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Types of nugget ice: Pebble, pellet and bullet ice explained
If you love the chewy, soft, craveable ice from your favorite drive-thru, then you’re probably a fan of nugget ice. Depending on who you talk to, this type of ice goes by a few different names: nugget ice, pebble ice or pellet ice. Use this guide to learn more about the types of nugget ice, how it’s made and how nugget ice compares to other types of ice.
What is nugget ice?
Nugget ice is a chewable and flavor-absorbing type of ice that is made through a process that leaves tiny air bubbles in the small, pebble-shaped pieces, and gives it a soft and porous structure. Because of its large surface area, it tends to cool beverages quickly, making it a great companion for your favorite chilly drink.
Benefits of nugget ice
Whether you frequently scroll blended drink recipes online or take the family through the drive-thru after school, you might have noticed the increasing popularity of nugget ice. The unique shape, texture, cooling properties and flavor absorption have given this type of ice a significant following.
Explore the benefits of nugget ice below to learn more about this craveworthy type of ice.
Soft and chewable texture
Because it’s made of compressed bits, instead of a single frozen block, nugget ice is perfect to chow down on. Unlike traditional ice cubes and bullet ice, both of which are dense and can be hard to chew, the delicate structure of nugget ice is often less intense and satisfying to chew.
Flavor-absorbing
Nugget ice absorbs the flavor of whatever drink it’s in. That makes it the perfect pair with any beverage. The porous structure of the ice allows it to absorb and hold the flavor of your favorite drinks, even as it melts. This also means that you can enjoy the taste of your drink while chewing on your ice.
Chills faster
Because nugget ice has a higher surface area than traditional ice cubes, it tends to cool your drink fast. Despite its quick cooling capabilities, nugget ice also tends to melt slower than crushed or shaved ice, reducing the rate at which it waters down your beverage as you sip.
Versatile applications
In addition to being the ideal choice for those who crave the crunch of ice while they enjoy a beverage, nugget ice pairs well with a variety of drinks. Since it absorbs flavor, you might opt for nugget ice if you’re hoping to stretch the flavor of your drinks, making it the ideal pair for soft drinks, iced coffee, and cocktails. It can also blend smoothly, making it a great choice for drinks like smoothies and blended cocktails.
Types of nugget ice names explained
You may have heard nugget ice called several different names: pellet ice, pebble ice or “the good ice.” Though the names are different, they all tend to refer to the same soft, compact type of ice.
Nugget ice vs. other ice types
If you’re still deciding whether to choose nugget ice vs. other types of ice cubes, compare the different types of ice below to help you choose.
Nugget ice vs. bullet ice
Bullet ice is medium in size, dense in texture and doesn’t absorb flavors as well. Compared with bullet ice, nugget ice has a more fragile structure. Nugget ice is similar to snow that’s been packed into a snowball, and bullet ice is similar to a block of ice. Nugget ice’s fragile structure makes it pleasant to chew. In contrast, bullet ice isn’t as chewable due to its hard structure.
Nugget ice vs. crushed ice
Though both of these types of ice are considered relatively easy to chew, there are significant differences between nugget ice and crushed ice. For example, crushed ice is made by chipping shards of ice off of larger cubes, creating jagged and irregular pieces, whereas nugget ice is more uniform in texture and shape. Nugget ice also tends to melt slower than crushed ice, and is infused with pockets of air.
Nugget ice vs. cube ice
Traditional ice cubes are similar to bullet ice. They’re solid, dense and somewhat slow-melting. This type of ice is great for chilling batch beverages and keeping frozen items cold in a cooler, while nugget ice is often better for chewing and absorbing flavors.
Coming Soon
The industry's first refrigerator with an in-door nugget ice maker
The built-in nugget ice maker holds up to 2.4 lbs of ice, and it can even be removed for easy scooping. Plus, our anti-clumping tech makes sure you get individual nuggets, not clusters.
Ice type comparison table1
| Type of ice | Melt Rate | Great for | Texture | Chewability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nugget ice | Moderate | Soft drinks, iced coffee, blended drinks | Soft, airy | Easy |
| Bullet ice | Moderate | Water, small pitchers | Hard, dense, hollow | Difficult |
| Crushed ice | Fast | Slushies, water | Jagged, thin | Easy |
| Cube ice | Slow | Batch-made beverages, coolers | Hard, dense | Difficult |
1. The information in the chart is generally true, but exact results may vary depending on your beverage type and personal preferences.
How to get nugget ice at home
There are a few ways to make nugget ice at home, including countertop ice makers, undercounter ice machines and refrigerators with built-in nugget ice makers. Compare the appliances below to find the right fit for your kitchen.
Countertop and undercounter nugget ice makers
These stand-alone ice makers are specifically designed to make nugget ice whenever a craving strikes. They’re a great option if you frequently host parties or have spare counter or undercounter space in your kitchen.
Refrigerators with built-in nugget ice
Until now, getting that soft, chewable drive-thru ice meant buying a completely separate appliance. However, Whirlpool brand will soon be offering the industry’s first refrigerator with an in-door nugget ice maker dispenser. By integrating a built-in nugget ice maker directly into your primary fridge, you can get the ice you crave without sacrificing valuable countertop or undercabinet space.
This upcoming refrigerator is designed with everyday convenience in mind. It will still make regular ice cubes alongside the nugget ice, ensuring you have the right option for your drink. Plus, it features a convenient removable bin, making it a breeze to scoop out larger amounts when you're filling up a pitcher or entertaining guests.
Coming Soon
The industry's first refrigerator with an in-door nugget ice maker
Sign up to be the first to know when it’s available, and get other news from Whirlpool brand.
FAQs about nugget ice
Want to learn more about nugget ice? Explore frequently asked questions below to help you decide whether it's right for you.
Is nugget ice the same as pebble ice?
Yes, nugget ice and pebble ice are the same type of ice, just with different names. Other names for nugget ice include pellet ice, “the good ice” and some fast-food chains have their own, unique names for this chewable ice.
Why is nugget ice so popular?
Nugget ice initially gained popularity after some drive-thru chains like Sonic began using it in their soft drinks. The unique properties of nugget ice makes it a craveworthy addition to your favorite beverage.
Is nugget ice bad for your teeth?
Chewing bullet ice and cube ice can often be hard on teeth due to the high density of the ice. Nugget ice is softer in texture than regular ice and bullet ice, and is popular with many people because it can often be easier to chew than these denser counterparts.
Explore Whirlpool® Refrigerators and Ice Makers
From various ice dispenser and storage capabilities to configurations designed with flexibility and organization in mind, Whirlpool brand has refrigerators for any home. Browse the lineup of refrigerators and ice makers from Whirlpool brand to find the best fit for your family.
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