Hosts who need to avoid a specific allergen
You’re preparing a snack or a gathering for someone with a known allergy. Your priority is to check the exact product you choose, including any statements about possible allergen presence.
Who is this for?
People shopping for a group
You’re looking for enough ice lollies for several guests, but need to check the ingredients for every flavour if the pack contains several recipes.
People considering plant-based or water-based recipes
You’re comparing these recipes because you want to avoid a specific ingredient. The product description is no substitute for checking the ingredients and allergen warnings.
What to check before buying
For a selection intended for guests with different dietary restrictions, start with the allergens to avoid, check every flavour, then choose the number of portions.
| Priority | What to check | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Allergen to avoid | Compare the ingredients list and any ‘may contain’ statements on the packaging with the allergens that need to be avoided. | When a guest needs to avoid a specific allergen, I want to be able to check the product before serving it. Around 42% of consumers would put this check first. |
| Recipes and flavours | Read the information for each variety; ‘plant-based’ or ‘water-based’ does not tell you about all its allergens. | If the pack contains several flavours, I want to make sure I don’t overlook an ingredient or warning for one of the recipes. Around 33% of consumers would prioritise checking the selection. |
| Number of portions | Count the ice lollies and check that the chosen recipes are suitable for the people they’re intended for. | When I’m hosting several guests, I look for enough portions without assuming everyone can eat the same selection. Sharing would be the main consideration for around 25% of consumers. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Assuming ‘vegan’ means ‘allergen-free’
The Auchan product listing for Magnum Vegan Almond lists almonds among the ingredients and says the product may contain milk, soya and other nuts.
Compare the ingredients and warnings on the specific pack with the allergens to avoid. Don’t rely on the plant-based description alone.
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Assuming a water-based ice lolly is dairy-free
According to Carrefour’s product listing for the Pirulo selection, some varieties may contain milk; one variety also mentions nuts and soya.
Read the information for each flavour before choosing the selection for someone who needs to avoid these allergens.
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Choosing the biggest pack before checking the recipes
Carrefour’s listing for the 8 × 95 mL Magnum selection states that it contains dairy ingredients and may contain almonds and pistachios. So the number of ice lollies alone doesn’t tell you whether they’re suitable for your guests.
Check all the flavours first, then count how many portions are suitable for the group.
Brands to consider
Magnum
The retailer listings consulted include ice lollies in an 8 × 95 mL selection and a plant-based almond version in a pack of 3.
- The 8-pack makes it easier to plan several portions.
- Carrefour’s listing for this selection states that it contains dairy ingredients and may contain almonds and pistachios. Auchan’s listing for Magnum Vegan Almond states that it contains almonds and may contain milk, soya and other nuts: check each product individually.
Carrefour Classic'
Carrefour’s range includes a pack of 12 chocolate and chocolate-and-vanilla ice lollies.
- The number of ice lollies may suit a group looking to share a single pack.
- Before choosing it for someone with an allergy, check the ingredients and warnings for the exact product.
Auchan
Auchan’s range includes ice lollies in packs of 8 and 12, with a choice of recipes.
- These pack sizes let you choose the number of portions to suit your group.
- Recipes may differ, so check allergens for each product rather than relying on the brand or pack size.
Pirulo
Carrefour’s listing features a selection of 6 water-based ice lollies in fruity flavours.
- Water-based recipes are worth considering if you’re looking for a product without milk among its ingredients.
- The listing says some varieties may contain milk, while one may also contain nuts and soya.
Ice lollies on Joybuy
These packs of 4 to 8 ice lollies include sorbets and a vanilla-and-almond ice cream. If you’re sharing them with people who have allergies, choose according to the recipes and portions you need, then check the ingredients and warnings on the packaging of the product you buy.
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PopFruit Mini, mango and passion fruit sorbet with dark chocolate, 6-pack, 282 g
A pack of six mini ice lollies, giving you several portions of the same recipe. If a guest needs to avoid soya, milk or nuts, check the ingredients and any ‘may contain’ statements on the packaging before serving.
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Pop Fruit Mini, Sicilian lemon and blood orange sorbets, 8-pack, 280 g
Eight mini ice lollies in two flavours for a group that likes a bit of variety. Check the warnings for each flavour if guests need to avoid milk, nuts, soya or other allergens.
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MAGNUM, vanilla and almond ice cream lollies, 8-pack, 600 g
Eight vanilla-and-almond ice lollies to share in one flavour. If milk or almonds need to be avoided, don’t choose this pack without checking the ingredients and warnings on the packaging against your guests’ dietary restrictions.
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POP FRUIT, 100% mango sorbet ice lollies, 4-pack, 280 g
Four ice lollies in one flavour; count them according to the number of guests. If anyone needs to avoid milk, nuts or soya, also check the packaging for any ‘may contain’ statements.
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POP FRUIT, 100% coconut sorbet ice lollies, 4-pack, 280 g
Four coconut ice lollies for a small group or some of your guests. Check the ingredients and any ‘may contain’ statements, especially if someone needs to avoid milk, nuts or soya.
Frequently asked questions
How can I identify allergens on a pack of ice lollies?
Read the ingredients list and any statements about possible allergen presence on the packaging of the product you buy. For prepacked foods, the DGCCRF reminds consumers that allergenic ingredients must be emphasised in the ingredients list.
Is a ‘vegan’ ice lolly necessarily suitable for someone with a milk allergy?
No: the description alone isn’t enough to confirm that it’s suitable. Auchan’s listing for Magnum Vegan Almond says the product may contain milk, soya and other nuts, and lists almonds among the ingredients. Compare the label with the allergens the person needs to avoid.
Is a water-based ice lolly necessarily dairy-free?
No: a water-based recipe may carry a warning that it could contain milk. This applies to some varieties in the Pirulo selection featured by Carrefour; check every flavour in the pack.
What should I check on an 8-pack Magnum selection if nuts need to be avoided?
Check the exact pack before offering it to the person concerned. Carrefour’s listing for the 8 × 95 mL Magnum selection says it may contain almonds and pistachios; the number of ice lollies doesn’t change that warning.
How can I make sure there are enough ice lollies for a group?
Count your guests and the portions you’ll need once you’ve worked out which recipes each person can eat. If one selection isn’t suitable for everyone, plan a separate option with a checked label rather than relying on the number of ice lollies in the largest pack.