The maker of CES sensation ColdSnap, an appliance that can create frozen novelties just like a Keurig brewer does for coffee drinks, wants to disrupt the global ice cream industry.
ColdSnap, which won honoree status in CES’s 2021 Innovation Awards program, is planning to change the way frozen confections are produced, transported, purchased and enjoyed.
Matthew Fonte, president and founder of Boston-based ColdSnap Corp., also envisions his concept becoming a unique attraction in workplace breakrooms and micro markets.
Measuring just 9" W. x 17.5" D. x 17.25" H. at 50 lbs., unboxed, the ColdSnap machine resembles a single-cup coffeemaker in size. It also works like one in that room temperature “pods” are used to produce soft-serve ice cream, frozen yogurt and frozen smoothies – instead of coffee drinks, of course.
THE COLDSNAP POD
The pod looks like a slender aluminum beverage can (same size as Red Bull’s) and is inserted at the top of the machine. During the production process, the machine uses a highly engineered compact compressor and condenser system to freeze the liquid ingredients in the pod. ColdSnap Corp. owns the patent on this process.
“We're aggressively pulling heat out of the pod as fast as possible and pumping the heat through our engineered refrigeration system," explained Fonte, an accomplished mechanical engineer. “It’s an efficient heat transfer system, allowing us to freeze quickly while controlling a product’s texture.”
Each ColdSnap pod carries a QR code that the machine reads to determine the optimal freezing parameters for that pod’s specific product.
ColdSnap pods have a minimum shelf-life of nine months and can be stored at room temperature. Since they are made of aluminum, pods are designed to be recycled just like any common beverage can.
In busy venues, or breaktime rush periods at work, the ColdSnap machine can continue making confections without the need for “re-cooling” time.
It takes between 60 and 120 seconds to make a ColdSnap item, depending on the frozen confection type. Prompts on the machine’s LED display guide the user through the preparation process.
Servings range from five to seven ounces.
Once a frozen treat is finished, the customer can pop the can out of the machine and recycle it. There’s no need to clean up as the product dispenses directly from the pod into the cup or bowl -- no food product ever contacts the machine.
SMOOTH, CREAMY CONSISTENCY
Because the system makes frozen confections with much smaller ice crystal sizes than those in store-bought products (40% smaller!), ColdSnap’s instant results are said to be “demonstrably” creamier.
“Our product has a smoother 'mouthfeel' than ice cream that undergoes a deep freeze,” Fonte boasted, “and our frozen yogurt has an almost velvety texture.”
IN A SNAP AT OR AWAY FROM HOME
The ColdSnap system was designed to operate in both commercial settings and homes.
“It is a one-of-a-kind, on-premises benefit for businesses that want to encourage and reward employees and customers," the ice cream entrepreneur said. "Think morning frozen “Snappuccino” or frozen smoothies to jump start the day or a frozen protein shake or ice cream as a pick-me-up during the afternoon.”
MICRO MARKETS
Fonte added that the system is also a good solution for c-stores and micro markets, which could generate incremental income through subsequent sales of ColdSnap pods.
“The system has clear merchandising and cost benefits compared to other in-store foodservice equipment options,” Fonte observed. “For instance, ColdSnap pods do not have to be kept refrigerated and the machine does not have to be plumbed for installation or cleaned once it is installed and operating.”
AUGUST TRIALS
Fonte told Vending Market Watch that commercial trials of ColdSnap will begin in August.
Operators interested in learning more about ColdSnap can reach out to Matt Fonte at [email protected] or (617) 270-6608. More information about the appliance and its frozen delights is available at coldsnap.com.
A video of the machine in action is available at Vimeo.
