The Insta-Snow Knock-Off Secret: Baby Diaper Goo
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Drum roll please… and this week’s most asked customer service question is… Is there more than one Insta-Snow on the market? Answer: NO, but there are a number of knock-offs and the calls we get are pretty funny. There is only one Insta-Snow® as indicated by that “circle R” thing. We don’t use the ® everywhere because it becomes somewhat annoying, but the name Insta-Snow is a federally registered trademark of Steve Spangler Inc. (Federal Trademark Registration #2928946). But that hasn’t stopped the knock-off companies from branding their own versions of a snow powder. Our favorite knock-offs are the companies who believe that Insta-Snow is the same superabsorbent polymer found in a baby’s diaper. If this were true, every time the baby went potty, the diaper would erupt to an enormous size and explode! Might be a great way to potty train the kid, but it’s not true. Insta-Snow® is the only polymer that instantly ERUPTS when it comes in contact with water. The knock-off “snow” companies tell their customers to “…add water and stir the mixture for 20-30 seconds to make snow.” All you have after 30 seconds is a tired hand and a cup of baby diaper goo. Just stick with the original Insta-Snow® and you’ll be safe, happy and amazed.
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 http://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.