Where to Buy Dry Ice in the UK and London

Dry ice is not something you can pick up with the weekly shop. Because it is extremely cold and turns into carbon dioxide gas, it is made and sold by specialist suppliers. This guide explains where to buy dry ice in the UK, and how to get it delivered in London.

Can you buy dry ice in supermarkets?

UK supermarkets generally do not sell dry ice. It cannot be kept on a normal shop shelf or in a freezer for long, because it keeps turning into gas and needs special handling. Some shops sell dry ice packs for cool bags, but these are usually reusable gel packs, not real dry ice (solid carbon dioxide).

Where to buy dry ice

• Ice suppliers that stock dry ice – the easiest option for most people and businesses. In London, Nice Ice delivers dry ice in 5 kg packs.
• Industrial gas suppliers – mainly for large regular contracts, often with account set-up and collection.
• Specialist online dry ice sellers – ship by courier in insulated boxes; check delivery times carefully, because dry ice loses weight every hour it is in transit.

Buying dry ice in London

If you are in London, buying from a local supplier means less time in transit and less weight lost. Nice Ice delivers dry ice across London from our base in Tottenham, N17. Because dry ice cannot be stored for long, it is prepared for your delivery date, which is why we ask for at least 2 days' notice.

How much dry ice should you order?

It depends on the job and how long you need it to last. As a rough guide, dry ice in a good insulated cool box loses a few kilos a day, so order more than the bare minimum and plan for delivery as close as possible to when you need it. Our guide how long does dry ice last explains this in detail, and our dry ice price guide covers costs.

Ordering dry ice from Nice Ice

• Dry ice in 5 kg packs, £45 a pack.
• Minimum order 10 kg (2 packs). You can order dry ice on its own.
• Order at least 2 days in advance, delivered Monday to Saturday across London.
• Read our dry ice safety and handling guide before ordering; you confirm this at checkout.
• Order on our homepage order builder or see dry ice delivery London.

Dry ice turns into gas from the moment it is packed, so the weight delivered can be lower than the weight ordered. Nice Ice is not responsible for weight loss caused by sublimation.

Safety first

• Never touch dry ice with bare skin; use insulated gloves or tongs. It can cause cold burns.
• Only use and store it in well-ventilated spaces. It releases carbon dioxide gas, which can build up in small rooms, cellars and vehicles.
• Never seal it in an airtight container; the gas can build pressure and burst it.
• Never eat it, swallow it or put it in food or drinks.
• Keep it away from children and pets.

Frequently asked questions

Can I buy dry ice at Tesco or other supermarkets? UK supermarkets generally don't sell dry ice. Buy it from an ice supplier or a specialist dry ice seller.

Where can I buy dry ice near me in London? Nice Ice delivers dry ice across London in 5 kg packs (minimum 10 kg). Order at least 2 days in advance.

Can I buy dry ice on the same day? Dry ice is prepared for a set delivery date, so we ask for at least 2 days' notice. Plan ahead for events and shipping.

Is it legal to buy dry ice in the UK? Yes. Dry ice is legal to buy and widely used for shipping, cooling and special effects. It must be handled and stored safely.