difference between food grade dy ice and regular dry ice

i have called around to a few companies in my local area and they tell me that there is no difference between the two... is that true?

Find more posts tagged with

What About Tools?

Comments

Chris_Young_80640

I believe that to be true. The only difference I can think of would be the purity of the liquified source CO2, but CO2 is so easy to separate and purify that it's hard to imagine an industrial version being any different than a food or medical version.

SteveM_20803

FWIW, CO2 cylinders do come in both food and non-food grade. The non-food actually have lubricants added to them. These are commonly found at stores like Walmart and used to refill paint ball guns among other things. I was told not to use these when refilling the kegerator cylinders.

andrechef7

So where should I get my dry ice from?

SteveM_20803

Sorry Tim, maybe that was too much information. I was referring to when you buy CO2 cylinders of gas for things like a soda fountain or beer taps. As it sounds like you have probably done, let the supplier know the dry ice will be in contact with food and see if they think there will be an issue with that.

com-chefsteps

Maybe call around to fine dining/modernist restaurants in your area and ask where they buy their ice and dry ice. In my town, the top restaurant ice supplier (who knew that was a thing) is also the high-end dry ice seller. They sell it from massive coolers in a parking lot.

I assume you could also buy some pellets/blocks, let it sublimate away, and see if any bits of detritus are left?