Posted on September 02 2021
Let’s make a homemade "gel" ice pack with materials you likely already have at home.
Ice packs can be used to help minimize swelling around an injury or to just toss in your lunchbox to keep your food cool. Make as many as you need for a much lower cost than purchasing them readymade at the store.
Materials
- Water
- Rubbing Alcohol - The rubbing alcohol will prevent the water from freezing completely. The contents of your ice pack will feel more like gel. The ‘gel’ will be flexible and easy to mold to the injured area.
- Double Zipper Bags (quart size)
- Food Coloring - Not necessary but adds a little color and fun to your ice packs.
- Vacuum Seal Bags or Rolls
- Vacuum Sealer Machine
Directions
1. In your double zipper bag, mix 2 cups of cold water with 1 cup of rubbing alcohol.
2. Then add about 5 drops of your chosen food coloring (if you'd like to make your bags more colorful).
3. Place the bag inside of the vacuum seal bag (or roll cut to size) and vacuum seal it. I'd recommend double sealing the bag just for good measure.
4. Place the bag in the freezer. That's it. You have an ice pack (or two, or three)!
Related Posts

Refrigerator Energy Efficiency Tips
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, a refrigerator generally accounts for 14 percent of the electricity consumpt
Read More

Why You Might Want a Vacuum Sealer
Would you like to save money on meats and other perishable foods? Have you ever discarded food that was past its "best b
Read More

Tasty Baked Tilapia
Dinner in less than 15 minutes with this baked tilapia. It goes right in the oven from start to finish, making this meal
Read More
KG – You are most welcome!
Hi Sandy – For these ice packs, you place the liquid in a double zipper bag, seal that, then place that bag in a vacuum seal bag. The liquid should stay put in the double zipper bag. The vacuum seal bag is there for extra protection against puncture.
This is genius! I will absolutely be doing this. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
RE: Ice Packs, Isn’t it going to suck out the liquid? Or just seal the bag itself?