Yes, most Goldbelly food items ship in a frozen state, packaged to maintain temperature during transit.
When you order from Goldbelly, the culinary delights are prepared by renowned restaurants and food purveyors across the country and then carefully shipped to your doorstep. The primary method for preserving the freshness and quality of these perishable goods during shipping involves freezing.
How Goldbelly Food is Packaged for Shipment
To ensure your order arrives in the best possible condition, Goldbelly utilizes specific packaging methods designed for temperature control:
- Frozen Shipments: The majority of items are shipped frozen. This helps to lock in flavor and prevent spoilage over the shipping duration.
- Cooling Agents:
- Dry Ice: Often, packages include dry ice, which keeps the contents solidly frozen. Dry ice sublimates (turns directly into gas) over time, so it may be less visible or gone by the time your package arrives.
- Ice Packs: In addition to or instead of dry ice, reusable gel ice packs are frequently used to maintain a cold temperature, especially for items that need to remain chilled but not necessarily rock-solid frozen.
What to Expect Upon Arrival
While items are shipped frozen, it's common for them to experience some thawing during the shipping process, especially if transit times are longer or external temperatures are warm.
- Partial Thawing is Normal: It is not uncommon for items to arrive partially thawed, particularly if they are not meant to be kept solid (e.g., some baked goods). This partial thawing generally does not compromise the food's quality or safety, provided it remains cool to the touch.
- Immediate Refrigeration or Freezing: Upon receipt, it's recommended to transfer perishable items to your refrigerator or freezer immediately according to the specific instructions provided with your order.
Handling Packaging Materials
Once you've unpacked your delicious food, you'll be left with the packaging materials. Here's a quick tip for disposing of dry ice:
- Dry Ice Disposal: Do not touch dry ice directly with bare skin, as it can cause frostbite. Instead, leave any remaining dry ice in a well-ventilated area, preferably outdoors on a sidewalk or in an open container, where it will safely dissipate into gas without leaving any residue. Avoid disposing of it in sinks or toilets, as it can cause damage to plumbing.
By understanding Goldbelly's shipping practices, you can better prepare for your delivery and ensure the best experience with your unique culinary finds.