The 8 best ice packs for coolers, lunch boxes and more
Skip the ice cubes and try one of these reusable options instead.
What we like
- Choice of size
- Durable
- Fast-freezing
Something to note
- A bit more expensive
LaVecchia prefers brick ice packs because they tend to be more durable. This option from NBC Select-favorite brand Yeti comes in one-, two- and four-pound sizes. The ice pack absorbs heat, which helps keep items colder for longer, and has a cutout in the center that helps it freeze faster, according to the brand.
Ice packs per set: 1 | Dimensions: 8 x 2.6 x 1.6 inches (1-pound), 8 x 5.4 x 1.7 inches (2-pound), 10.6 x 8 x 1.7 inches | Style: Block | Rating: 4.7-star average from 5,146 reviews on Amazon
Soft gel packs are lighter and more flexible than hard gel blocks, which makes them easier to layer on top of softer foods like sandwiches and fruits, says Becker. These nylon-covered gel packs don’t release condensation, so they won’t add moisture to anything they touch, according to the brand. They’re about the size of a sandwich and, because they’re soft-sided, these ice packs can double as a cool compress for your forehead or an injury, according to Fit and Fresh.
Ice packs per set: 2 | Dimensions: 7 x 5 x .25 inches | Style: Soft gel pack | Rating: 4.6-star average from 9,949 reviews on Amazon
Both Swan and LaVecchia say they prefer block-shaped ice packs for coolers. “They don't lose their shape in the re-freezing process and they are less likely to puncture in the course of their use,” says Swan. “They also stack more efficiently in the freezer.” These BPA-free plastic blocks are a great size for a lunch bag, and you can use multiple in a larger cooler to keep items cold. They earned a 4.6-star average from over 25,600 reviews on Amazon.
Ice packs per set: 4 | Dimensions: 7 x 4.7 x .5 inches | Style: Block | Rating: 4.6-star average from 31,116 reviews on Amazon
Fill these ice packs with water and freeze them to create a reusable option that can keep food and drinks chilled for up to 18 hours, according to the brand. Swan says she prefers to use smaller packs like these when using a large cooler because they’re useful for chilling specific areas and items — you can place several packs around your proteins and fewer packs around delicate produce like lettuce. These ice packs come in three sizes.
Ice packs per set: 4 | Dimensions: 6.5 x 7.5 x 1 inches (small), 10 x 10 x 1 inches (medium), 10 x 14 x 1.5 inches (large) | Style: Bag | Rating: 4.6-star average from 26,626 reviews on Amazon
These large, BPA-free plastic ice packs come recommended by Swan. “I like that they are slim, so I can easily pack a number of them when flying to a retreat,” she says. “They freeze quickly and slide in easily on the sides of the cooler and around whatever you’re trying to [keep] cool.” Stick these in the freezer for just 25 minutes and they’ll be fully frozen and ready to use for up to 12 hours, according to the brand.
Ice packs per set: 2, 4 or 20 | Dimensions: 13 x 10 x .5 inches | Style: Block | Rating: 4.6-star average from 4,274 reviews on Amazon
Intended for lunch boxes, these ice packs may delight kids because of their fun shapes and vibrant colors, but they also work great in adult lunch bags, too. They’re about the size of your hand and can be tossed in the built-in sleeve of a lunch box or directly in the main compartment to keep items cool for up to 4 hours, according to Bentgo. These ice packs come in shapes like pineapples, unicorns and sharks.
Ice packs per set: 4 | Dimensions: 5.8 x 4.3 x .5 inches | Style: Block | Rating: 4.7-star average from 1,706 reviews on Amazon
Designed for large and extra-large coolers, this ice block has built-in ridges to make it easier to grip and you can line the bottom of your cooler with a few of these to keep everything cool for up to 10 hours, according to the brand. Keep in mind that one of these blocks weighs five pounds, so using multiple will add significant weight to your cooler.
Ice packs per set: 1 | Dimensions: 11.7 x 10.5 x 1.7 inches | Style: Block | Rating: 4.7-star average from 19,974 reviews on Amazon
These ice packs are soft, yet puncture-resistant, so you won’t have to worry about tears or leakage into your cooler, according to the brand. Although it may be too big for most lunch bags, these ice packs are ideal for coolers — they’re 250 grams each, and come with two in each pack. These ice packs are also available in an even larger, 600-gram option, which is a great option for larger coolers for your next picnic, tailgate or BBQ.
Ice packs per set: 2 | Dimensions: 6.75 x 7 x 2 inches | Style: Bag | Rating: 4.7-star average from 3,424 reviews on Amazon
To go along with your new ice pack, we also rounded up some of our favorite coolers and lunch bags below.
Using ice packs over regular ice has a number of benefits, primarily in regards to melting. “When an ice pack melts, it is contained within its package, but when ice melts, even if you double-bag it, it still seems to get everywhere,” says Swan. “This makes for soggy egg cartons and produce, but it also can cause an easy spread of microbes, potentially causing food borne illness.”
To make your ice pack work best for you, you’ll need to keep a few factors in mind when you shop, including the size of your ice pack and how to properly pack your cooler.
There are a few ways to determine the best size ice pack for your needs. If you or your kids want to keep items in an insulated lunch bag cool, a single small ice pack should suffice. The same goes for smaller coolers. If your ice packs are too big, you won’t have enough room for food or drinks, says LaVecchia. But keep in mind that smaller ice packs will melt faster, so if you have items that need to stay cold for longer, a larger cooler with large ice blocks is likely a better idea.
Even if you don’t pack much in a bigger cooler, loading it up with big ice packs is smart. In general, the bigger the cooler, the less insulated it is, which means you’ll need larger ice packs to keep things cold, according to Swan. The same rule applies if you’re traveling in hot weather for extended periods of time.
You have your cooler and your ice packs — now what? Becker suggests lining your cooler with the packs before placing your food or drinks inside. “Keep in mind that heat travels up and cold always travels down,” he says. “So, when packing your cooler, leave an even space on top to place your ice packs. This will ensure an even distribution of cold throughout.”
At NBC Select, we work with experts who have specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and/or experience. We also take steps to ensure all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and without undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.
Bethany Heitman is a contributor at NBC Select and a journalist who regularly covers topics like beauty, home and lifestyle. Ashley Morris is an associate SEO reporter for NBC Select, covering skin care, lifestyle and more. For this story, Heitman interviewed three experts to gather their guidance on what to look for when shopping for ice packs. Both Morris and Heitman compiled the market list with expert guidance in mind.
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