South Africa's Most Trusted Dry Ice Supplier

Buying dry ice shouldn’t involve guesswork. Start by deciding what you need the dry ice to do. Are you keeping frozen goods cold in transit? Creating a low-lying fog effect? Protecting laboratory samples? Or using pellets for dry ice blast cleaning?

Once you know the purpose, you can compare the available products and select your quantity online. Our e-shop currently offers dry ice pellets, round blocks and square blocks. Packaging and available quantities vary by product, so check the relevant product page before placing your order.

You can order through the online shop or contact the team if you need a quote or advice. Delivery and collection options depend on your location and the product’s availability.

How much does dry ice cost?

Your final price depends on:

• the dry ice format you choose
• how much you order
• the packaging or insulated container needed
• whether you collect or need delivery
• your delivery destination

The most reliable place to check dry ice prices is the live product catalogue on our Buy Dry Ice Online page. Each listing shows the current options available for online purchase. Delivery charges, where applicable, are calculated or confirmed according to your order and destination.

Which dry ice products can I buy?

Dry ice is available in different shapes because each shape behaves a little differently in use. Our current e-shop range includes the following options.

Dry ice pellets

Pellets are small and easy to spread around items or through suitable equipment. Depending on the pellet size and use, they can be used for cooling, temperature-controlled packaging, special effects and dry ice blast cleaning.

Round dry ice blocks

Round blocks provide a concentrated amount of dry ice and have less exposed surface area than loose pellets. They’re a useful option when you need consistent cooling in an appropriate insulated container, including for transporting or protecting temperature-sensitive contents.

Square dry ice blocks

Square blocks are simple to pack and position. They can be used for cooling, transport and other areas where a solid block is more practical than loose pellets.

Should I choose pellets or blocks?

Not sure whether you need pellets or blocks? Tell us what you’re cooling, how long it needs to stay cold and what type of container you’re using. We can point you towards the best product.

How does dry ice delivery work in South Africa?

Dry ice delivery is available to customers in South Africa through Dry Ice International’s delivery, depot and retail network. From rural clinics to major cities like Johannesburg, Durban, Cape Town, Pretoria, and Port Elizabeth, we deliver using temperature-controlled packaging. We also serve Botswana, Zimbabwe, and Namibia, supporting regional stability in healthcare and agriculture. See Dry Ice at Your Doorstep for home and business delivery.

Your dispatch and delivery date should be planned around when you intend to use the product.

Before ordering, confirm:

• whether delivery is available to your exact address
• the expected delivery date and any order cut-off
• how the dry ice will be packaged
• whether someone will be available to receive it
• how soon after delivery you intend to use it

If you’re ordering for a remote area, a weekend event or a temperature-critical shipment, contact the team before checking out.

How We Package & Deliver

• Consultation: Free product recommendation based on your cooling needs
• Packaging: Delivered in EPS foam boxes, insulated to preserve sub-zero temperatures

Order Channels:

• Online Store (secure checkout via Visa, Mastercard, PayFast)
• Phone Orders
• Email Quotes
• 24-Hour Emergency Line

Where can I collect dry ice?

You can buy dry ice through the online e-shop and arrange delivery. You can also collect at selected locations or retail depots. Use Locate a store to find your nearest depot and confirm availability before travelling.

What is dry ice used for?

Dry ice is solid carbon dioxide at approximately -78.5°C. It doesn’t melt into water. Instead, dry ice sublimates directly into gas. The combination of very low temperature and no meltwater makes it useful in situations where ordinary ice isn’t cold enough or would leave an unwanted mess.

Temperature-controlled transport

Dry ice keeps frozen or temperature-sensitive goods cold while they’re being transported. The right quantity depends on the contents, packaging, journey and required temperature.

Food, beverage and catering

Dry ice can be used to keep products cold or to create visual effects in food and beverage settings. It should always be handled correctly and must never be swallowed or served in a way that allows direct contact with skin or the mouth.

Events and special effects

When dry ice is placed in warm water, it creates dense, low-lying fog. This makes it popular for stage productions, photography, celebrations and events. Good ventilation and controlled handling are essential. See Dry Ice 4 Special Effects for event ideas.

Medical, laboratory and scientific use

Dry ice is often used in carefully planned cold-chain applications involving samples, materials or products that need to stay at a very low temperature. If the contents are temperature-critical, your packaging and quantity should be assessed for the shipment.

Industrial cleaning

Dry ice pellets can be used in specialist blasting equipment to clean surfaces and machinery. The process uses compressed air to accelerate the pellets and requires the correct machinery. For machines and blasting services, visit Dry Ice Blasting.

Wide-Ranging Applications

Dry ice also has recognised uses in engineering, agriculture, fishing, hunting, leisure and emergency cooling:

• Boreholes & Agriculture: Enables cooling during pump repairs and grape harvests.
• Fishing & Hunting: Preserves fresh catches and game meat.
• Engineering & Machinery Maintenance: Provides temporary cooling for high-temperature systems in industrial plants.
• Motorsport & Automotive: Supports engine cooling and restoration for racing and classic vehicles.
• Hospitality & Bars: Enhances presentation of cocktails, seafood, and smoky buffets.
• Leisure & Travel: Keeps perishables cold on camping trips, safaris, and overlanding routes.

What are the key benefits of dry ice?

• Environmentally Friendly: Sublimates into gas, with no liquid waste and no residue.
• Reliable During Load Shedding: Maintains cold chain without electricity.
• Non-Toxic & Safe: Requires gloves and ventilation.

South Africa’s cold chain faces ongoing challenges from load-shedding, import delays, and ageing infrastructure. Dry Ice International strengthens the sector with locally produced dry ice, eco-friendly packaging, and dependable delivery.

How much dry ice do I need?

Your dry ice requirement will depend on:

• what you need to cool
• the starting temperature of the contents
• the temperature you need to maintain
• the size and insulation of the container
• how much empty space is inside it
• the length of the journey or storage period
• the outside temperature and handling conditions
• how often the container will be opened

For valuable goods, laboratory material, long journeys or a situation where a temperature failure would be costly, speak to the team first. Explain what you’re packing and how long it needs to stay cold.

How do I handle dry ice safely?

Dry ice is useful precisely because it’s extremely cold, but that also means it needs careful handling.

• Wear appropriate insulated gloves when touching or moving dry ice.
• Never place it directly against bare skin. It can cause a serious cold burn or frostbite.
• Use and store it in a well-ventilated place. As it sublimates, it releases carbon dioxide gas.
• Never seal dry ice inside a completely airtight container. Gas pressure can build up and cause the container to rupture.
• Keep it away from children and anyone who hasn’t been shown how to handle it safely.
• Don’t eat or swallow dry ice, and don’t allow it to stay in a drink when the drink is served or consumed.
• Follow the supplier’s current instructions for handling, transport and storage.

The Compressed Gas Association’s dry ice safety guidance gives the same advice on ventilation and airtight containers.

Why buy from an experienced South African Dry Ice supplier?

Dry Ice International has worked with dry ice manufacturing, distribution and blast cleaning since 1994, with over 30 years of trusted service and operations in four major South African cities. Our food-grade CO₂ is non-toxic and leaves no residue.

Different uses call for different packaging and delivery planning. An experienced supplier can help you think through those choices, whether you’re organising a once-off event or moving temperature-sensitive goods.

You’ll have access to:

• a choice of dry ice formats for different uses
• practical guidance before you order
• support with product and quantity selection
• online purchasing and current catalogue information
• delivery and collection guidance based on your location
• help with specialist or recurring requirements

The aim is simple: to help you order dry ice that is suitable for the job and available when you need it.