Have you ever faced the challenge of keeping your food and drinks cool while traveling outdoors? Are you wondering if ice packs are the best option for you? If so, you're not alone.
Keeping frozen yogurt or gourmet items fresh during a picnic or camping trip isn't always easy. While some people prefer to buy ice cream, others rely on efficient and convenient cold storage products. This is the case with ice packs, which offer a better accumulation of freshness without melting. You can easily get them, as several models are available on the market.
However, if this is your first experience with industrial ice, you will necessarily need a better ice bar: comparison and guide.
And that's exactly what this informative article offers. You will find the best ice cream bars on the French market as well as a complete buying guide to avoid beginners' mistakes.
Comparative of the best ice breads
In order to make your choice easier, here is a top 4 of the best ice breads on the French market. They are all signed Healthy Lunch and will ensure the success of your summer picnics.
Blue Ice Bread
We start this selection with this set of 3 mini ice loaves in blue color. Specifically, they benefit from a longer cooling time than most other ice packs available on the market.
Entirely made from PP plastic, they are food certified and 100% reusable ice packs. In terms of size, they will fit in any type of container to cool your smoothie. In concrete terms, this ice bar can easily find its place in :
- A picnic basket;
- An isothermal bag;
- A cooler.
Moreover, these ice loaves are totally waterproof, which implies a strong waterproofness against water.
Features:
- Dimensions: 9 cm (length) x 3.5 cm (width) x 16.5 cm (height)
- Number of ice blocks: 3
- Material: Polypropylene plastic
- Color : Blue
- Delivery type : Secure
Snow Ice Bread
If you want to keep it simple, we highly recommend this snow design ice bar. Delivered safely in pairs, you can use it for your outdoor outings when the heat is on. In a cooler, it'll add a real touch of coolness to your fruit puree, lemon juice or frozen desserts.
Best of all, this ice bar is filled with a non-toxic cooling liquid that freezes quickly and stays cold for a long time.
At the same time, the product is made from PP plastic which is a durable material that can be reused many times. Also, this snowflake pattern cooler is easy to maintain after use.
Features:
- Dimensions: 11 cm (length) x 2 cm (width) x 16.5 cm (height)
- Number of ice blocks: 3
- Material: Polypropylene plastic
- Color : Blue
- Type of delivery : Secure
Ice bread 150 ml
In third place, we find this beautiful artificial ice block with a large capacity of 150 ml. It is specially designed to fit into specific containers such as a lunch bag or a cooler. From now on, no need to invest in ice cubes that melt over time and let water run out of your cooler. This ice bar from Healthy Lunch is a practical solution for better cold storage.
Like the previous models, it is also made with polypropylene plastic. So you won't have to worry about its food certification. In addition, the cooling block offers easy maintenance for new users. You don't need to put it in a machine to clean it, as manual maintenance is more than enough. Lastly, the store offers it free of charge with a secure package tracking.
Features:
- Dimensions: 8 cm (length) x 3 cm (width) x 12 cm (height)
- Capacity: 150 ml
- Number of ice packs : 1
- Material : Polypropylene plastic
- Color : Blue
- Delivery type : Secure
Corrugated Ice Bread
Available in packs of two, this latest selection is a pure marvel to liven up your picnics. With its wavy shape, this ice bar melts into the decor of any container to bring freshness. No need to invest in expensive mini-fridges or melting ice cubes.
The ice bar is made from premium quality cooling materials to ensure the food safety of your fresh cream. In other words, you can put it in a cooler full of fruit juice without fear of poisoning. In fact, the PP plastic that incorporates its design is BPA-free and is fully food certified.
Features:
- Dimensions: 10 cm (length) x 5 cm (width) x 21 cm (height)
- Number of ice packs: 1
- Material: Polypropylene plastic
- Color : Blue
- Type of delivery : Secure
What is the liquid in the ice packs?
The liquid in the ice packs is usually water mixed with a eutectic agent or a freezing agent. Specifically, it can be silica gel, polymer gel or calcium chloride. These agents help to lower the freezing point of the water.
In turn, the ice bar remains solid at a temperature below zero degrees Celsius for a longer period of time. Ice packs can also be frozen in a home freezer or purchased from online retailers like Healthy Lunch.
What are the different types of ice cream bars?
There are several types of ice packs available on the market, each with its own advantages and disadvantages.
Cooling gel
Cooling gel ice packs are blocks of gel filled with a non-toxic cooling liquid that freezes at low temperatures. This type of ice bar is easy to use, as you simply place it in the freezer for a few hours before using it. It's also easy to clean, as all you have to do is wash it with soapy water.
Chilling gelato ice bars are also available in a variety of sizes and shapes. Thus, they are suitable for a rich range of uses. However, they don't stay cold as long as some other types of ice packs.
Ice blocks
Block ice is a natural ice bar made from water. They come in a variety of sizes, shapes and weights. Ice blocks tend to stay cold longer than cooling gel packs. This makes them an ideal option for long camping trips.
However, ice blocks can be heavy and difficult to transport, especially if used in large quantities. Also, they can be difficult to clean up, as the melted ice can leave streaks.
Reusable ice packs
Reusable ice packs are often made of plastic or silicone. They are filled with a non-toxic coolant and can be placed in the freezer for reuse. Reusable ice packs are also available in a variety of sizes and shapes.
Best of all, they are environmentally friendly options, as they can be used over and over again. They are also easy to clean. All you need to do is use a dishcloth and soapy water.
What criteria should you consider when buying your ice bar?
When purchasing an ice bar, there are several criteria to consider. The goal is to make sure you buy the product that best suits your needs.
Size and shape
It is important to consider the size and shape of the ice bar when purchasing. Obviously, ice packs come in a variety of sizes and shapes. For example, on Healthy Lunch you can find rectangular and wavy shapes in different sizes.
If you need an ice bar to cool food in a soft cooler, you can opt for a smaller size. However, if you're going on a camping trip, a large ice bar will do just fine.
Cooling time
The cooling time is another important criterion to consider for an effective ice bar. Naturally, some types of ice packs stay cold longer than others. Therefore, it is important to choose the one that best suits your needs. If you're planning a long family outing, you'll need an ice pack that stays cold for several hours.
Ease of use
Ease of use is usually overlooked when looking for a convenient ice bar. However, it is a criterion that can make your life easier after using your ice pack.
Some ice packs are easier to use than others. This is especially true of cooling gel ice packs. They are more convenient to use because they are easy to handle and clean. Reusable ice packs can be more environmentally friendly and economical in the long run. However, they may require a little more effort to clean and return to the freezer.
The design material
The material used to make the ice bar is also a must-have criteria. Typically, traditional ice packs are made from water and a solid shell. On the other side, cooling gel ice packs and reusable ice packs are made from synthetic materials. The most important thing is to choose a food certified material that does not contain toxic chemicals. The goal is to not contaminate the food that comes in contact with the ice bar.
Durability
Here is the last element not to forget while buying your ice bread: durability. Note that not all products are created equal in terms of strength and durability. Some are stronger than others, which means they can be used over and over again without deteriorating. Reusable ice packs are generally more durable than cooling gel packs.
How do I use an ice pack?
Is this your first experience with ice packs? Here's how to use them to keep your food cool:
- Freeze the ice pack: Before using an ice pack, you must first freeze it. Place it in a freezer for at least 12 hours to fully solidify. Some manufacturers recommend a longer freezing time, so check the specific product instructions.
- Place the ice pack in your cooler: Once the ice pack is completely frozen, place it in your cooler or lunch bag. Make sure it is placed on the top or bottom of the cooler; in direct contact with the drinks you want to keep cool.
- Top it off with food and drinks: Once the cooler pack is in place, add your food and drinks. Be sure to store them properly so they don't get mixed up or spill during transport.
- Use multiple ice packs if necessary: If you need to keep food and beverages cool for a long time, you can use multiple ice packs. This will ensure a constant temperature and prevent the food from heating up.
- Reuse the ice pack: Once you've used the ice pack, you can put it back in the freezer to use again. Simply clean and dry it before putting it back in the appliance.
It's important to note that the ice pack is only one part of your cooling system. To ensure that food products stay fresh, make sure your cooler is well insulated and keep it in the shade as much as possible.