Chip ice may seem similar to crushed ice at first glance. Take a closer look and you’ll see that chip ice is flatter and has more surface area than crushed ice. Basically, it’s shaped like a small potato chip. Touch it and you’ll find that chip ice has a snow-like texture that allows you to mold and shape it as needed. This is ideal for food and drink displays, where molded beds of chip ice keep meat and produce fresh for long periods of time. 

In addition to food displays, chip ice is frequently found in hospitals. That’s because wafer-thin ice pieces are ideal for hospitals’ unique needs, with the added benefit that most chip ice machines dispense without an ice scoop. Chip ice machines typically supply ice directly into a bucket or cup with the press of a button or toggle. That means the risk of contamination from handling the scoop is low and hospital staff can safely provide chip  ice to patients at any time, which is a win-win if you ask us.

Have you ever wondered why patients in hospitals are often served ice chips instead of a glass of water? As it turns out, chip ice is a great way for a recovering patient to rehydrate at a rate that won’t overwhelm their body with too much water or use a lot of muscles to swallow. Ice chips melt slowly and patients can easily chew the thin ice pieces or wait for the ice to melt at their own pace. Basically, chip ice makes it easy for patients in all conditions to stay hydrated on the road to recovery.