Cooling packs and dry ice are two proven solutions for temperature-controlled shipping, but they differ significantly in temperature range, handling and application. While classic cooling packs and gel packs are mainly used for fresh shipping in the range of approx. 2 to 8°C, dry ice is used for frozen products and extremely low temperatures.
Important: In addition to standard cooling packs, there are also deep-freeze cooling packs and deep-freeze gel packs with a phase change point of approx. -21°C. These are a powerful alternative to dry ice – especially when products need to be transported frozen, but without the disadvantages of dry ice.
Direct comparison: Cooling pack vs. deep-freeze pack vs. dry ice
What is a cooling pack or gel pack (0°C)?
Classic cooling packs and gel packs are generally based on a phase change point of around 0°C. They are used frozen or pre-cooled to ensure that products remain in the chilled range during transport.
Typical applications:
- Fresh food shipping
- Pharmaceutical products (e.g. 2–8°C)
- Cosmetics and temperature-sensitive goods
They are the standard solution in chilled shipping, especially in combination with suitable insulated packaging such as EPS boxes.
What are deep-freeze cooling packs and deep-freeze gel packs (-21°C)?
Deep-freeze cooling packs and deep-freeze gel packs are specifically designed for the shipping of frozen products. They have a phase change point of approx. -21°C and therefore enable significantly lower temperatures than classic cooling packs.
They bridge the gap between standard cooling packs and dry ice and provide a powerful yet easy-to-handle solution.
Typical applications:
- Frozen food
- Shipping frozen products
- Applications with constantly low sub-zero temperatures
Advantage: Unlike dry ice, deep-freeze packs are reusable and are not subject to special shipping regulations.
What is dry ice?
Dry ice is frozen carbon dioxide with a temperature of around -78.5°C and is used when extremely low temperatures are required.
It is particularly suitable for:
- very long transport times
- extreme frozen shipping requirements
- laboratory and special applications
Important: Dry ice is classified as hazardous material and is subject to certain shipping regulations.
When should you use a cooling pack, deep-freeze pack or dry ice?
- Cooling pack / gel pack (0°C): for fresh products and chilled applications (2–8°C)
- Deep-freeze pack / gel pack (-21°C): for frozen products without using dry ice
- Dry ice: for extreme requirements and very long transit times
Typical mistakes in temperature-controlled shipping
- Choosing the wrong cooling element
- Planning too little cooling performance
- Unsuitable insulated packaging
- Underestimating shipping time
Conclusion: The right solution for every temperature range
Cooling packs, deep-freeze packs and dry ice each have clearly defined areas of application. While classic cooling packs are ideal for fresh shipping, deep-freeze packs are an excellent solution for frozen products. Dry ice remains the specialist solution for extreme requirements.
The decisive factor is always the right overall system of cooling, packaging and shipping time. You can also find out more about optimal sizing in our guide How many cooling packs do I need per box?.