Custom Ice Cream Boxes & Ice Cream Packaging
Frozen is the hardest environment we print for. A carton that looks perfect on a desk can delaminate in a freezer, warp with frost, and fall apart the moment a customer takes it out and the condensation hits. We print a lot of ice cream packaging at ZEE Packaging and freezer performance decides almost every spec on the job.
The Freezer Changes The Rules
An ice cream box has to survive weeks at freezing and then a warm kitchen counter.
- Freezer grade coating, standard board delaminates when frost gets into the fibre
- Condensation on removal is what softens a carton, not the cold itself
- Ink must not crack when the board goes rigid at low temperature
- Lamination has to bond properly or it lifts at the corner
- Never spec uncoated stock for anything holding ice cream directly
- Test a physical sample in an actual freezer before you commit to a run
Most failures we get shown are cartons that were fine on paper and never tested cold.
- Tuck end carton over a tub the everyday retail ice cream box
- Sleeve around a pint cheapest ice cream packaging, quick to apply
- Multipack carton for sticks, cones and sandwich bars
- Tuck end for novelty bar single serve format
- Rigid gift box premium and artisan ice cream packaging
- Corrugated shipper with insulation direct to door delivery
Sizes We Print Regularly
Every ice cream box is built to your container, though these run often:
- 3.5" x 3.5" x 4.5" for a pint tub sleeve
- 4" x 4" x 5" for a larger tub
- 7" x 4" x 1.5" for a three bar multipack
- 9" x 5" x 2" for a six bar ice cream packaging carton
- 5" x 3" x 1" for a single novelty bar
- 10" x 8" x 8" for an insulated shipping carton
Measure the tub with the lid on, and tell us if it goes in a freezer display or a home freezer.
What The Panel Must Carry
- Flavour name, large and readable through freezer glass
- Ingredient list and nutrition panel
- Allergen information, dairy, nut and soy especially
- Net weight in fl oz and ml
- Best before with variable coding space
- Barcode with proper quiet zone
Our prepress team checks it all against the dieline so nothing gets trimmed at the edge.
Board And Food Safety
- Food grade certified stock, always, no exception
- Freezer grade coated board for anything in direct contact
- SBS C1S for vivid print, flavour colours sell hard here
- 20pt to 24pt on a tub sleeve
- Corrugated E flute or B flute for shipper
- Insulated liner for ecommerce ice cream packaging
Lower Impact Choices
- Recycled board with a water based freezer coating
- FSC certified stock, certificate on request
- Soy based ink through the run
- Paperboard tub instead of plastic
- Compostable liner where available
- Right sized ice cream packaging so you ship less air
Why Brands Work With Us
- 100 unit minimum, so a small creamery can start
- Free 3D mockup and physical sample on request
- Free dieline drawn by our own designer
- Urgent turnaround at 5 to 8 business days
- Free shipping worldwide, nothing hidden
- One contact from artwork right through to delivery
Frequently Asked Questions
Will a normal carton survive a freezer?
Not reliably. Standard board absorbs frost and delaminates. Freezer grade coating is not optional in this category.
Do you supply the tub?
No, cartons and sleeves only. You source the tub and we size the ice cream packaging around it.
Can you ship ice cream direct to customer?
The carton is only part of it. You need an insulated liner and dry ice, and we build the shipper around that system.
How much is a box of ice cream?
Rough estimate is $0.25 to $0.75 per unit for a pint sleeve, $0.45 to $1.20 for a multipack carton and $2.20 to $5.50 for an insulated shipper at moderate quantity. Freezer coating moves it. Shipping is included in our price. This is an estimate only, so ask our team for an exact quote.
Will the print crack in the cold?
Not with the right ink and coating. Cheap ink cracks when the board goes rigid, which is why we spec for freezer specifically.
Is the stock food safe?
Always. We only run food grade certified board for anything holding food.
Can we get a sample to freezer test?
Yes and we recommend it. Put one in your own freezer for a week before you order bulk.
