Posted by UniHeatPacks on 26th Jan 2026
The Science Behind UniHeat: Why It Works for Beverage Shipping
Shipping beverages during cold weather is not just a logistical challenge—it’s a scientific one. When exposed to freezing temperatures, wine, non-alcoholic beverages, juices, sparkling drinks, and ready-to-drink products are at risk of expansion, separation, carbonation loss, and even container breakage.
In this article, we break down the science behind UniHeat heat packs and explain why they work so effectively to protect beverage shipments from cold damage during transit.
The Science Behind UniHeat Heat Packs
UniHeat heat packs generate warmth through a controlled oxidation process. Each pack contains a proprietary blend of iron powder, activated carbon, water, salt, and natural minerals. When exposed to oxygen, the iron slowly oxidizes, releasing heat in a steady and predictable way.
Unlike instant hand warmers that spike in temperature, UniHeat is engineered to produce gradual, long-lasting warmth. This controlled reaction allows the pack to emit heat consistently over 40, 72, or even 96 hours—making it ideal for shipping applications.
UniHeat packs must be exposed to air to activate. Blocking airflow prevents proper heat generation.
Why Beverage Shipments Are Vulnerable to Cold Damage
Most beverages freeze between 28°F and 32°F. During shipping, packages often encounter temperatures far below that threshold in:
- Unheated carrier trucks
- Sorting and distribution hubs
- Airport tarmacs
- Residential delivery drop-offs
When beverages freeze, the following issues commonly occur:
- Liquid expansion that stresses bottles and cans
- Cracked glass or popped caps
- Flavor instability from temperature shock
- Carbonation loss in sparkling beverages
How UniHeat Creates a Protective Micro-Environment
Rather than overheating beverages, UniHeat heat packs create a stable micro-environment inside the shipping box. The goal is simple: keep liquids above freezing long enough to survive transit.
What UniHeat Does
- Maintains steady internal temperatures
- Prevents freezing and expansion
- Avoids sudden heat spikes
- Works with insulated packaging
Ideal Beverage Uses
- Wine & non-alcoholic wine
- Sparkling teas & kombucha
- Juices & wellness drinks
- RTD cocktails & mixers
The objective is temperature stability—not warming the product.
Choosing the Right UniHeat Duration
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is UniHeat better than hand warmers?
UniHeat is engineered for shipping. It provides steady, long-lasting heat without temperature spikes.
Will UniHeat overheat beverages?
No. UniHeat is designed to prevent freezing—not raise beverage temperatures.
Do heat packs need insulation?
Yes. Insulated packaging improves heat retention and overall performance.
Where should the heat pack be placed?
Place UniHeat at the top of the box so heat can rise and circulate.
Summary: UniHeat heat packs use controlled oxidation to create steady warmth that protects beverage shipments from freezing. When paired with insulation and proper packing techniques, they provide reliable cold-weather protection for wine, non-alcoholic beverages, and RTD drinks.