What Makes Pearl Ice So Delicious? Learn the Secrets Here!

“The good ice makes average drinks great, and great drinks godly. The good ice is pellet ice, and to know it is to need it.” — Helen Rosner, The New Yorker

It’s not everyday that an esteemed magazine like The New Yorker publishes an article about ice. But when they do, it’s about pearl ice (also known as pearl ice, nugget ice, and Sonic ice). And the truth is, we’re not too surprised about it! 

Last year, more people purchased Ice-O-Matic’s Pearl Machine from Memphis Ice than ever before. Being stuck at home during a global pandemic left people longing for the finer things in life. When you want to recreate the drive-in at home, pearl ice offers a solution. If the ice you create in plastic freezer trays is good, then pearl ice is perfection. 

Look, we know we’re a bit biased here… so let’s look at the facts.

There’s a method to the madness! Most ice you consume is frozen in an ice tray, molded, or carved from a bigger chunk of ice. It’s loud and clunky, aggressively jostling in your glasses. And because of its lack of density, it often melts faster than you’d like it to.

Pearl ice, on the other hand, offers an opposite and arguably more effective technique. It’s formed by thin flakes of ice compressed into a dense, compact mass. Next, it’s pushed through round holes punched in a metal sheet. This is where it’s smooth, cylindrical shape comes from. Different size, texture, and structure brings peal ice’s incredibly appetizing texture.

Similar to the layers that make up a piece of baklava, the ice is compressed into a small stack of flaky sheets. Just like the subtly sweet baklava, the ice forms small pockets and cracks that burst with flavor once they’re poured into a beverage.

Besides a delicious chewable texture and taste, pearl ice works wonders in multiple industries throughout the whole year — not just when it’s hot in the Midsouth. 

• Pearl ice is a popular option for hospitals. Similar to flake ice, compressed coolness dulls 
• Pearl Ice melts slower than traditional cubed ice. Enjoy your beverage at your own pace!
• Fan of nutrition clubs? Pearl ice reigns supreme when it comes to fueling a healthy lifestyle.
• Pearl ice machines are the most popular options for the office. Talk about a work perk!
• Spring, summer, winter, fall… pearl ice makes a bubbly beverage for all.

At Memphis Ice, we choose our manufacturers carefully to assure that their values and definition of quality align with our own. That’s why we’ve partnered with Ice-O-Matic since the ‘80s. For nearly 70 years, Ice-O-Matic has been revolutionizing the ice machine industry. Their high quality products paired with a passion for sustainability and innovation make them the best choice for anyone looking for a dependable ice machine.