4 Best Ice Packs of 2026, Tested and Reviewed

We tested eight ice packs from Yeti, Bentgo, Rtic, Arctic Zone, and more to find which ones stay coldest the longest

By Lisa Fogarty
Home & Trends Writer

July 28, 2026

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Ice packs on green surface — All ice packs are not created equal—our lab experiments revealed which can keep your lunch cool and fresh the longest.

It’s almost that time of the year again: School is around the corner, which means sending the kids off with a meal they’ll actually want to eat—and one that stays cold and fresh for hours. Or maybe you’re searching for a way to save money by bringing leftovers to work. Either way, finding a high-performing ice pack is the secret to packing the perfect lunch.

In this article

Ice Packs We Tested: Arctic Zone Bentgo Fit + Fresh Cool Coolers Slim Fit + Fresh Cool Coolers Soft Igloo Oxo Rtic Yeti How We Tested Ice Packs

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We investigate, research, and test so you can choose with confidence.

Lisa Fogarty

Lisa Fogarty is a senior multimedia content creator at Consumer Reports. She studied journalism at Columbia University and has written numerous health, parenting, fitness, and wellness articles for The New York Times, Psychology Today, Vogue, and NPR. Lisa is passionate about mental health and is a co-creator of The Hunger Trap Podcast, which focuses on eating disorders. In her spare time she surfs, plays the guitar, and kickboxes. Follow her on X: @lisacfogarty