This Brilliant Costco Hack Keeps Food Frozen on a Long Drive

It's even backed by Costco employees.

Have you ever kicked off a summer road trip with a visit to your favorite warehouse store? Think about it—it’s got all the snacks, sodas, and supplies you could need for a multi-day vacay. Besides, you probably spend just as much time wandering around a Buc-ee’s on the road.

Whether you’re headed to the beach, the lake, or the in-laws, Costco has everything you need to make the journey—and the vacation at your destination—better. The only issue? The cold foods. How do you keep the seafood chilled or the popsicles solid when you have an hour and a half of travel to go?

Well, there is a way, and it comes from none other than the Costco employees themselves.

Costco Employees’ Trick for Keeping Food Cool

Turn out, you don’t have to skip out on all the frozen treats Costco has to offer just because you’re an hour away from the next freezer. All you have to do is fill up a bag of ice at the food court ice dispenser. Then, toss it in the cooler in the back of the car, pack in your cold foods, and make your way out of town.

We know what you’re thinking—"Isn’t that just stealing?" But actually, Costco employees have urged customers to do this, especially if they’re visiting the meat and seafood counter and have a long drive home. “I was told exactly that last time I bought seafood,” shared one user on a Costco Reddit thread.

And, keep in mind, this definitely isn’t protocol for major grocery hauls. But, the frozen berries for your famous blueberry cobbler and frozen pizzas for night one of the family trip will have a much longer life with a fresh ice cushion for the journey.

“I know many of us carry insulated bags and coolers because of this,” shared another user on Reddit. “Buying a 20 lb ice bag would help, but most of us don't need that much ice (or have a place to store it) and would have to throw most of it away.”

According to the thread, other grocers have similar services for customers traveling long distances. “One thing I like about Whole Foods stores is how they have a small freezer with ice at the exit, exactly for this reason,” someone shared. 

“I didn't know you could do this,” another commenter responded. “I live in AZ and have a 45 min drive home. I use their big zipper cooler bags but I am totally going to get some ice to put in it next time I shop!”

So, whether you’re headed out for some summer fun or your local Costco happens to live on the other side of town, this trick will save you some stress in the backseat.

Read the original article on All Recipes.