The Unlikely Material That Will Keep Your Ice Cream Cold On The Go

An unexpectedly helpful tool for keeping ice cream cold outside the freezer? Bubble wrap! Whether you're taking ice cream to a picnic, an outdoor gathering, or just bringing it home from the grocery store to enjoy it as a dessert paired with a glass of bourbon (don't knock it 'til you try it), bubble wrap provides an easy solution to help prevent the frozen treat from melting too quickly.

Bubble wrap keeps ice cream cool thanks to its insulating properties. Adding a layer of plastic bubbles filled with air creates a barrier that slows heat transfer. In other words, when you wrap a container of ice cream in bubble wrap, it traps cold temperatures against the vessel and blocks external warmth. This insulation maintains the ice cream's temperature longer than if left unwrapped. Thus, slower melting and less mess!

Thankfully, the actual application of this hack isn't particularly complicated. All you need to do is wrap your pint up in a layer of bubble wrap before transport, during which time it should help to provide some protection against warmth. There are, however, a few ways you can make this simple trick even more effective.

To make the bubble wrap method more successful, first completely cover the ice cream container with the wrap, then secure it with tape or a rubber band for a snug fit. This works on any size ice cream container and any brand or style of ice cream — even Superman ice cream, which is particularly prone to looking muddled and unappetizing as it melts. As for gelato, this hack should probably work just as well, but gelato and ice cream are different, so don't hold us to it.

Be sure to get all the way around in every direction so no part of the container is left uncovered without bubble wrap. For longer trips, pair the bubble wrap with an insulated bag to help maximize the cooling effect. This recycled bubble wrap is a good choice for being more eco-friendly.

While bubble wrap may not keep ice cream ice cold for hours on end like your freezer can, it does a great job of slowing down the melting process and keeping it at a scoopable texture for longer. This bubble wrap hack is a lifesaver for anyone looking to keep their ice cream nice and cool and ready to serve. As an added bonus, the bubble wrap should be completely reusable. As long as it's in good condition, you can repurpose the same piece over and over again. Just keep some in your car or pantry, and you're far more likely to have delicious, smooth ice cream no matter where you go.