Dry ice has a thousand different uses whether that's for fun, science, or anything else. There are also several different places where you can purchase dry ice whether it's a gas station or a grocery store near you. The question to ask now is if HEB is one of those places that stocks it.
Many HEB stores stock and sell dry ice for $1-$4 per pound. However there is not a store-wide policy on carry dry ice so stock varies from store to store and some stores only carry it seasonally. It's best to call ahead to your local HEB and asking a store associate if stock is available before shopping.
Now that you know you can count HEB as an option, you undoubtedly want to know how and where to find dry ice there. Here are a few tips that you can use when you're looking to purchase some dry ice for an upcoming event. Hopefully, it will make this endeavor a little less stressful for you!
How Much is Dry Ice At HEB?
Most stores that sell dry ice don't require more than $1.00-$1.50 for a pound of dry ice. HEB is no exception to this standard.
You will find that most HEB stores require no more than $1-$3 per pound.
If you want to find them for cheaper somewhere, you might try your luck at an ice cream parlor or gas station.
However, the prices found at HEB are not a lot to pay for dry ice, so they just might be your best bet, especially if you want a convenient option.
Where To Find Dry Ice in HEB: In-Store Location
The HEB locations that do sell ice usually have designated freezer areas for ice and dry ice. These are most often located near the front of the store, by the cashier aisles, or by the front doors.
Depending on the store, you may have to be eighteen or older and show ID to buy it, but that's not hard to do. Simply ask a customer service representative or a cashier for help with this process.
Keep in mind that all HEB stores are different and are usually set up differently. This means that the designated freezer area may not be toward the front of every store. However, that is one of the most common places to find it. If you aren't sure, you can always ask an employee for assistance.
How To Find Out if Your Local HEB Has Dry Ice
As mentioned above, not all HEB stores are created equal, and not all of them sell dry ice. If you are unsure of whether your location has dry ice or not, the best thing you can do is as directed above.
Use HEB's store locator to find the store that is closest to you. Call them and ask whether they have dry ice and if not, you can ask them where else you can look.
Why Doesn't HEB Always Have Dry Ice?
So your HEB store doesn't have dry ice but the one a few blocks away does. What's up with that?
The HEB chain, similar to Costco, does not have a store-wide policy on dry ice. Since this is the case, some stores sell it and some do not. You will just have to call around to find the stores that have what you want.
What Can I Do With Dry Ice?
Now that you know where to find dry ice, you've got to know exactly what to do with it! There are a thousand different uses for dry ice and each is as fun and strange as the next! Here are a few popular ways to use dry ice as well as a few you may never have heard of before!
Special Effects
Special effects have, of course, got to be on the top of the list. Anybody knows that spooky fog for a play or a Halloween activity is an absolute must! You can put dry ice inside your jack-o-lanterns, into a cauldron of homemade rootbeer, in a glass of water on the porch for spooky effects, and in pretty much anything else you can think of.
You can even use it to inflate your balloons! Stick a piece of dry ice into a balloon, tie it off, and wait for the ice to sublimate. As it does, the balloon will slowly inflate and get bigger. Be careful not to use too large of a piece, however. Doing so means that the balloon will expand too much and pop.
Preservation
Preservation is probably one of the most common uses of dry ice. Dry ice is liquified and frozen carbon dioxide, not water. It will not melt as quickly as regular ice, which makes it the most effective way to keep things fresh. You can use it in the bottom of your cooler on long trips to keep your food fresh.
It is also a great way to flash freeze food and hunting game. It is especially popular among fishermen who need a way to preserve the freshness of their catch. Once you've caught your fish, smack them down on a bed of dry ice and they'll stay fresh and good for twice as long. Similarly, dead bodies that are being prepped for burial are usually preserved using dry ice.
Ice Cream
Who doesn't love some good ice cream? Dry ice is a fun and easy way to make ice cream at home. The best part about this whole thing is that dry ice cream is carbonated. For those of you out there who love ice cream floats especially, this is the perfect experiment for you to try. Dry ice is essentially a frozen gas. When that gas is released, it leaves behind bubbly and carbonated ice cream that will tickle your tongue.
Dry Ice Bomb
If you're bored and looking for something dangerous (but not too dangerous) to do with your friends, try a dry ice bomb! This is done by sealing dry ice inside a container and waiting for it to pop open. The gas will build up inside the sealed chamber and cause the container to burst. This is most safely done with a Tupperware container, film canister, or potato chip can.
