Best Places to Buy Ice Without Breaking the Bank
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Alright, let’s get real for a moment: When the sun’s blazing and your drink’s a little lukewarm, nothing feels better than a chilled refreshment. But, who knew that saving cash on ice could be a mini financial victory in itself? If you’re ready for some cool savings insights, you’re in the right place.
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Quick Points
- The top cheapest sources of ice are fast food places and big box stores like Costco and Walmart.
- Fast food restaurants like Arby’s, Burger King, and McDonald’s sell cheap bags of ice for $1-2.
- Grocery stores like Costco, Sam’s Club, and Walmart have the cheapest ice overall at $0.10-$0.20 per pound.
- Gas stations like Kwik Trip, Walgreens, and BP also sell ice for around $0.25 per pound.
- Buying ice at convenience stores is generally more expensive at $0.30-$1 per pound.
- The cheapest ice overall comes from Arby’s at $0.10 per pound for a 10 lb bag.
- Prices can vary by location, so call ahead to check availability and pricing.
- Purchasing ice in bulk bags (10-20 lbs) is cheaper overall than smaller bags.
- Buying ice late in the day can get discounted prices as stores try to sell off inventory.
So, let’s dive in. I’ve got three tables here, each breaking down the recent prices of ice by the pound. We’ve got data from fast food restaurants, gas stations, and grocery stores. Now, remember, prices can fluctuate depending on location, season, and other factors. But this should give you a rough idea of what you can expect to pay.
Fast Food Joints:
| Store Name | Bag Size (lbs) | Price | Price per lb |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arby’s | 10 | $1.00 | $0.10/lb |
| Burger King | 10 | $1.39 | $0.14/lb |
| Chick-fil-A | 5 | $1.59 | $0.32/lb |
| Dairy Queen | 8 | $8.00 | $1.00/lb |
| McDonald’s | 10 | $1.50 | $0.15/lb |
| Sonic Drive-In | 10 | $3.50 | $0.35/lb |
| Wendy’s | 10 | $1.89 | $0.19/lb |
Grocery Stores:
| Store Name | Bag Size (lbs) | Price | Price per lb |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7-Eleven | 10 | $2.5 to $4 | $0.33/lb |
| Albertsons | 10 | $2.00 | $0.20/lb |
| BJ’s Wholesale Club | 20 | $3.00 | $0.15/lb |
| Costco | 16 | $1.79 | $0.11/lb |
| 20 | $2.49 | $0.12/lb | |
| 20 | $2.00 | $0.10/lb | |
| Cub Foods | 6 | $2.49 | $0.42/lb |
| 9 | $1.99 | $0.22/lb | |
| 20 | $4.49 | $0.22/lb | |
| Fred Meyer | 10 | $2.00 | $0.20/lb |
| H-E-B | 7 | $2.05 | $0.29/lb |
| Hy-Vee | 8 | $2.99 | $0.37/lb |
| 20 | $5.99 | $0.30/lb | |
| Kroger | 20 | $4.99 | $0.25/lb |
| Price Chopper | 7 | $2.79 | $0.40/lb |
| 20 | $5.29 | $0.26/lb | |
| Publix | 10 | $2.50 | $0.25/lb |
| 20 | $4.99 | $0.25/lb | |
| Safeway | 8 | $2.09 | $0.26/lb |
| 20 | $4.49 | $0.22/lb | |
| Sam’s Club | 6 | $2.25 | $0.38/lb |
| 20 | $2.94 | $0.15/lb | |
| Target | 9 | $1.67 | $0.19/lb |
| Walmart | 7 | $1.38 | $0.20/lb |
| 10 | $1.50 | $0.15/lb | |
| Wegmans | 6 | $5.99 | $1.00/lb |
| 10 | $5.99 | $0.60/lb | |
| 16 | $3.99 | $0.25/lb |
Gas Stations:
| Store Name | Bag Size (lbs) | Price | Price per lb |
|---|---|---|---|
| BP | 20 | $6.49 | $0.32/lb |
| Circle K | 10 | $3.99 | $0.40/lb |
| Family Express | 8 | $2.39 | $0.30/lb |
| 20 | $4.99 | $0.25/lb | |
| Kwik Trip | 10 | $2.29 | $0.23/lb |
| Shell | 20 | $5.49 | $0.27/lb |
| Speedway | 8 | $2.59 | $0.32/lb |
| 22 | $6.29 | $0.29/lb | |
| Walgreens | 10 | $2.49 | $0.25/lb |
Take a moment to digest these numbers. Notice anything interesting? The price of ice at big name grocery stores like Walmart or Costco is significantly cheaper than at fast food joints, convenience stores and gas stations. It’s a great reminder that a little bit of planning can go a long way in managing our expenses.
In the end, where you decide to buy your ice boils down to convenience versus cost. If you’re on a road trip and need ice pronto, a gas station might be your best bet even if it’s a bit pricier. But if you’re prepping for a backyard BBQ a few days in advance, hitting up the biggest grocery store you can find might be the most economical option.
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Extra Tips and Tricks for Buying Ice Economically
When it comes to purchasing ice, it’s not just about the cold cubes themselves but the financial frostiness of snagging a good deal. After all, we’re always looking for ways to be smart with our money, right? Let’s dive right into some frosty financial insights, shall we?
Bulk Purchase
You know how we often go for the big pack of toilet rolls or the jumbo pack of chips because, well, they offer more value? Same logic applies to ice. If you’ve got a big cooler or you’re hosting a decent-sized gathering, don’t be afraid to go big. Those larger bags simply give you more icy bang for your buck. And think about it: how many times have we learned that buying in bulk can lead to significant savings? Ice is no different.
Late-Day Discounts
Ever visited a bakery late in the evening and found that the bread is marked down? Or stopped by the farmer’s market just as they were packing up and got a deal? Stores don’t like holding onto perishable items overnight. The same goes for ice—especially on a warm day. As the sun sets, many places will want to clear out their ice inventory. Pop in and you might just snag yourself a chilly discount.
Always Call Ahead
We’ve all been there—driving across town for a sale, only to find out it ended yesterday, or heading to a restaurant on the promise of a special deal only to discover they’re out of that particular dish. It’s not just a waste of gas; it’s a waste of time and energy. To avoid the heartbreak of arriving at a spot expecting a mountain of ice at a great price, only to be met with a puddle of disappointment, give them a quick call. Prices and availability can change, and it’s always best to be in the know.
Top Choices Recap
Now, just a quick throwback to what we’ve learned earlier—remember those surprising places like fast food joints and big box stores? Yes, places like Arby’s, Costco, and Walmart. They’re not just good for a quick meal or a flat-screen TV; they’re your go-to for some of the most economical ice around. It might seem odd initially, but hey, if there’s one thing we’ve learned in the world of finance, it’s to expect the unexpected!
In conclusion, saving money isn’t just about cutting coupons or hunting for the biggest sales (though, let’s be real, who doesn’t love a good sale?). It’s also about being strategic and smart about everyday purchases, even something as simple as ice. Cheers to cold drinks and warm savings!
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