A startup in the U.K. called Delta H Innovations has been working on something called a "Cool Can." It looks like an ordinary can until you check the bottom.
There's a power button that activates the beer-cooling technology. It also works on soda, or any liquid. (Here are some photos.)
There's an inner wall like insulated mugs. Pushing the power button blends water with a mix of salts that cause a cooling reaction.
The outside of the can gets freezing cold in a few seconds. The only disappointing part is it still takes a while to chill the beer.
Depending on how hot is, it can take up to 10 minutes to get cold. But it eventually gets down to 43 degrees.
They say the best part is the cooling reaction continues every time you take a sip, and it can stay cold for 45 minutes.
It only holds 70% of what a normal can would. So for 12 ounces, it has to be the size of a 16-ouncer.
It's meant for situations where you might want a cold drink, but not have a way to chill it. You could take a 12-pack out camping and not bring a cooler or ice.
They say the cans can still be recycled, and it shouldn't raise the price too much. They called the additional cost per can "marginal."
It's not clear how soon you might see the self-cooling cans in stores. But they're already in talks with major beermakers, Coca-Cola, and Red Bull.