What’s the best part of a Louisiana gathering? For many, itโs the warm, spicy crackle of fresh boudin. That savory pork and rice sausage is pure Louisiana magic. But what happens when you move away or want to share this regional treasure with a friend up north? Suddenly, finding authentic boudin that ships well becomes a real headache. You worry about quality, freshness, and whether that mail-order sausage will taste like the real deal.
You shouldn’t have to miss out on your favorite Cajun comfort food just because of distance. This guide cuts through the confusion. We have sniffed out the top-rated Louisiana butchers and smokehouses that master the art of shipping their famous boudin right to your door. Keep reading to discover our top picks for the best boudin you can order online, ensuring your next bite tastes like home.
Top Boudin In Louisiana That Ships Recommendations
- ๐๐๐๐ต๐ฒ๐ป๐๐ถ๐ฐ ๐๐ฎ๐ท๐๐ป ๐ฆ๐๐ฟ๐ฎ๐ถ๐ด๐ต๐ ๐ข๐๐๐๐ฎ ๐ฆ๐ฐ๐ผ๐๐, ๐๐ Original Cajun boudin sausage that locals swear by, w/ the same spicy kick. Feeds 12-14. 'The Best, Stopโs legendary blend of uncooked pork, liver, rice & spice ships frozen straight from the heart of Louisiana - no shortcuts, no copycats. Just 3.5 lbs of authentic Cajun food the way itโs meant to be. Available in Original, Mild, Smoked, Crawfish & Chicken in single & multipack sizes for dinners or parties.
- ๐ง๐ต๐ฒ ๐๐ฒ๐๐, ๐ฆ๐๐ผ๐ฝ' ๐ฆ๐๐ฝ๐ฒ๐ฟ๐บ๐ฎ๐ฟ๐ธ๐ฒ๐'๐ ๐ฏ๐ฌ ๐ฌ๐ฟ ๐ข๐น๐ฑ ๐ฅ๐ฒ๐ฐ๐ถ๐ฝ๐ฒ Starting w/ fresh 'Made in USA' pork protein, we add the right touch of liver, onions, green bell peppers & bold Cajun seasoning & slow cook our sausage to perfection. After, we grind it up & mix w/ long-grain rice, green onions & another big hit of that good spice, then stuff it into a pork casing. And boom, the real-deal Louisiana boudin sausage that's ready to be cooked & served all within 15-20 minutes
- ๐จ๐ป๐ฐ๐ผ๐ผ๐ธ๐ฒ๐ฑ ๐๐ผ๐๐ฑ๐ถ๐ป ๐๐ถ๐ป๐ธ๐ - ๐๐ฟ๐ถ๐น๐น, ๐ฆ๐บ๐ผ๐ธ๐ฒ ๐ผ๐ฟ ๐๐ฎ๐ธ๐ฒ ๐ฌ๐ผ๐๐ฟ ๐ช๐ฎ๐ Skip the pre-cooked stuff. These uncooked boudin links give you that made-from-scratch taste when grilled, smoked, baked, boiled or steamed to 165ยฐF. A flavorful Southern sausage that's juicy, spicy, smoky & full of Cajun flavor ready in minutes. Pinch the boudin in the middle to check for doneness - if the casing pops back out, it's ready to eat. Shipped frozen, thaw before cooking.
- ๐๐'๐ '๐ง๐ต๐ฒ ๐๐ฒ๐๐' ๐ณ๐ผ๐ฟ ๐ง๐ฎ๐ถ๐น๐ด๐ฎ๐๐ฒ๐, ๐๐ฎ๐ฐ๐ธ๐๐ฎ๐ฟ๐ฑ ๐๐ผ๐ถ๐น๐ ๐ผ๐ฟ ๐๐๐๐ '๐๐ฎ๐๐๐ฒ Throw it on the pit for game day, fry it up for a late-night snack or pair it w/ crackers & a cold one - this Southern sausage fits just about any occasion. Add to your Thanksgiving stuffing, Christmas sausage pie or etouffee for a new, spicy flavor on your southern classics. You don't need a reason to eat good boudin - just a fork (or not)
- ๐๐๐๐ต๐ฒ๐ป๐๐ถ๐ฐ ๐๐ฎ๐ท๐๐ป ๐ฆ๐๐ฟ๐ฎ๐ถ๐ด๐ต๐ ๐ข๐๐๐๐ฎ ๐ฆ๐ฐ๐ผ๐๐, ๐๐ Mild Cajun boudin sausage that locals swear by, w/ the same spicy kick. Feeds 16-18. 'The Best, Stopโs legendary blend of uncooked pork, liver, rice & spice ships frozen straight from the heart of Louisiana - no shortcuts, no copycats. Just 4 lbs of authentic Cajun food the way itโs meant to be. Available in Original, Mild, Smoked, Crawfish & Chicken in single & multipack sizes for dinners or parties.
- ๐ง๐ต๐ฒ ๐๐ฒ๐๐, ๐ฆ๐๐ผ๐ฝ' ๐ฆ๐๐ฝ๐ฒ๐ฟ๐บ๐ฎ๐ฟ๐ธ๐ฒ๐'๐ ๐ฏ๐ฌ ๐ฌ๐ฟ ๐ข๐น๐ฑ ๐ฅ๐ฒ๐ฐ๐ถ๐ฝ๐ฒ Starting w/ fresh 'Made in USA' pork protein, we add the right touch of liver, onions, green bell peppers & bold Cajun seasoning & slow cook our sausage to perfection. After, we grind it up & mix w/ long-grain rice, green onions & a smaller hit of that good spice, then stuff it into a pork casing. And boom, the real-deal Louisiana boudin sausage that's ready to be cooked & served all within 15-20 minutes
- ๐จ๐ป๐ฐ๐ผ๐ผ๐ธ๐ฒ๐ฑ ๐๐ผ๐๐ฑ๐ถ๐ป ๐๐ถ๐ป๐ธ๐ - ๐๐ฟ๐ถ๐น๐น, ๐ฆ๐บ๐ผ๐ธ๐ฒ ๐ผ๐ฟ ๐๐ฎ๐ธ๐ฒ ๐ฌ๐ผ๐๐ฟ ๐ช๐ฎ๐ Skip the pre-cooked stuff. These uncooked boudin links give you that made-from-scratch taste when grilled, smoked, baked, boiled or steamed to 165ยฐF. A flavorful Southern sausage that's juicy, spicy, smoky & full of Cajun flavor ready in minutes. Pinch the boudin in the middle to check for doneness - if the casing pops back out, it's ready to eat. Shipped frozen, thaw before cooking.
- ๐๐'๐ '๐ง๐ต๐ฒ ๐๐ฒ๐๐' ๐ณ๐ผ๐ฟ ๐ง๐ฎ๐ถ๐น๐ด๐ฎ๐๐ฒ๐, ๐๐ฎ๐ฐ๐ธ๐๐ฎ๐ฟ๐ฑ ๐๐ผ๐ถ๐น๐ ๐ผ๐ฟ ๐๐๐๐ '๐๐ฎ๐๐๐ฒ Throw it on the pit for game day, fry it up for a late-night snack or pair it w/ crackers & a cold one - this Southern sausage fits just about any occasion. Add to your Thanksgiving stuffing, Christmas sausage pie or etouffee for a new, spicy flavor on your southern classics. You don't need a reason to eat good boudin - just a fork (or not)
- ๐๐ฟ๐ผ๐บ ๐๐ต๐ฒ ๐๐ฒ๐ฎ๐ฟ๐ ๐ผ๐ณ ๐๐ฎ๐ท๐๐ป ๐๐ผ๐๐ป๐๐ฟ๐ Offering authentic Cajun from South Central Louisiana, Boudin is a Creole style sausage w/ rice & Pork mixed w/ a savory broth of onions, onion tops & a special blend of herbs. Cut into pieces then breaded - these balls are ready to cook & shipped frozen to your door straight from Lousiana. Feeds 3-4. Available in a variety of different proteins & quantities for your next dinner party or Mardi Gras! Makes a great finger food!
- ๐๐๐น๐น๐ ๐ฃ๐ฟ๐ฒ๐ฝ๐ฝ๐ฒ๐ฑ, ๐ฅ๐ฒ๐ฎ๐ฑ๐ ๐๐ผ ๐๐ผ๐ผ๐ธ Just cook & serve! Our boudin sausage meatballs comes ready to cook, just heat straight from the freezer & enjoy. Or pair with your other Southern favorites such as cajun mac & cheese, gumbo or jambalaya for an exciting, spicy change to the family meal! Perfect either as a full meal, snack or party appetizer, this 16 oz of spicy boudin sausage bites is served well with toothpicks at your next Mardi Gras or holiday party as a spicy finger food!
- ๐ ๐ง๐ฎ๐๐๐ฒ ๐ผ๐ณ ๐๐ต๐ฒ ๐ฆ๐ผ๐๐๐ต, ๐๐ฒ๐น๐ถ๐๐ฒ๐ฟ๐ฒ๐ฑ Shipped frozen for maximum freshness & flavor straight from Louisiana, whether you're a southern native or just discovering the magic of Cajun cuisine, these spicy boudin sausage meatballs will arrive within days & make a unique potluck gift or comfort food treat for your next holiday party. Easy to prepare & ready to cook, these appetizers are a true crowd pleaser w/ a rich flavor & history that will have your guests asking for seconds
- ๐ฅ๐ฒ๐ฎ๐ฑ๐ ๐ถ๐ป ๐ ๐ถ๐ป๐๐๐ฒ๐, ๐๐ฎ๐ธ๐ฒ ๐ผ๐ฟ ๐๐ฟ๐! No need to thaw, just bake (375ยฐ) on a oiled sheet or fry (375ยฐ) straight from the freezer until they're 165ยฐ & exceptionally delicious. Either way you cook them - you'll enjoy juicy breaded meatballs w/ rich fillings in under 15 minutes. Fast, delicious & no mess in the kitchen, boudin sausage bites make a great snack, appetizer, entree or full dinner for yourself or your largest crowds w/ our large & mini quantities available
- ๐๐๐๐ต๐ฒ๐ป๐๐ถ๐ฐ ๐๐ฎ๐ท๐๐ป ๐ฆ๐๐ฟ๐ฎ๐ถ๐ด๐ต๐ ๐ข๐๐๐๐ฎ ๐ฆ๐ฐ๐ผ๐๐, ๐๐ Smoked Cajun boudin sausage that locals swear by, w/ the same spicy kick. Feeds 12-14. 'The Best, Stopโs legendary blend of uncooked pork, liver, rice & spice ships frozen straight from the heart of Louisiana - no shortcuts, no copycats. Just 3 lbs of authentic Cajun food the way itโs meant to be. Available in Original, Mild, Smoked, Crawfish & Chicken in single & multipack sizes for dinners or parties.
- ๐ง๐ต๐ฒ ๐๐ฒ๐๐, ๐ฆ๐๐ผ๐ฝ' ๐ฆ๐๐ฝ๐ฒ๐ฟ๐บ๐ฎ๐ฟ๐ธ๐ฒ๐'๐ ๐ฏ๐ฌ ๐ฌ๐ฟ ๐ข๐น๐ฑ ๐ฅ๐ฒ๐ฐ๐ถ๐ฝ๐ฒ Starting w/ fresh 'Made in USA' pork protein, we add the right touch of liver, onions, green bell peppers & bold Cajun seasoning & slow cook our sausage to perfection. After, we grind it up & mix w/ long-grain rice, green onions & another big hit of that good spice, then stuff it into a pork casing. And boom, the real-deal Louisiana boudin sausage that's ready to be cooked & served all within 15-20 minutes
- ๐จ๐ป๐ฐ๐ผ๐ผ๐ธ๐ฒ๐ฑ ๐๐ผ๐๐ฑ๐ถ๐ป ๐๐ถ๐ป๐ธ๐ - ๐๐ฟ๐ถ๐น๐น, ๐ฆ๐บ๐ผ๐ธ๐ฒ ๐ผ๐ฟ ๐๐ฎ๐ธ๐ฒ ๐ฌ๐ผ๐๐ฟ ๐ช๐ฎ๐ Skip the pre-cooked stuff. These uncooked boudin links give you that made-from-scratch taste when grilled, smoked, baked, boiled or steamed to 165ยฐF. A flavorful Southern sausage that's juicy, spicy, smoky & full of Cajun flavor ready in minutes. Pinch the boudin in the middle to check for doneness - if the casing pops back out, it's ready to eat. Shipped frozen, thaw before cooking.
- ๐๐'๐ '๐ง๐ต๐ฒ ๐๐ฒ๐๐' ๐ณ๐ผ๐ฟ ๐ง๐ฎ๐ถ๐น๐ด๐ฎ๐๐ฒ๐, ๐๐ฎ๐ฐ๐ธ๐๐ฎ๐ฟ๐ฑ ๐๐ผ๐ถ๐น๐ ๐ผ๐ฟ ๐๐๐๐ '๐๐ฎ๐๐๐ฒ Throw it on the pit for game day, fry it up for a late-night snack or pair it w/ crackers & a cold one - this Southern sausage fits just about any occasion. Add to your Thanksgiving stuffing, Christmas sausage pie or etouffee for a new, spicy flavor on your southern classics. You don't need a reason to eat good boudin - just a fork (or not)
- Experience the bold and flavorful taste of Comeaux's Alligator Boudin (Pack of 3)
- Made with fresh alligator meat and a blend of traditional Cajun spices
- Unique and delicious taste that sets it apart from other boudin varieties
- Versatile - perfect as a main course or as an appetizer
- ๐๐๐๐ต๐ฒ๐ป๐๐ถ๐ฐ ๐๐ฎ๐ท๐๐ป ๐ฆ๐๐ฟ๐ฎ๐ถ๐ด๐ต๐ ๐ข๐๐๐๐ฎ ๐ฆ๐ฐ๐ผ๐๐, ๐๐ Smoked Cajun boudin sausage that locals swear by, w/ the same spicy kick. Feeds 3-4. 'The Best, Stopโs legendary blend of uncooked pork, liver, rice & spice ships frozen straight from the heart of Louisiana - no shortcuts, no copycats. Just 12 oz of authentic ready to cook Cajun food the way itโs meant to be. Available in Original, Mild, Smoked, Crawfish & Chicken in single & multipack sizes for dinners or parties.
- ๐ง๐ต๐ฒ ๐๐ฒ๐๐, ๐ฆ๐๐ผ๐ฝ' ๐ฆ๐๐ฝ๐ฒ๐ฟ๐บ๐ฎ๐ฟ๐ธ๐ฒ๐'๐ ๐ฏ๐ฌ ๐ฌ๐ฟ ๐ข๐น๐ฑ ๐ฅ๐ฒ๐ฐ๐ถ๐ฝ๐ฒ Starting w/ fresh 'Made in USA' pork protein, we add the right touch of liver, onions, green bell peppers & bold Cajun seasoning & slow cook our sausage to perfection. After, we grind it up & mix w/ long-grain rice, green onions & another big hit of that good spice, then stuff it into a pork casing. And boom, the real-deal Louisiana boudin sausage that's ready to be cooked & served all within 15-20 minutes
- ๐จ๐ป๐ฐ๐ผ๐ผ๐ธ๐ฒ๐ฑ ๐๐ผ๐๐ฑ๐ถ๐ป ๐๐ถ๐ป๐ธ๐ - ๐๐ฟ๐ถ๐น๐น, ๐ฆ๐บ๐ผ๐ธ๐ฒ ๐ผ๐ฟ ๐๐ฎ๐ธ๐ฒ ๐ฌ๐ผ๐๐ฟ ๐ช๐ฎ๐ Skip the pre-cooked stuff. These uncooked boudin links give you that made-from-scratch taste when grilled, smoked, baked, boiled or steamed to 165ยฐF. A flavorful Southern sausage that's juicy, spicy, smoky & full of Cajun flavor ready in minutes. Pinch the boudin in the middle to check for doneness - if the casing pops back out, it's ready to eat. Shipped frozen, thaw before cooking.
- ๐๐'๐ '๐ง๐ต๐ฒ ๐๐ฒ๐๐' ๐ณ๐ผ๐ฟ ๐ง๐ฎ๐ถ๐น๐ด๐ฎ๐๐ฒ๐, ๐๐ฎ๐ฐ๐ธ๐๐ฎ๐ฟ๐ฑ ๐๐ผ๐ถ๐น๐ ๐ผ๐ฟ ๐๐๐๐ '๐๐ฎ๐๐๐ฒ Throw it on the pit for game day, fry it up for a late-night snack or pair it w/ crackers & a cold one - this Southern sausage fits just about any occasion. Add to your Thanksgiving stuffing, Christmas sausage pie or etouffee for a new, spicy flavor on your southern classics. You don't need a reason to eat good boudin - just a fork (or not)
- ๐๐ฟ๐ผ๐บ ๐๐ต๐ฒ ๐๐ฒ๐ฎ๐ฟ๐ ๐ผ๐ณ ๐๐ฎ๐ท๐๐ป ๐๐ผ๐๐ป๐๐ฟ๐ Offering authentic Cajun from South Central Louisiana, Boudin is a Creole style sausage w/ rice & Pork mixed with a savory broth of onions, onion tops & a special blend of herbs. Fully prepared, ready to cook and shipped frozen to your door straight from Lousiana. Feeds 3-4. Available in a variety of different proteins, spice levels & quantities for your next dinner party or Mardi Gras!
- ๐๐๐น๐น๐ ๐ฃ๐ฟ๐ฒ๐ฝ๐ฝ๐ฒ๐ฑ, ๐ฅ๐ฒ๐ฎ๐ฑ๐ ๐๐ผ ๐๐ผ๐ผ๐ธ Just cook & serve! Our boudin sausage comes ready to cook, just heat straight from the freezer and enjoy. Or add to your other Southern favorites such as cajun mac & cheese, gumbo or jambalaya for an exciting, spicy change to the family meal! Perfect either as a full meal, snack or party appetizer, this 16 oz of spicy boudin sausage is served well sliced on crackers w/ cheese at your next Mardi Gras or holiday party as a spicy finger food!
- ๐ ๐ง๐ฎ๐๐๐ฒ ?๐ณ ๐๐ต๐ฒ ๐ฆ๐ผ๐๐๐ต, ๐๐ฒ๐น๐ถ๐๐ฒ๐ฟ๐ฒ๐ฑ Shipped frozen for maximum freshness & flavor straight from Louisiana, whether you're a southern native or just discovering the magic of Cajun cuisine, these spicy boudin sausage meat links will arrive within days & make a unique potluck gift or comfort food treat for your next holiday party. Easy to cook & ready for a party, these appetizers are a true crowd pleaser w/ a rich flavor & history that will have your guests asking for seconds
- ๐ฅ๐ฒ๐ฎ๐ฑ๐ ๐ถ๐ป ๐ ๐ถ๐ป๐๐๐ฒ๐, ๐๐ฎ๐ธ๐ฒ ๐ผ๐ฟ ๐๐ฟ๐! No need to thaw, just bake (400ยฐ) on a oiled sheet or fry (375ยฐ) straight from the freezer until they're heated through to 165ยฐ & exceptionally delicious. Either way you cook them - you'll enjoy juicy meat w/ rich fillings in under 15 minutes. Fast, delicious & no mess in the kitchen, boudin sausage meat make a great snack, appetizer, entree or full dinner for yourself or your largest crowds w/ our large & mini quantities available
- Indulge in the spicy and flavorful taste of authentic Cajun Boudin
- Made with a delicious blend of pork, rice, and Cajun spices
- A staple in Louisiana cuisine that will transport your taste buds straight to the bayou
- Perfect for grilling, frying, or adding to your favorite dishes
The Ultimate Buying Guide: Shipping Authentic Louisiana Boudin Right to Your Door
Craving that smoky, spicy, and perfectly textured boudin from the bayou, but live too far away? Good news! Many fantastic Louisiana butchers and specialty shops now ship their famous links nationwide. This guide helps you choose the best boudin for your next feast.
Key Features to Look For in Shipped Boudin
When ordering boudin online, you canโt touch or smell it first. You must rely on the sellerโs description. Look closely at these features:
- Meat-to-Rice Ratio: This is crucial. Great boudin balances pork (usually shoulder and liver) with cooked rice. Too much rice makes it dry. Too much meat makes it mushy. Aim for a blend where you can clearly taste the pork and seasoning.
- Casing Integrity: The casing holds everything together. Good boudin uses natural hog casings. Check reviews to ensure the links arrive firm and intact, not burst or leaking inside the packaging.
- Spice Level: Louisiana boudin varies widely. Some are mild and savory; others pack a serious cayenne kick. If you are new to boudin, start with a “medium” or “classic” variety before diving into “hot” versions.
- Smoke Flavor: Authentic boudin is typically smoked over real wood (like hickory or pecan). This provides depth. Avoid sellers who use artificial smoke flavoring.
Important Materials and Ingredients
The quality of the ingredients directly impacts the flavor of your shipped links. Always investigate the ingredient list.
Primary Components
- Pork: High-quality butchers use fresh pork trimmings and shoulder meat. Avoid products listing excessive fillers.
- Rice: Medium or long-grain white rice is standard. It must be cooked perfectlyโtender but not mushy.
- Seasonings: The secret sauce! Look for traditional ingredients like onions, garlic, green onions (scallions), and a generous amount of pepper.
- Liver: Liver adds richness and color. While some specialty boudins skip it, traditional Cajun boudin includes a small amount for authentic texture and flavor.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Shipping introduces challenges, so the producerโs process matters significantly.
Quality Boosters:
- Freshness of Meat: The fresher the pork used before cooking and stuffing, the better the final product tastes.
- Proper Smoking: Slow, real-wood smoking adds complexity that cheap, quick methods cannot replicate.
- Vacuum Sealing: Links should be individually vacuum-sealed before being packed in the shipping cooler. This preserves flavor and prevents freezer burn.
Quality Reducers:
- Excessive Water or Fat: Poorly drained ingredients result in greasy, watery boudin that breaks down during shipping.
- Long Freezing Times: If the boudin sits frozen for months before shipping, the texture can degrade slightly.
User Experience and Use Cases
When you order online, the experience shifts from a quick stop at a local smokehouse to a planned event. Most boudin arrives frozen or deeply chilled.
How People Enjoy Shipped Boudin:
- Game Day Parties: Boudin makes an amazing appetizer for watching football. It reheats well and is easy to serve.
- Cajun Care Packages: Many people send boudin to friends or family who have moved away from the South.
- Quick Weeknight Meal: Once thawed, a link can be heated in the oven or microwave for a fast, flavorful dinner.
Remember to follow the sellerโs reheating instructions carefully. Usually, you want to gently steam or bake the links to avoid drying them out.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Buying Shipped Boudin
Q: How long does shipped boudin stay fresh?
A: If kept frozen, high-quality, vacuum-sealed boudin usually lasts three to six months. Always check the “best by” date provided by the seller.
Q: What type of shipping container do they use?
A: Reputable sellers use insulated coolers packed with dry ice or frozen gel packs to maintain safe temperatures during transit.
Q: Can I eat boudin cold, right out of the package?
A: Technically, yes, because it is fully cooked. However, boudin tastes much better when heated until steaming hot. Heating brings out the smoky flavor.
Q: What is the difference between boudin blanc and traditional boudin?
A: Boudin Blanc (white boudin) generally contains little to no liver and sometimes includes milk or cream, resulting in a lighter color and texture.
Q: How much rice should good boudin have?
A: There is no single rule, but most enthusiasts prefer a ratio where the rice supports the meat mixture but does not overwhelm it. It should feel hearty, not like rice pudding.
Q: Do I have to be home to receive the package?
A: It is highly recommended. Since the package contains perishable items, someone should bring it inside quickly so it can be moved to the freezer or refrigerator immediately.
Q: How do I reheat the links without them bursting?
A: The best method is low and slow. Wrap the links in foil and bake them in the oven at 300ยฐF (150ยฐC) for about 15โ20 minutes, or steam them gently on the stovetop.
Q: Are there vegetarian or vegan boudin options available online?
A: Traditional boudin is pork-based, but some specialty companies offer plant-based versions using mushrooms, lentils, or textured vegetable protein.
Q: Why is shipped boudin more expensive than local store-bought?
A: The extra cost covers specialized packaging, expedited shipping fees, and the cost of the dry ice needed to keep the meat safely cold.
Q: What should I do if my boudin arrives thawed?
A: If the cooler insulation is still cold and the links are cool to the touch, they are generally safe to freeze immediately. If the package feels warm, contact the seller right away.
Hi, I’m Mallory Crusta, the heart and mind behind LovelyPetSpot.com.. As a passionate pet enthusiast, I created this space to share my experiences, expertise, and love for all things pets. Whether itโs helpful tips, heartfelt stories, or advice for pet parents, my mission is to make the journey of caring for your furry, feathery, or scaly friends as joyful and fulfilling as possible. Join me in celebrating the incredible bond we share with our animal companions!