Abstract: A self-contained insulated container for maintaining an item at a predetermined temperature. The container has an inner sidewall and an outer sidewall, which are spaced apart from each other and closed off to define an insulating chamber therebetween. The container includes a storage area, for receiving the item therein, which is defined by the inner sidewall. The storage area is at a first storage temperature. The insulating chamber is substantially filled with a first insulating material, which is a gel mixture. The first insulating material is at a first insulating temperature. The storage area attains a second storage temperature after the item is placed therein and the first insulating material maintains the second storage temperature and the item at the predetermined temperature for a storage period.