How to Pack a Picnic Basket with Dry Ice 

On days when the sun is shining and there is not a cloud in the sky, nothing can beat a picnic! Instead of letting your lunch get warm in a stuffy backpack or soggy in a wet cooler, use dry ice to keep your food and beverages cool, fresh and ready to enjoy no matter how long it takes to find the perfect patch of grass.

Before you pack up on your adventure to the local park, follow the directions below to keep food fresh with dry ice for the perfect picnic. Let’s get started!

Here’s what you’ll need:

• A picnic basket or Styrofoam cooler
• Protective gloves
• Newspaper
• Your favorite picnic meal or snacks
• One bag of traditional cubed ice
• Penguin Brand Dry Ice®

Step 1: Wearing protective gloves, carefully wrap your Penguin Brand Dry Ice® in a sheet of newspaper. This will insulate the dry ice to avoid freezing.

Step 2: Carefully place the wrapped newspaper at the bottom of the picnic basket or cooler.

Step 3: Pour half of the bag of traditional cubed ice on top of the wrapped dry ice, being sure to cover every surface.

Step 4: Place your food inside the cooler on top of the traditional cubed ice.

Step 5: Pour the remainder of the bag of traditional cubed ice on top of the food inside of the cooler.

Step 5: Close the cooler and head out for your picnic!

Wondering what to pack for the perfect picnic? We’ve got you covered there too. Don’t forget these picnic staples, and some of our favorite picnic treats!

• Sandwiches and sliders
• Watermelon – don’t forget to cut it first!
• Tossed salad
• Charcuterie board with meats, cheese and dried fruits
• Carrots and hummusIce cold lemonade

Safety Notes: 

Never place dry ice inside airtight containers.

Parental supervision is required.

Always use gloves and tongs when handling dry ice.

Did you save your cookies this year? Let us know how it went by sharing on our social channels. 

Instagram: @penguindryice
Facebook: @dryiceideas
Pinterest: Penguin Brand Dry Ice®
Twitter: @PenguinDryIce