly option for small cooling needs like keeping a cooler cold during a road trip or camping trip.
Quick facts:
- Price: approximately $1.00–$1.50/lb
- Sold in pre-packaged blocks or pellets (usually 5–10 lb bags)
- Not all locations carry it — call your local store first
2. Kroger
Kroger grocery stores frequently stock dry ice, typically sold through in-store kiosks or freezer units near the entrance or service desk. It's a convenient option for shoppers already picking up groceries who also need a frozen CO₂ source for a party, shipping perishables, or Halloween fog effects. Kroger's broad footprint across the U.S. makes it a reliable regional choice.
What to know:
- Price: roughly $1.00–$1.74/lb depending on location
- Often available via Penguin Brand dry ice kiosks inside stores
- Check the Kroger store locator or call ahead to confirm stock
3. Publix
Publix supermarkets in the Southeast U.S. are a dependable spot to find dry ice, often stocked near the store entrance in self-serve freezer units. For shoppers in Florida, Georgia, or the Carolinas, Publix offers a straightforward pickup option without needing to visit a specialty supplier. It's particularly handy for last-minute needs before a tailgate, cookout, or food shipment.
Key details:
- Price: typically $1.49–$1.99/lb
- Available in most full-size Publix locations, not all smaller formats
- Usually sold in 5–10 lb pre-packaged quantities
4. Albertsons
Albertsons is a reliable grocery chain where you can purchase dry ice directly in-store, typically sold by the pound near the customer service desk or in a dedicated freezer unit. Most locations stock it year-round, making it a convenient option for Halloween parties, shipping perishables, or keeping coolers cold. Prices generally range from $1.00 to $1.50 per pound depending on your region.
What to know:
- Sold by the pound — typical minimum purchase is 1–5 lbs
- Call ahead to confirm stock, as availability varies by location
- Bring insulated gloves — store staff may not handle it for you
5. Safeway
Safeway stocks dry ice at many of its locations, often positioned near the service counter or in standalone freezer dispensers in the store entrance area. As a sister brand to Albertsons under the same parent company, pricing and availability are similar — roughly $1.00–$1.50 per pound. Safeway is particularly useful for last-minute purchases given its widespread presence across the western and mid-Atlantic United States.
Notable perks:
- Frequent store locations in suburban and urban areas
- Some stores offer pre-packaged blocks or pellets for convenience
- Check the Safeway store locator online to confirm dry ice availability nearby
6. Costco
Costco sells dry ice at select warehouse locations, making it a strong choice if you need larger quantities for events, catering, or extended shipping needs. Unlike typical grocery stores, Costco often sells dry ice in bulk blocks, which last longer and are better suited for keeping large coolers cold over several days. Pricing is competitive, typically around $1.00–$1.25 per pound, and it's usually available near the checkout area or customer service.
Key features:
- Bulk quantities available — ideal for large events or commercial use
- Membership required (starting at $65/year)
- Not all locations carry it — call your warehouse before making the trip
7. Meijer
Meijer is a Midwest-based supercenter chain where shoppers can pick up dry ice alongside their regular grocery run. Most Meijer locations stock dry ice near the front entrance or in a dedicated freezer unit, typically sold by the pound. It's a convenient option if you're in Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky, or Wisconsin.
What to know:
- Priced around $1.50–$2.00 per pound
- Available in block or pellet form depending on location
- Call ahead to confirm stock before making a trip
Whole Foods carries dry ice at many of its locations, making it a solid option for shoppers who are already picking up groceries there. It's particularly useful if you need a smaller quantity for keeping perishables cold during transport or food storage. Availability can vary by store, so checking with your local branch beforehand is recommended.
Quick details:
- Typically sold by the pound at customer service or a designated freezer
- Pricing generally falls in the $1.99–$3.00 per pound range
- Locations nationwide across the U.S.
Smart and Final is a West Coast grocery and bulk goods retailer that stocks dry ice at most of its store locations, making it a go-to source for California, Arizona, and Nevada residents. It's especially practical for purchasing larger quantities, since Smart and Final caters to both households and small businesses. Dry ice is usually stored near the entrance or in a standalone freezer unit.
Notable perks:
- Bulk-friendly quantities available — ideal for events or shipping needs
- Competitive pricing around $1.50–$2.50 per pound
10. 7-Eleven
7-Eleven is one of the most accessible convenience store chains for picking up dry ice, with thousands of locations across the U.S. open 24 hours a day. Many locations stock dry ice near the checkout or in standalone chest freezers, making it a reliable last-minute source when grocery stores are closed.
What to know:
- Typically sold in 1–5 lb quantities, priced around $1–$3 per pound
- Availability varies by location — call ahead before making the trip
- 24/7 hours make it ideal for urgent or late-night needs
11. Wawa
Wawa convenience stores, concentrated primarily along the East Coast, occasionally carry dry ice alongside their expanded grocery and fresh food sections. Because Wawa locations are larger than typical gas station stores, they're more likely than smaller chains to stock frozen products including dry ice blocks or pellets.
Key details:
- Primarily found in PA, NJ, DE, MD, VA, FL, and DC markets
- Stock levels are inconsistent — confirm availability by phone before visiting
- Often priced competitively with grocery store rates
12. Speedway
Speedway gas stations and convenience stores carry dry ice at select locations, making them a practical pit-stop option when you need a small amount for a cooler or food shipment. Their widespread presence across the Midwest and East Coast gives them decent reach for shoppers in those regions who need a quick, local source.
Worth noting:
- Stock is limited and location-dependent — not all Speedway stores carry it
- Typically sold in smaller quantities suited for short-term cooling needs
13. Airgas
Airgas is one of the largest industrial gas suppliers in the United States and a reliable source for purchasing dry ice in bulk or smaller quantities. They serve both commercial and individual customers, making them a practical option if you need dry ice for shipping, food preservation, or industrial use. Locations are spread across the country, and you can call ahead to confirm stock.
What to know:
- Sells dry ice by the pound, with bulk pricing available for businesses
- Find your nearest branch using the store locator at airgas.com
- Best for industrial, medical, or large-quantity needs
Regional and local ice companies are often overlooked but can be one of the most convenient places to pick up dry ice, especially in areas where grocery chains don't stock it. These businesses typically supply restaurants, seafood distributors, and event venues, so dry ice is a standard product rather than an afterthought. Search "dry ice supplier near me" or check your local business directory to find one.
Key advantages:
- Often sell larger slabs or blocks suited for shipping and catering
- Competitive per-pound pricing compared to retail markup
15. Butcher shops
Independent butcher shops frequently stock dry ice because they use it to keep meat cold during transport and for customer carry-out orders. This makes them a surprisingly practical stop when you need a small amount quickly without visiting a larger store. Call ahead before visiting, as availability varies by location and season.
Good to know:
- Usually sold in small quantities — ideal for short-term cooling needs
- Staff can advise on safe handling for meat transport or home use
Final Words
Your best bet depends on urgency, quantity, and whether you prefer local pickup or delivery — so browse grocery and specialty delivery options alongside nearby retailers to lock in the fastest, most affordable source.