How to pack your cooler box like pro

Woolworths’ sparkling flavoured drinks are now available in 300 ml cans, making them perfect to take with you on your summer sipping adventures! Refresh with flavours of ruby grapefruit, mint mojito, and cranberry cosmo — all made according to an updated recipe packed with 6% fruit juice. These easy-to-carry cans will be a welcome non-alcoholic addition to summer outdoor get-togethers.

The way you pack your cooler box can be the difference between having a great beach day or picnic, or one you'd rather forget. Packing a cooler box effectively can help keep your food and drinks fresh, especially during outings. Here’s our savvy step-by-step guide to the best way to pack a cooler box:

1. Choose the right cooler

In this case, size absolutely matters. Choose a cooler box that is appropriately sized for your outing, ensuring it can accommodate all your food and drinks. When spending the day at the beach or park, it’s important to minimise what you carry to avoid losing anything.

2. Pre-chill the cooler

Before packing, chill the cooler box by placing ice packs or a bag of ice in it for a few hours. This helps maintain a low temperature when you add your food and drinks.

3. Use ice packs or ice

You can use ice packs, ice cubes, or crushed ice in your cooler. While ice cubes last longer, crushed ice cools items quicker. Be sure to place a layer of ice or ice packs at the bottom of the cooler to create a cold base. To extend the life of your ice, consider making your own ice blocks. Simply fill an empty milk carton with a few pieces of cotton wool, add water and freeze overnight. When ready, carefully use a knife to unmould the ice from the carton, and you’ll have an ice block that lasts the whole day! Trust us, it's scientifically proven. The science behind using cotton to create ice that lasts longer is based on the principles of heat absorption, insulation, and the physical properties of water. As the ice melts, it absorbs heat from its environment, including the air and any food or drinks nearby. The cotton wool helps maintain a cold temperature by retaining some of this heat within the ice, allowing it to stay frozen longer.

4. Pack smart

Pack items in layers, placing heavier items at the bottom and lighter items on top. If you’re bringing raw meat to a braai, keep it separate from other foods to prevent cross-contamination. Use leakproof containers for added safety, and avoid packing anything in glass, as it may crack or break during transport. Reusable plastic containers, cutlery and crockery are ideal for your summer outings.

5. Wrap items

Wrap items in foil or towels to help insulate them and maintain their temperature. To keep items fresh, use airtight containers – this will also prevent any spills.

6. Add drinks

Place Woolworths sparkling fruit drink cans in a separate compartment if possible, as they will be accessed more frequently. This minimises the need to dig through the cooler and allow cold air to escape. These new sparkling-flavoured drink cans are a game-changer! Aluminium stays colder for longer than glass due to its high thermal conductivity, allowing it to quickly absorb and maintain low temperatures. Aluminium containers are typically thinner and lighter, enabling quicker cooling compared to thicker glass containers. When insulated, aluminium is particularly efficient at keeping its contents cold, making it a better choice for maintaining temperature during outings.

7. Fill gaps

Use smaller items (like snacks) to fill gaps and prevent shifting during transport. This helps keep everything stable.

8. Seal it up

Ensure the cooler box is sealed tightly to keep cold air in and warm air out. If possible, limit opening the cooler once it’s packed.

9. Keep it in the shade

Place the cooler in a shaded area to prevent it from getting warm, which helps maintain the internal temperature.

10. Check the temperature

If possible, use a thermometer to check the temperature inside the cooler, aiming to keep it at or below 4°C.

Bonus tips:

• Plan ahead: Think about the duration of your outing and pack accordingly to ensure everything stays fresh.
• Use reflective materials: If you're in a hot environment, covering the cooler with a reflective blanket can help keep its internal temperature lower.

By following these steps, you can ensure your cooler box is packed efficiently, keeping your food and drinks cold and safe for consumption. Enjoy your outing!

The coolest centrepiece

To keep your drinks cool when you're not on the go, go all out with an ice centerpiece that'll definitely impress. To create a citrus fruit ice bowl, thinly slice oranges, lemons and limes into rounds. Place a layer in a large bowl, then insert a smaller bowl inside. Pour water into the larger bowl until it covers the fruit, and freeze overnight. Once frozen, run warm water over the outer bowl to release the ice, then gently remove the smaller bowl. Invert the ice bowl onto a platter and fill it with chilled sparkling fruit drink cans. For extra flair, decorate with fresh herbs or edible flowers. Enjoy your refreshing and attractive centrepiece!

Need some inspo to pair with your favourite Woolworths sparkling fruit drink flavours? We've got you:

Mint mojito: trout-and-grapefruit crudo

This light and zesty dish combines fresh trout with the refreshing sweetness of grapefruit, making it a perfect addition to your outdoor feast. It’s quick to put together – just slice, mix, and serve – so you can spend more time enjoying the sun with friends and family. Pair it with Woolworths' zesty non-alcoholic sparkling lime and mint fruit drink for the ultimate flavour pairing.

trout crude here

Ruby grapefruit: apple-and-cucumber salad with garlic dressing

This crisp, tangy salad is a fantastic alternative to traditional slaw, bringing a unique twist to your table. The sweet crunch of apples pairs beautifully with cool cucumbers, while the zesty garlic dressing adds a burst of flavour that ties it all together. Easy to whip up, this salad is perfect for outdoor picnics or barbeques, ensuring your guests enjoy a light and tasty side that complements any dish!

apple-and-cucumber-salad here

Mint mojito: chicken espetadas with green salsa

Cut corners by using Woolworths' marinated espetadas. Chicken is marinated with tangy sundried tomatoes, ready for you to gooi onto the braai. Pair them with a vibrant green salsa made from basil pesto and anchovies for a delightful twist that adds depth and zest. Super-easy to prepare and perfect for sharing, these espetadas are sure to impress your guests and elevate your summer braai.

chicken espetadas here

All the flavours: fruity floats

The kids (and the grown-ups) are going to love these elevated fruity floats that bring back the nostalgic charm of ordering floats at diners. These floats feature Woolworths' non-alcoholic sparkling drinks and each has its own unique twist. For an indulgent touch, add scoops of creamy vanilla ice cream, or go for sorbet for a lighter option. Garnished with vibrant berries, edible flowers and fresh mint, these fruity floats are as gorgeous as they are delicious.

fruity floats here

Ruby grapefruit: miso chicken wings with coriander amasi

These mouthwatering wings are marinated in a deliciously tangy miso glaze, giving them a rich, umami flavour that's hard to resist. Best of all, they are super easy to prepare, simply marinate, air-fry, and enjoy! Serve them alongside fragrant coriander-amasi sauce for a herby, tangy kick that complements the wings perfectly. Perfect for sharing, these tasty treats are sure to impress your guests and keep the good vibes rolling all day long!

sticky chicken wings here

Photography: Jan Ras
Videography: Kaylene Sauls
Recipe: Abigail Donnelly
Food assistant: Emma Barbieri, Bianca Jones

Woolworths' range of non-alcoholic sparkling fruit-flavoured drinks is locally produced and contains no added preservatives. You can now find your favourite flavours such as mint mojito, ruby grapefruit and cranberry cosmo in easy-to-carry 330ml cans.

Shop at Woolworths.