3 best ice packs for lunches

Ice packs for lunches are essential accessories for keeping your food and beverages cool and fresh, whether you're packing a lunch for work, school, a camping trip, or any outdoor activity. These ice packs are commonly used in cooler bags, lunch boxes, or insulated containers to maintain a safe temperature for perishable items and prevent spoilage.

Here are some key aspects to know about ice packs for lunches:

  1. Purpose: Ice packs are designed to keep the contents of your lunch cool and safe to eat. They help maintain a low temperature inside your lunchbox or cooler, preventing bacteria growth and preserving the quality of your food.

  2. Types of Ice Packs:

    • Gel Packs: These are flexible and typically contain a gel-like substance that freezes easily. They are versatile and can be placed around or on top of food items.
    • Hard Plastic Ice Packs: These are rigid and often filled with a non-toxic, freezable liquid. They are durable and can keep your lunch colder for longer.
    • Reusable Ice Packs: Most ice packs are designed to be reusable, making them a cost-effective and eco-friendly choice. You can simply refreeze them after each use.

  3. Size and Shape: Ice packs come in various sizes and shapes to fit different lunch containers. Some are small and rectangular, while others are larger and designed to cover the entire bottom of a cooler or lunchbox.

  4. Longevity: The duration for which an ice pack can keep your lunch cold varies depending on its size, insulation, and the surrounding temperature. It's a good idea to use multiple ice packs for extended trips.

  5. Safety: Ice packs are typically filled with a non-toxic, food-safe gel or liquid. However, it's essential to ensure they are sealed properly to prevent leaks. Check the packaging for any safety certifications.

  6. Preparation: Before use, place the ice pack in the freezer until it's frozen solid.This ensures that it will be effective in keeping your lunch cold.

  7. Placement: To maximize the effectiveness of ice packs, strategically place them in your lunchbox or cooler. Position them between food items, near perishables, and close to the lid or top of the container.

  8. Cleaning and Storage: After use, clean the ice packs according to the manufacturer's instructions. Store them in the freezer so they're ready for your next outing.

  9. Additional Uses: Ice packs can also serve as first aid items for minor injuries during outdoor activities. They can help reduce swelling and alleviate pain.

In conclusion, ice packs for lunches are indispensable accessories for keeping your food and beverages at a safe and enjoyable temperature when you're on the go, whether it's for work, school, camping, hiking, or any other outdoor adventure. Choosing the right type and size of ice pack can ensure that your food stays cool and fresh throughout the day.

Below you can find our editor's choice of the best ice packs for lunches on the market
  

Ice Pack for Lunch Box - Freezer Packs - Original Cool Pack | Slim & Long-Lasting Ice Packs for your Lunch or Cooler Bag (Set of 4)

Healthy Packers

Based on 11 reviews Check latest price
  • Slim Lightweight and Long Lasting - Set of 4 slim, reusable and versatile hard gel ice packs. Each ice pack measures 7 x 4.7 x 0.5 inches. Keep your insulated cooler bag freezer-cold for longer!
  • Super Versatile - Perfect chillers for everyday use in lunchboxes, breastmilk bags, bento boxes and coolers. Great for kids to take to school in their totes, adults to the office or for outdoor camping. Keep your to go food containers cold and dry.
  • Safe and Durable - Our Cool Packs are made with 100% BPA-Free Non-Toxic materials. They stay cool as ice for many hours and keep your food fresh and your body fit. These small babies sure pack a punch!
  • Quality Guaranteed-Try the best ice packs available risk-free. You won't regret it. Not fully satisfied? Shoot us an email and we'll fully refund you no questions asked.
  • TSA Disclaimer: Healthy Packers Long lasting Cool packs can be brought through TSA security checkpoints when fully frozen or otherwise stored in checked baggage

User questions & answers

Question: I see two different dimensions listed. Are these 5” x
Answer: There is no XL to my knowledge. They sell 3x lg(meaning 3(times) large packs). Dont worry, i was trying to find the water volume for XL too!
Question: Are these TSA approved
Answer: I just did a test: yes, but just barely in fresh water. I think there is a small amount of air in the frozen packs that keeps them buoyant.
Question: How long do these stay frozen in a cooler
Answer: aI believe what they mean is that the latent heat point for the melting phase (transitioning from solid to liquid or liquid to solid without changing temperature) is 18 Degrees F, whereas pure water (note the pure) transitions at 32 Degrees F. This is a big deal because the energy difference between 18 and 32 means it will absorb a lot more heat for a relative temperature rise. 32 to 40 is only 8 degrees whereas 18 to 40 is 22 degrees, almost 3x the amount.
Question: is that water inside of it? or Gel
Answer: Mine have stayed frozen for approximately 9-10 hrs. I left food in the cooler,which was well-insulated, and it which was still cold when I got home. This was kept in office setting with temps in room in the 70’s.

Fit + Fresh Cool Coolers Slim Ice Packs, Penguin Shaped, Long Lasting Ice Packs for Lunch Bags, Picnic Baskets, Coolers, and More, Set of 4, Multicolored

Fit & Fresh

Based on 4 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Heading back to work, school, or just need to get out of the house? These Fit + Fresh Cool Coolers Slim Ice Packs are fun shaped and perfectly sized for your lunch bags, grocery totes, coolers, picnic baskets, and more. Slim and compact, yet powerful, each ice pack measures 4.75" x 3.15" x 0.25" making them the perfect size for tight spaces or stacking together for even greater cooling power. Make sure to always have one in your freezer! Included in this set are 4 reusable ice packs that are non-toxic and BPA-Free Plastic. If the kids are headed back to school or you are planning a fun day at the park with the family, Fit + Fresh is here to help you stay healthy and safe along the way. Prevent germs from the cafeteria, shared office refrigerator, or takeout containers by packing a lunch with these long-lasting ice packs. Hand wash only, do not microwave. Proudly designed in the USA by women, for women, Fit + Fresh is dedicated to supporting your active and healthy lifestyle. We get it. Some days you eat leafy greens and rock it at the gym. Other days you can’t resist a decadent donut and live in yoga pants. We know firsthand that the key to living your best life is creating a colorful balance and we’re here with a line of accessories to help you do just that.

  • FUN SHAPED ICE PACKS: Whether you’re headed back to work, school, or just want to escape the house for a picnic, these fun slim ice packs are perfectly sized for all types of bags. Pack them in lunch bags, coolers, beach bags, picnic baskets and more!
  • COMPACT DESIGN: These ice packs are slim and compact, yet powerful. They are perfect for tight spaces or stacking together for even greater cooling power. Each ice pack measures 4.75" x 3.15" x 0.25" making them the perfect size for everyday use.
  • LONG-LASTING: These reusable ice packs are designed to last long so you can head out knowing that what you pack will stay cool and fresh until you are ready to eat. For maximum cooling power, freeze the ice packs the night before use.
  • HEALTHY AND SAFE: Included in this set are 4 reusable non-toxic, BPA-Free plastic ice packs. Prevent germs from the cafeteria, shared office refrigerator, or takeout containers by packing a lunch with these ice packs. Hand wash only, do not microwave.
  • WE ARE FIT + FRESH: Proudly designed by women, for women, we are dedicated to supporting your healthy lifestyle. We know that the key to living your best life is creating a colorful balance + we’re here with a line of accessories to help you do just that.

User questions & answers

Question: Are they squishy
Answer: My gunmaster has all bronze brushes.
Question: Can someone tell me for the recent shipment , the pencuin option is shipped with the yellow/green penguin or not
Answer: I use it for my .45 1911
Question: Do they come in the original packaging box with the penguin on it
Answer: If it's a true 44 caliber it will fit. Fits my 44 Remington magnum no problem.
Question: How long do you think these can keep foods at a good, safe, cool temperature
Answer: These were all missing from the kit I received, Got no support from the seller.

Fit & Fresh Cool Coolers Reusable Ice Packs, Set of 4, Clear, Package may vary

Fit & Fresh

Based on 14 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Heading back to work, school, or just need to get out of the house? These Fit & Fresh Cool Coolers Slim Ice Packs are perfectly sized for your lunch bags, grocery totes, coolers, picnic baskets, and more. Slim and compact, yet powerful, each ice pack measures 4.75" x 4.75" x 0.25" making them are the perfect for tight spaces or stacking together for even greater cooling power. Make sure to always have one in your freezer! Included in this set are 4 reusable blue ice packs that are non-toxic and BPA-Free Plastic. If the kids are headed back to school or you are planning a fun day at the park with the family, Fit & Fresh is here to help you stay healthy and safe along the way. Prevent germs from the cafeteria, shared office refrigerator, or takeout containers by packing a lunch with these long-lasting ice packs. Hand wash only, do not microwave. Proudly designed in the USA by women, for women, Fit & Fresh is dedicated to supporting your active and healthy lifestyle. We get it. Some days you eat leafy greens and rock it at the gym. Other days you can’t resist a decadent donut and live in yoga pants. We know firsthand that the key to living your best life is creating a colorful balance and we’re here with a line of accessories to help you do just that.

  • SLIM ICE PACKS: Whether you’re headed back to work, school, or just want to escape the house for a picnic, these Cool Coolers Slim Ice Packs are perfectly sized for all types of bags. Pack them in lunch bags, coolers, beach bags, picnic baskets and more!
  • COMPACT DESIGN: These ice packs are slim and compact, yet powerful. They are perfect for tight spaces or stacking together for even greater cooling power. Each ice pack measures 4.75" x 4.75" x 0.25" making them the perfect size for everyday use.
  • LONG-LASTING: These reusable ice packs are designed to last long so you can head out knowing that what you pack will stay cool and fresh until you are ready to eat. For maximum cooling power, freeze the ice packs the night before use.
  • HEALTHY AND SAFE: Included in this set are 4 reusable non-toxic, BPA-Free plastic ice packs. Prevent germs from the cafeteria, shared office refrigerator, or takeout containers by packing a lunch with these ice packs. Hand wash only, do not microwave.
  • WE ARE FIT & FRESH: Proudly designed by women, for women, we are dedicated to supporting your healthy lifestyle. We know that the key to living your best life is creating a colorful balance & we’re here with a line of accessories to help you do just that.

User questions & answers

Question: Where is it made
Answer: Printed on the ice pack:Non-toxic do not place in Microwave. Made in China for copyright 2013 - Medport LLC 23 Acom St., Providence, RI, 02903 - Info 1-800-858-8840
Question: Do they sweat? How long do they stay cold
Answer: Hi Abby, yes they do sweat. I use boxes to contain my food so its not an issue.I use only 1 piece of the ice pack. Stays frozen/partially frozen for about 2 hours in my neoprene lunch bag. After that its cool for another 1 to 2 hours. Maybe a foil lined bag might work better.I use it to carry lunch and breakfast to my work place. Keeps it cool enough until lunch. My frozen cooked vegetables and meat sometimes still have little ice crystals in them at lunch. This is about 4.5 hours after I pack it straight from freezer. My frozen vegetables are packed in a 70ml container. The meat in 100ml container. Hope this helps. I stay in the tropics. Daily temperatures ranging from 28-31 degree celsius after the sun is up. My lunch is out for about 1.5 hours before I reach office.Hope this helps!
Question: I have seen negative reviews on other freezer packs because they are filled with only water and not gel. What are these filled with
Answer: It appears to be only water. It doesn't say specifically. But I think for the price and thier slenderness in combination with thermal type lunch bag/pale they can the meet the needs of most people.
Question: Does a "pack of 1" include a set of
Answer: Hi Nimalan - Yes, but unfortunately they don't really last. I started using The AQUA ones and they are far better and stay colder way longer, and they also come in a Box of 5: https://www.amazon.com/AQUA-Ice-Packs-Reusable-Non-Toxic/dp/B01I85CD3K - Hope it helps:)

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