Carbon dioxide is used for cooling, freezing, modified atmosphere packaging and carbonizing of beer and sodas.
When compressed liquid carbon dioxide passes through a nozzle under atmospheric pressure, about half of the gas is converted to snow, which is then subjected to high pressure. The result is dry ice. Owing to its high vaporization temperature, one kilogram of dry ice is as effective as two kilos of regular ice.
Since carbon dioxide hampers the growth of bacteria, it is used to extend the shelf-life of the food in packages.
In the production of beers and sodas, carbon dioxide is added in order to make the product foam and bubble.