We are excited to announce an update to our ice pack policy! Starting in January 2025, we will be transitioning from using frozen water bottles to reusable gel ice packs for all deliveries in the Bay Area and New York. These new gel packs are non-toxic, drain-safe, and recyclable, creating an improved customer & shef experience.
This article will guide you through everything you need to know about the new ice packs, how to get them, how to use them properly, and how to order more when needed.
How to Get Your Ice Packs
Gel ice packs and parchment paper are now available for pickup at the Shef hubs in the Bay Area and New York markets. For shefs who currently receive supply deliveries, the gel packs and parchment paper will be delivered as part of your usual restocking service.
If you prefer to source your own gel packs from a supplier, please reach out to our support team for more details to ensure you're ordering the right ones.
Once you're running low on ice packs, simply order more using the standard supply restocking process in the Shef platform. This will be the same process you currently use for ordering insulated bags and other supplies.
Important: Please be mindful of your ice pack usage and order only what you need as we will be monitoring distribution to ensure supplies are available for everyone. Excessive ordering may limit availability for others.
How to Use Your Gel Ice Packs
Freezing the Gel Packs
Lay them flat in the freezer: Store your gel ice packs flat in the freezer. Place parchment paper between each pack to prevent them from sticking together. Note: the parchment paper used to separate your gel packs can be reused multiple times.
Freezing time: Allow enough time for the packs to fully freeze. If you’re freezing a large batch (20+ packs), this may take several days.
Check for full & complete freezing: Make sure the packs are completely frozen before using them for orders.
Packing the Gel Packs for Orders
Place in insulated bags: Once fully frozen, place one gel pack in each insulated delivery bag.
Inspect for damage: Before packing, inspect each gel pack to ensure there are no rips or punctures that could cause gel leaks during transit.
Use 2 packs for large orders: If your insulated bag is especially full, consider adding a second gel pack to ensure the food stays cool.
Thank you for helping us improve the quality and sustainability of deliveries. If you have any questions or need further assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out to our Shef Support team!