US scientists create reusable 'jelly ice' that never melts

US scientists at the University of California, Davis have developed a reusable, compostable cooling material called “jelly ice” that mimics the cooling properties of regular ice without melting into a watery mess. Inspired by frozen tofu’s ability to retain water and gelatin’s hydrogel structure, the team created jelly ice from natural polymers that trap water even through freeze-thaw cycles. Jelly ice is about 90% water, can be molded into various shapes, and offers up to 80% of the cooling efficiency of regular ice. It remains firm below freezing and becomes soft and jiggly at room temperature, allowing easy reuse by rinsing and refreezing. Jelly ice addresses problems associated with melting ice, such as contamination and dilution, making it particularly useful in food storage and shipping, including seafood and medical supplies. It is compostable and has shown potential benefits for plant growth when composted, without contributing to microplastic pollution. While licenses for the technology have been secured, further market analysis and