Beware of Fake Snow Knock-Offs
Our customer service reps are frequently asked the difference between our Insta-Snow and the other fake snow products available on the market.
The answer is simple. There is only one Insta-Snow® powder, as indicated by that circle “R” thing. We don’t use the ® everywhere, because it becomes annoying, but the name Insta-Snow is a federally registered trademark of Steve Spangler Inc.
This hasn’t stopped the knock-offs from branding their own versions of fake snow powder. Or their claims of being the original or the real fake snow.
Our favorite knock-offs are the companies who believe that Insta-Snow is the same superabsorbent polymer found in a baby’s diaper. It’s similar, but not the same. If diapers contained the same polymer, every time the baby wet the diaper, it would grow to an enormous size and explode.
This might be a great way to potty train, but it’s not the science behind Insta-Snow.
Insta-Snow is the only polymer that instantly ERUPTS when it comes in contact with water. No stirring, no mixing. Make it right in the palm of your hand. The instant snow powder turns into a white fluffy substance that looks like real snow in seconds!
No matter what quantity or variety of Insta-Snow you choose, you’ll get all of the materials you need including mixing instructions and the scientific explanation. Insta-Snow isn’t just a cool demonstration, educators have found great use in sensory tables for early childhood, chemistry for advanced sciences, and has even been converted into a science fair project by introducing variables. You’re getting a “WOW” factor with a ton of scientific application.
I teach 8th grade physical science is Missouri and I have lots of different kinds of the snow polymer. You’re right – Insta Snow is the only one that overflows or erupts on its own when you add water. The Super Snow and Wonder Snow I have are just variations on the polymer found in baby diapers. One of them has glitter in the powder to make it look like snow. I actually had my students analyze the claims on the Super Snow package and determine if they were true or false. It was very interesting for students to use the scientific method to determine if the polymer actually absorbed as much water as the manufacturer said. Very interesting. You should know that my 8th graders like Insta-Snow the best.
Who makes this polymer powder i need 100Kg+ many thanks
scott peters
Hi – you can purchase Insta-Snow through Steve Spangler Science at https://www.stevespanglerscience.com/product/1262
Thanks!
I teach 7th grade in Victoria Australia. We actually did a experiment with polymer powder too and found Insta-Snow to be pretty much accurate in terms of water absorption. There were other substitute products which had absorption levels lower than than advertised claims so there you go.
Like Kelly, seems like this is becoming a standard experiment in middle school science classrooms!
Hi,
I’m in New Orleans, Louisianna. My brother is turning 7 and wants a science party. I was wondering if the snow is actually cold. I would like to use it at the party.
Thanks.
Interesting, I just watched a gardening show and they were using polymer to plant along with newly planted berry bushes so that you didn’t have to worry about watering them everyday. The polymer would absorb the water and then release it slower back to the roots over the following days.
This post gave me images of baby diapers exploding… nice.