Picture this: It’s the weekend and you’re already at Costco, ready to stock up on steak and maybe a sheet cake for a backyard celebration. Then you realize you need some ice—but you’re not sure if you’ll find it somewhere between the giant TVs and the bulk chicken nuggets.
So, does Costco sell ice? The answer is yes… but it’s more nuanced than just tossing a bag into your oversized cart. Here’s a straightforward look at what types of ice and ice-related products you can expect at Costco, where to find them, and a few tips for making it work for your next gathering (or road trip cooler).
What Kind of Ice Products Does Costco Offer?
Let’s start with the basics. Costco carries bagged ice at some of its locations, both through its Business Centre and, occasionally, right in the warehouse stores themselves. The main product you’ll see in their catalog is called “The Iceman Bagged Ice Cubes.” These come in a package of 7 bags, and each bag features 2.7 kilograms (about 6 pounds) of ice cubes. That ends up being roughly 42 pounds of ice—enough for a decent-sized barbecue or keeping drinks cold at a block party.
You’ll mostly see this particular product in the Business Centre catalog, which targets small businesses, offices, and folks hosting events. That said, I’ve seen plenty of regular customers pick up bagged ice for road trips or backyard coolers, too.
The important thing: Product availability can shift depending on location. Some warehouses stock bagged ice up front near the entrance, especially in warmer months, while others only offer it through the Business Centre or not at all.
Ice in Warehouse Stores—What’s the Real Story?
If you’ve walked the concrete aisles of a typical Costco warehouse, you might not spot ice right away. At many locations, ice isn’t always front and center. The aisles are packed with enough other frozen foods, so I get why someone might assume they just don’t sell it.
But then, reports pop up on social media suggesting differently. Last summer, a shopper posted on Instagram about scoring bagged ice at Costco, adding, “I wish all stores had ice! So convenient!” That’s the thing: only some warehouses seem to offer bagged ice regularly, and it’s not always listed on their store locator or app.
Anecdotally, I’ve heard from people in hotter states (hello, Texas and Florida) that their local warehouses are more likely to carry ice up front—especially around big summer weekends. For other folks, it’s still a hit-or-miss find.
How to Check If Your Local Costco Carries Bagged Ice
If you’re set on grabbing ice from Costco, you should probably check ahead. The best bet? Call your nearby warehouse or glance at the Business Centre’s online catalog if you have access to one. Some locations put ice right near the entrance or exit; others keep it at the membership desk or even outside in a special cooler.
Don’t forget that stores sometimes offer ice seasonally—so as the weather warms up, your odds might go up too. It’s never a bad idea to ask a cashier or someone at the membership counter. They’ve probably fielded this question before.
Costco Business Centre: The Goldmine for Bagged Ice
If you live near a Costco Business Centre, you’ll have more reliable luck. The Business Centre is different from a regular Costco warehouse—it’s aimed at small business customers like food trucks, caterers, and restaurants. But regular shoppers can access it too.
Here, “The Iceman Bagged Ice Cubes” is a staple. That 7-bag bundle, with a total weight of almost 19 kilograms, is convenient if you’re having a big party or even just want to keep plenty in the garage freezer. At these stores, ice is usually stored in a dedicated freezer near the checkout area. Since they serve more commercial accounts, they know there’s constant demand.
If you don’t have a Business Centre nearby, it’s still worth checking whether nearby standard warehouses might have a seasonal supply.
Other Ice Solutions at Costco: Think Freezers and Ice Makers
Let’s say you’re tired of buying ice all summer long, or you run a home business that goes through ice daily. Costco has options—even if, ironically, they don’t always involve premade bagged ice.
Costco’s online store, Costco.com, is a go-to for ice makers and freezers. They carry everything from compact undercounter ice machines for your wet bar to commercial ice makers meant for serious home entertaining. There are also upright and chest freezers in stock, so you can stockpile your own bags of ice cubes (or build an ice empire, if that’s your style).
Some popular models even fit under a counter, which is great for folks with smaller kitchens. Others are larger chest freezers—common for people who like to freeze meat or just want to keep a backup bag of ice on hand for emergencies.
The brands range from mainstream to more commercial ones, and you’ll see clear upfront pricing on most listings. The bottom line? If you’re a regular ice consumer, investing in one of these could mean never needing to panic-buy ice on a hot day ever again.
Ice at the Costco Food Court—Can You Grab Some in a Pinch?
Now, this is more of a hack than an official offering. Some shoppers have figured out that you can grab a cup of ice from the soda fountain at the food court—not exactly “for sale,” but handy if your frozen stuff is starting to thaw before you get home.
Of course, the food court expects this ice to be used for cold drinks, so don’t be that person filling coolers with fountain ice. But, if you’re in a tight spot and just need something for your cold brew or to pad a rotisserie chicken for the drive, it’ll do.
Some people also fill several cups if they need a bit of chill for a cooler, and usually staff don’t mind as long as you’re respectful and not taking an unreasonable amount. It’s not a replacement for bagged ice, but it works in a pinch.
Tips for Finding Ice fast at Costco
At the end of the day, ice is one of those commodities that feels everywhere until you actually need it. Since every Costco warehouse seems to handle it differently, calling ahead is the smartest move.
Don’t just rely on the website or app. These platforms often spotlight the main grocery and household items—the ice situation can be overlooked or change based on local demand.
Another solid hack: If you’re planning a party or event and need bags in bulk, check the Costco Business Centre site first. They often list current ice availability directly and might offer the option to order for pickup. For more retail strategies, check out this helpful resource: https://topbusinessfeed.com/.
Lastly, if you find yourself regularly needing ice, consider a chest freezer or a countertop ice maker from Costco’s online selection. It’s an upfront cost, sure, but you’ll never have to chase down last-minute ice bags again.
Here’s the Bottom Line on Buying Ice at Costco
To sum it up, Costco does sell ice, but how easy it is to find depends on where you live and what kind of Costco you shop at. If you’re near a Business Centre, you’ll have more luck finding big, multi-bag bundles. Regular warehouses might carry ice, especially in the summer, but you’ll want to call and check first, since it’s not guaranteed.
Even if your store’s out of bagged ice, Costco offers plenty of solutions that can cover your needs—from big freezers for ice hoarders to home ice makers for party fans. And when all else fails, grab a cup at the food court soda fountain to keep your groceries cold until you’re home.
Like a lot of things at Costco, ice is more about knowing where to look and being ready to adapt. That’s something almost every shopper learns after a season or two. Happy chilling—your cold drinks (and thawing frozen shrimp) will thank you.
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