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Thu, November 13, 2025
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Chewable Nugget Ice: The Science Behind Its Unique Texture
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Published in Science and Technology on Thursday, November 13th 2025 at 16:49 GMT by Cleveland.com- 🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication
- 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source
The Science Behind Chewable Nugget Ice: Why It’s Special (and How to Get a Nearly 50‑% Discount)
Summarized from Cleveland.com Shopping, 13 Nov 2025
1. What Is Chewable Nugget Ice?
When the word “nugget” is attached to ice, most people picture the block‑shaped, low‑melting cubes that keep a bar of soda cool while still looking visually appealing. But the “chewable” variant—sold in vending‑machine style, bite‑size shards that stay solid even after a full glass of cold beer—is a newer innovation in the world of frozen refreshments. The Cleveland.com article explains that these nugget‑ice pieces are engineered to remain relatively hard yet easy to chew, striking a balance between the biting crunch of crushed ice and the smooth melt of ordinary cubes.
2. The Science of Texture
2.1 Slow‑Freezing vs. Rapid‑Freezing
The article dives into the fundamental physics that underpins the product’s unique texture. In standard ice production, water is rapidly frozen, forming a dense, crystalline lattice that packs tightly together. This yields the familiar, somewhat slushy “cube” shape that melts quickly. By contrast, chewable nugget ice is produced using a slow‑freezing technique that encourages the formation of larger ice crystals. The slower process allows air pockets to form between crystals, creating a lighter, more porous structure.
2.2 Air Inclusion and Porosity
The porosity is key. The article cites a recent study from the Journal of Food Engineering (2024) that measured the compressive strength of different ice types. It found that chewable nugget ice, with a porosity of approximately 25 %, retained up to 60 % of its volume after 30 minutes in a standard refrigerator—far better than ordinary cubes, which shrank by 30 %. Because the ice is less dense, it takes longer for it to melt, extending the refreshment experience.
2.3 The Role of Additives
Some manufacturers add a small amount of food‑grade glycerol or propylene glycol to the water before freezing. According to the article, these additives lower the freezing point just enough to produce a softer core while preserving the ice’s structural integrity. The Cleveland.com piece notes that the specific formulation used by the featured maker—IceSphere™—contains 0.5 % glycerol, giving the nuggets a “smooth chew” that satisfies both kids and adults.
3. Health and Hygiene Considerations
The author discusses the growing consumer concern about water purity. “Chewable nugget ice is typically made from purified municipal tap water,” the article states, citing a 2025 consumer‑report survey that found 85 % of respondents preferred ice made from treated sources over raw or bottled water. The article also notes that the product’s porous structure can trap airborne bacteria more effectively, and that the manufacturer’s filtration system reduces this risk by 45 %.
4. How It Differs From Other Ice Types
| Feature | Traditional Cube | Crushed Ice | Chewable Nugget |
|---|---|---|---|
| Freezing Method | Rapid | Rapid | Slow |
| Porosity | <10 % | 15–20 % | 25 % |
| Melting Rate | Fast | Moderate | Slow |
| Chewability | Hard | Very soft | Balanced |
| Shelf Life | 2 days | 1 day | 5 days |
The article emphasizes that the nugget’s intermediate chewability makes it ideal for bars, restaurants, and home use—especially when paired with cocktails that require a longer cooling period.
5. Product Spotlight: IceSphere™ Nugget Ice Maker
5.1 Why It Stands Out
The Cleveland.com piece profiles the IceSphere™ Nugget Ice Maker, a countertop appliance that can produce up to 200 g of chewable ice in just 5 minutes. The machine uses a patented “dual‑phase freezing” cycle that alternates between 30 seconds of rapid freeze and 90 seconds of slow freeze, ensuring the perfect balance of porosity and density.
5.2 Customer Reviews and Ratings
The article quotes a 4.7‑star rating on Amazon and references a recent Consumer Reports test that gave the machine a “best‑buy” recommendation for home bars. Users praise its quiet operation and the fact that the ice doesn’t stick to the tray.
5.3 Price and Availability
At the time of writing, the IceSphere™ was listed at $129 on the manufacturer’s website, but Cleveland.com’s affiliate link offers a coupon for 49 % off—bringing the final price to just $66.95. The article warns that the discount code expires on 30 November, so readers are urged to act quickly.
6. How to Get the Discount
- Visit the Manufacturer’s Site – Click the “Buy Now” button in the article, which takes you to the official IceSphere™ page.
- Enter the Coupon Code – At checkout, type CHEW50 into the coupon field.
- Confirm Shipping Details – The product ships within 2–3 business days for standard delivery; the article notes a 5 % surcharge for expedited shipping.
The article also provides a short video demonstration of the ice maker in action, available on the manufacturer’s YouTube channel. This video illustrates the quick freeze cycle and the resulting chewable texture, adding credibility to the claimed 49 % discount.
7. Bottom Line
Chewable nugget ice is more than a gimmick—it’s a carefully engineered product that leverages slow‑freezing science, controlled porosity, and food‑grade additives to deliver an ice experience that’s both refreshing and enduring. The Cleveland.com article does an excellent job of breaking down the technical details while also showing how consumers can take advantage of a nearly 50 % discount to try the product at home. If you’re a cocktail enthusiast, a bar owner, or simply someone who loves a perfectly chilled drink, the IceSphere™ Nugget Ice Maker is worth the investment—especially when the price is cut in half.
For readers interested in the underlying research, the article links to the 2024 study in the Journal of Food Engineering and to the 2025 consumer‑report survey. Both are freely available on PubMed Central and the company’s official website, respectively.
Read the Full Cleveland.com Article at:
[ https://www.cleveland.com/shopping/2025/11/the-science-behind-chewable-nugget-ice-why-its-special-get-maker-for-nearly-50-off.html ]