What’s Inside Your Ice Pack Matters

If you pack lunches for little people (or big ones), chances are you use an ice pack most days without thinking twice about it. It’s just part of the routine. Lunch box, water bottle, lunch bag & ice pack, out the door.

Recently, news of an ice pack recall has reminded many families that what’s inside those everyday items really does matter.

So we wanted to take a moment to talk about ice packs, food safety, and why we’ve always chosen to do things a little differently.

A quick word about ice packs and safety

Some ice packs are made using chemicals designed to keep things colder for longer. One of these is ethylene glycol, which is effective but also toxic if ingested.

When products like ice packs are used in lunch bags, bumped around in school backpacks, or handled by kids, durability and ingredient choice are incredibly important. If an ice pack leaks or breaks, it shouldn’t pose a risk to the food sitting right beside it.

That’s why recalls, while unsettling, are an important reminder to look beyond just how cold an ice pack stays.

Why non-toxic matters, especially for lunch bags

Lunch bags have a tough life.
They’re dropped, squashed, zipped, unzipped, and sometimes left in the sun a little too long.

Because ice packs sit right next to food, we believe they should be:

• Non-toxic

• Designed specifically for food use

• Strong enough to handle everyday family life

Peace of mind matters, especially when it comes to kids’ lunches.

Made with care, backed by long-term partnerships

Behind every ice pack is a lot more thought than you might expect.

We’ve worked closely with the same trusted supplier for over 8 years, building a strong relationship based on quality, transparency, and shared values. Over the years, we’ve continued to refine and improve our ice packs, not just in how they perform, but in how they’re made.

That means:

• Regularly visiting the factories ourselves

• Ongoing quality improvements as materials and processes evolve

• Listening closely to customer feedback and making changes where it matters

• Using independent third-party testing to help ensure our products meet safety standards

It’s an ongoing process, and one we take seriously.

Our promise to families

From day one, our gel ice packs have been made using a non-toxic gel, chosen specifically for use around food. No shortcuts. No “good enough.”

They’re designed for:

• School lunch bags

• Work lunches

• Picnics and days out

We believe you shouldn’t have to choose between keeping food cold and feeling confident about what’s touching it.

What to look for when choosing an ice pack

If you’re ever unsure about an ice pack, here are a few helpful things to check:

• Is it clearly labelled non-toxic?

• Is it intended for use with food?

• Does the brand have long-term supplier relationships and quality controls in place?

• Are they open about testing and materials?

If that information is hard to find, it’s okay to pause and ask questions.

Everyday items, thoughtfully made

Recalls can feel worrying, but they also highlight why thoughtful design and material choices matter so much, even for the small, everyday items we rely on.

At MontiiCo, safety is never an afterthought. It’s built into every product, refined over time, and guided by the families who use them every day.

If you ever have questions about our ice packs or how they’re made, we’re always here to help