Add your baked goods in layers, with bubble wrap in between. Finally, top everything with another layer of pillows. If you're using packing peanuts, pour a thick layer into the bottom of the box. Add your bagged treats, making sure they're not too close to the edge of the box.
Pound cakes, loaf breads, brownies and fudge ship better when they are left in their disposable aluminum pans. Cover the food with wax paper or seal in plastic wrap, place the pan in a plastic bag and pack in a cushioned food box. Pack cakes snugly into tins.
If you're sending sturdy baked goods locally, you can put pastries in priority mail. However, overnight shipping is the ideal way to send baked goods to preserve their quality. For fragile or temperature-sensitive items like cheesecakes, overnight shipping isn't just beneficial, it's required.
Before sending it off for shipping, you should place the baked goods in the freezer for 12 to 24 hours. This ensures the item will stay moist and fresh upon delivery. It's also crucial to note that dense baked goods tend to hold their shape better during shipping versus lighter baked goods like sponge cakes.
Consider freezing your baked goods before shipping. This will keep them fresh and secure before handing them off to the post office. Depending on the shape of your treat, you can wrap your goods in plastic wrap or a Ziploc bag before freezing.
Choose the Best Refrigerant for Cold or Frozen Items
Gel packs and dry ice are the best options for keeping your food cool in transit. In general, use dry ice for ice cream and other foods you want to keep frozen, and gel packs to keep food between 32 and 60 degrees F.
If your baked goods need specialty cooling to be mailed, then your best bet is to use dry ice and frozen gel packs inside a polystyrene carrier. These materials will stay cold for a long time. One to two blocks of dry ice can stay cool for up to 24 hours or include a few more to last up to 4 days.
We have extensively tested our shipping methods and cakes will arrive ready to eat and do not need any refrigeration but if you would like to save them for later we suggest freezing them to extend the shelf life.
Carefully pack the object in a shipping box with enough packing materials to keep it safe. Research couriers and choose one based on factors like cost and delivery time. Obtain shipping insurance to minimize risks for valuable items like gifts. Schedule a pickup for your package or drop it off at the courier location.
Breads and Cakes
For those who prefer their baked goods have a little more heft, unfrosted loaf cakes, loaf breads and pound cakes all travel well so long as they're securely wrapped and have a transit time of three days or less, Geary says. Know it'll take just a smidge longer (like, say, four days)?
Cool the muffins first before packaging them for shipping. It is best to wrap each muffin individually then place wrapped muffins in a plastic zipper bag. For long distance shipping, freeze the muffins and seal in a plastic bag with a vacuum sealer. Place in a plastic container, cover and wrap with foil.
For perishable foods prepared at home and mailed, follow these guidelines: Ship in a sturdy box. Pack with a cold source, i.e., frozen gel packs or dry ice.
Meat should ideally be shipped overnight, as it needs to stay cold. Since it is perishable, the container should be clearly marked "Keep Refrigerated" on the outside of the box. It should arrive at a temperature less than 41 degrees Fahrenheit, even if the meat is smoked, cured, or vacuum-packed.
“Make sure that the baked goods are packed tightly enough that they won't move around in the box in transit,” the Aus Post spokesperson also told us (scroll down for our packing tips).
Plastic wrap each cookie. For added protection against bumps and bangs, take individually wrapped cookies and double wrap them back-to-back. Use an airtight container for packing the cookies. Line the bottom of the container with a cushioning material, such as bubble wrap or Kraft paper.
First Class Mail envelopes, flat rate envelopes, and USPS Priority Mail offer the lowest rates for small packages. Another option is to use cubic pricing. Cubic pricing is a special USPS service that offers lower shipping rates when sending small, heavy items that are under 20lbs with USPS Priority Mail.
Guidelines To Ship Dry Ice Frozen Items Using Australia Post
Package your frozen items securely – Securely package your frozen goods by using a container that is both durable and insulated. This will ensure that your goods remain frozen during transportation.
No matter what kind of frozen food you're sending via USPS, it should be packaged accordingly. An insulated box, styrofoam casing, dry ice, and bubble wrap are all good insulating materials. Buy what's within your budget while making sure the materials will keep temperatures low for the duration of the shipment.
As with longer durations, the frozen food is likely to get spoiled, it is better to keep shipment time under 30 hours. UPS Next Day Air delivery is ideal.