43 Places to Buy Ice Near You (Cheap Cube, Crushed or Bulk Ice)

When you need ice, there are plenty of places where you can get it, including grocery stores, gas stations and convenience stores, and restaurants and fast-food places. Some online retailers also sell and deliver bagged ice.

Below, we’ll cover where you can buy bags of ice, including available ice types and bag sizes, why you might want to purchase ice, and how much bags of ice cost you.

What are the Best Places that Sell Bags of Ice Near Me?

Short answer: The best places to buy bags of ice near me are grocery stores, gas stations/convenience stores, and restaurants. Grocery stores that sell ice include Walmart, Albertson’s, Food Lion, Giant Eagle, Food Giant, and Costco.

Gas stations and convenience stores that sell ice include 7-Eleven, BP, Chevron, Circle K, and ExxonMobil. Restaurants that sell bags of ice include Arby’s, Burger King, Dunkin’ Donuts, McDonald’s, and Wendy’s.

Why buy bagged ice?

So, why buy bagged ice vs making it at home?

Although making your own ice at home can be cheaper if you only need a small amount of it, this isn’t a great option if you need a lot of ice, or you just want the convenience of picking it up readymade from the store. There are plenty of other reasons to buy ice too.

Here’s why you might want to buy crushed ice or cubed ice near you:

• It’s more convenient: I often purchase small bags of ice because it’s easier than using ice trays to make my own. Really, I like to save time, so picking up a bag of ice from the grocery store is just so much easier for me.
• You need to get ice in bulk: Ice cube trays filled with room temperature water can take around 3 to 4 hours to freeze in a home freezer. So, having to fill the ice cube tray, wait for it to freeze, and then store them in a separate container over and over again until you get the amount of ice you need is time consuming, and, really quite tedious. It can be particularly time-consuming if you only have a few trays. Save yourself the time and instead, just purchase ice in bulk. Many retailers sell 20-pound bags, so you can get all the ice you need, without the hassle of filling a bunch of trays yourself. And, some companies will even deliver bulk ice to you!
• You need ice on the go: Perhaps you’re having a picnic or a barbecue party? Or, maybe, you’re even going on a road trip? In those cases, you’ll want to keep drinks and snacks chilled. The best way to get the ice you need is to buy some ice on your way to your picnic or party or pick it up from a gas station/convenience store during a stop on your road trip. That way, you’ll have the ice you’ll need on-the-go. It’s much easier and less time-consuming than trying to make it at home, and, in the case of a road trip out of town, buying ice is a total necessity as you wouldn’t be able to make it at home and have it last on the road. On road trips, you’ll likely need to buy ice as you go on your journey.
• A lack of freezer space: Freezer space can be in short supply, especially if you freeze a lot of leftovers (and you should because it saves you money!). If you are having a large gathering like Thanksgiving dinner, or a summer barbecue where all your friends, family, and colleagues will be attending, your freezer will already be packed with food and drinks for the event, along with your regular items. So, you’ll have no room in your freezer for a 20-pound bag of crushed ice. The best way to get ice for your guests is to buy bags of ice at the grocery store or gas station along the way.
• You want specialty ice: When my husband and I have hosted dinner for family, we often make cocktails too. And, when we do, we always get those square ice cubes from the store. If you need square ice or any other type of specialty ice, then you’ll want to buy it from the store. Not all places sell this type of ice, but some do!
• It just tastes better: I think that bagged ice just tastes way better than the stuff you make at home. Bagged ice doesn’t tend to pick up flavors from the other food in your freezer, as the ice in trays tends too. Plus, the water bagged ice is made from just seems to taste better. Where I live, the water always smells strongly of chlorine, and you can taste it in your drink when the ice starts to melt. With store-bought ice, the taste is way better!

How Much Does a Bag of Ice Cost?

Ice costs anywhere between $0.16 and $0.40 per pound.

The cost of ice varies depending on factors, such as:

• The place selling the ice: The cost of ice varies from store to store. For example, you’ll pay an average of $1.50 for a 10-pound bag of cubed ice at Walmart, so $0.15 per pound, and just $1.79 for a 20-poung bag of ice at Costco, so around $0.0895 per pound. Fast food restaurants that sell ice often provide the most competitive prices. Sometimes, they sell a bag of ice for just $1 or $2. But, they tend to have a less consistent supply than grocery stores. Many restaurants are franchised. So not all locations will sell bagged ice.
• Season and location: The price of ice per pound can be more during the summer months when the demand for ice is higher. So, it can be cheaper during the winter months. The city or town you live in will also affect how much you’ll pay for a bag of ice. Ice will tend to cost more in places like New York compared to places like Illinois.
• The type of ice: Another factor that affects the cost per pound, is the type of ice it is that you’re purchasing. Cubed ice tends to be cheaper than specialty ice. So, if you need specialty ice, like square ice or creative shapes for cocktails, or to match a particular party theme, then you’ll usually have to pay a premium.

Places to Buy Ice Near You

Below, I’ve included 43 stores where you can purchase ice, including crushed and cubed ice. I’ve categorized this list by store type too. After this list, I’ve also included places that sell bulk ice, and places that deliver bagged ice to you.

Grocery stores

Grocery stores are one of the best places to shop for ice because they offer a variety of sizes. Plus, you can pick up your regular grocery items while you’re there. And, many grocery stores also offer other useful services, like check cashing and cashback.

Most grocery stores carry multiple brands of ice in different sizes. The cost will vary from one store to another, and depending on the ice brand and size of the bag.

Here’s a list of grocery stores that sell bags of ice:

1. Albertson’s

• Type of ice: Cubed
• Bag size: 10 pounds
• Store locator

2. BJ’s Wholesale Club

• Type of ice: Cubed
• Bag size: 20 pounds
• Store locator

3. Costco

• Type of ice: Cubed
• Bag size: 20 pounds
• Store locator

4. Cub Foods

• Type of ice: Cubed
• Bag size: 10 pounds and 20 pounds
• Store locator

5. Food Giant

• Type of ice: Cubed
• Bag size: 10 pounds
• Store locator

6. Food Lion

• Type of ice: Cubed
• Bag size: 10 pounds
• Store locator

7. Fred Meyer

• Type of ice: Cubed
• Bag size: 10 pounds
• Store locator

8. Giant Eagle

• Type of ice: Cubed and crushed
• Bag size: 7, 20, and 22 pounds
• Store locator

9. Giant Food

• Type of ice: Cubed and square cocktail-style
• Bag size: 5, 10, and 20 pounds
• Store locator

10. Harris Teeter

• Type of ice: Cubed and square cocktail-style
• Bag size: 5 pounds and 10 pounds
• Store locator

11. H-E-B

• Type of ice: Cubed
• Bag size: 10 pounds
• Store locator

12. Hy-Vee

• Type of ice: Cubed and crushed
• Bag size: 8 pounds and 20 pounds
• Store locator

13. Kroger

• Type of ice: Cubed
• Bag size: 10 pounds and 20 pounds
• Store locator

14. Price Chopper

• Type of ice: Cubed
• Bag size: 7 pounds and 10 pounds
• Store locator

15. Publix

• Type of ice: Cubed
• Bag size: 5, 10, and 20 pounds
• Store locator

16. Safeway

• Type of ice: Cubed
• Bag size: 7, 9, 10, and 20 pounds.
• Store locator

17. Sam’s Club

• Ice type: Cubed
• Bag size: 20 pounds
• Store locator

18. ShopRite

• Ice type: Cubed
• Bag size: 7 pounds
• Store locator

19. Target

• Ice type: Cubed
• Bag size: 10 pounds and 20 pounds
• Store locator

20. Walmart

• Type of ice: Cubed
• Bag size: 7, 10, and 22 pounds.
• Store locator

21. Wegmans

• Type of ice: Cubed and crushed
• Bag size: 18 pounds
• Store locator

22. Whole Foods

• Type of ice: Cubed
• Bag size: 7 pounds and 10 pounds
• Store locator

Gas Stations that Sell Ice

Another good place to buy ice locally is at the gas station/convenience store. Many gas stations and convenience stores are open 24-hours, meaning you can get the ice you need at the time you need it.

They’re also great for buying ice on-the-go. So, if you are planning a road trip or are going to an outdoor party, you can pick up some ice on your way. You can cut a trip to the grocery store or ice vendor and head to your nearest gas station/convenience store instead.

And, you can also fuel up while you’re there! Also, convenience stores sell other must-have items too, like snacks, and other grocery items, so you can get everything you need under one roof.

Here’s a list of gas stations and convenience stores that sell bags of cubed and crushed ice.

23. 7-Eleven

• Type of ice: Cubed
• Bag size: 10 pounds and 20 pounds
• Store locator

24. BP

• Type of ice: Cubed
• Bag size: 20 pounds
• Store locator

25. Casey’s General Stores

• Type of ice: Cubed and crushed
• Bag size: 10 pounds and 20 pounds
• Store locator

26. Chevron

• Type of ice: Cubed
• Bag size: 10 pounds and 20 pounds
• Store locator

27. Circle K

• Type of ice: Cubed
• Bag size: 10 pounds and 20 pounds
• Store locator

28. Cumberland Farms

• Type of ice: Cubed and crushed
• Bag size: 5, 10, and 20 pounds
• Store locator

29. ExxonMobil

• Type of ice: Cubed
• Bag size: 10 pounds and 20 pounds
• Store locator

30. Family Express

• Type of ice: Cubed and crushed
• Bag size: 8 pounds and 20 pounds
• Store locator

31. Kwip Trip

• Type of ice: Cubed
• Bag size: 10 pounds and 20 pounds
• Store locator

32. Sheetz

• Type of ice: Cubed
• Bag size: 5, 10, and 20 pounds
• Store locator

33. Walgreens

• Type of ice: Cubed
• Bag size: 10 pounds
• Store locator

34. Wawa

• Type of ice: Cubed and crushed
• Bag size: 5, 10, and 20 pounds
• Store locator

Fast-food Restaurants that Sell Ice

You might want to consider buying bagged ice at fast food restaurants. It can work out cheaper! You may even be able to buy ice at the drive-thru! Not all restaurants do indeed sell ice, but there are still quite a few that do, and we’ve listed them below.

Now, because many fast-food restaurants are franchises, it’s not guaranteed that you’ll be able to buy bagged ice at every location. That’s why it’s a good idea to ask or call the location ahead of time to confirm that ice is available for sale.

Here’s a list of fast-food restaurants that sell bags of cubed and crushed ice:

35. Arby’s

• Type of ice: Cubed
• Bag size: 10 pounds
• Store locator

36. Burger King

• Type of ice: Cubed
• Bag size: 5, 10, and 20 pounds
• Store locator

37. Chick-fil-A

• Type of ice: Cubed (Available on Chick-fil-A’s catering menu)
• Bag size: 5 pounds
• Store locator

38. Dairy Queen

• Type of ice: Cubed
• Bag size: 8 pounds
• Store locator

39. Dunkin’ Donuts

• Type of ice: Cubed
• Bag size: 10 pounds
• Store locator

40. McDonald’s

• Type of ice: Cubed
• Bag size: 10 pounds
• Store locator

41. Sonic Drive-In

• Type of ice: Nuggets
• Bag size: 10 pounds
• Store locator

42. Steak ‘n Shake

• Type of ice: Cubed
• Bag size: 10 pounds
• Store locator

43. Wendy’s

• Type of ice: Cubed
• Bag size: 8 pounds
• Store locator

Where Can I Buy Bulk Ice Near Me?

If you need ice in bulk, there are plenty of local and regional companies that can accommodate you.

Online or local ice companies, such as Arctic Ice, are the best places to buy bulk ice nearby.

However, because bulk ice is delivered in refrigerated trucks, you’ll need to find companies located near you. You can use the IPIA’s interactive map to find ice companies near you.

Although buying ice in bulk is cheap, these companies usually have minimum order quantities. So, if you only want to order one or two bags of ice, you won’t be able to.

Most ice companies sell almost exclusively to establishments that require large quantities of ice. For example, Arctic Ice requires a minimum order of at least seventy-eight 7-pound bags, seventy-five 11-pound bags, or twenty-five 20-pound bags.

So, it can work out better to purchase ice from grocery stores, gas stations, convenience stores, and fast-food restaurants, if you only need smaller quantities.

Where Can I Get Bagged Ice Delivery Near Me?

If you are busy, sometimes you just don’t have the time to head to the store, so you might wonder, “How can I get bags of ice delivered near me?” I get bags of ice delivered to me as part of my weekly online grocery order.

Each week, I place an online grocery order for my meals that week, household essentials like paper towels, and I throw a couple bags of ice on the order.

Thanks to grocery delivery services, it’s possible to have your bags of ice shipped right to your doorstep! Many popular grocery stores offer delivery, such as:

• Albertson’s
• Giant Eagle
• Kroger
• Safeway
• Walmart

Instacart is also another good option. Instacart features more than 300 retailers and trusted local grocers.

Through the Instacart app or website, you can order bags of ice from a variety of retailers and book a delivery time that fits your schedule.

Some of the retailers that Instacart partners with include:

• Albertson’s
• Costco
• Food Lion
• H-E-B
• Kroger
• Price Chopper
• Publix
• Sam’s Club
• Wegmans

By ordering from grocery stores online, you can have ice delivered right to your home. Some stores also have an order online for store pickup option, which allows you to place your grocery order online, and then pick it up at a designated time from the store. In-store or curbside pick up is a good option if you are looking to avoid delivery fees.

Check to see if your favorite grocery store offers online orders for home delivery or in-store pickup. Or, take a look on Instacart to see if it offers delivery for your favorite stores.

Can You Buy Bags of Ice with EBT?

Yes, you can buy bags of cubed or crushed ice with your EBT card.

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) helps individuals and families on a low income to cover the cost of food and drink items.

SNAP benefits are issued through an EBT card, which can be used to purchase eligible food items, such as fruits and vegetables, dairy products, and meat. If you receive SNAP benefits, you might be wondering if ice is an eligible EBT purchase.

Well, according to two government websites, it is!

The Ask USDA website confirms that food stamps can indeed be used to purchase ice. It says:

• “Yes, you can use your Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits to buy crushed or block ice.”

I found confirmation on the USDA Food and Nutrition Service website too, which says:

• “In addition, items that may not be labeled as food, such as water, or bags of ice, are eligible foods.”

So, you can use your food stamps to buy ice at SNAP-approved places. Many gas stations accept EBT and lots of grocery stores take EBT as well. This means many of the places where you can buy ice will accept EBT as a payment method.

Do Gas Stations Sell Ice?

Yes, many gas stations sell bags of ice, including cubed and crushed ice. Gas stations the sell ice include BP, Chevron, and ExxonMobil. Check the “Gas Stations and convenience stores” section above for more places.

What Fast Food Restaurants Sell Ice?

Fast food restaurants that sell ice include Arby’s, Burger King, Chick-fil-A, Dunkin’ Donuts, and McDonald’s. You can purchase ice at fast food places in the restaurant or even at the drive-thru at some locations. Call ahead to make sure your local fast-food place lets you buy ice.

Does Aldi Sell Ice?

Aldi does not sell ice in its stores in the United States. Many other grocery stores do though, like Food Lion, Publix, Walmart, Kroger, and Target.

Where to Buy Ice Summary

If you want to buy ice for a party, picnic, road trip, side hustle, or just because you don’t like making ice in those often-annoying trays, purchase bags of ice instead.

There are lots of places that sell bags of ice including grocery stores, restaurants, and convenience stores and gas stations. Lots of well-known and local retailers sell ice, such as McDonald’s, Walmart, Chevron, 7-Eleven, and ExxonMobil.

And, you might want to consider ordering large deliveries from online, local, or regional ice companies, if you need ice in bulk, such as for commercial refrigeration or sale.

Hopefully this post answered your question of “Where can I buy ice near me?”. If we missed any place that sells ice near you, let us know in the comment section below.