Hosts avoiding added sugars
You’re looking for individual ice lollies made without added sugars, but don’t assume they contain no sugar at all. The claim on the front of the pack and the “of which sugars” line answer two different questions.
Who is this choice for?
Hosts mindful of an individual dietary restriction
If a guest needs to strictly limit their sugar intake, compare the amount listed per serving with the ingredients in the specific product. The words “no added sugar” alone aren’t enough to tell you whether an ice lolly meets their requirements.
Hosts serving several guests
It’s not just the number of ice lollies that matters. Consider portion sizes, allergens listed on each box and whether you can keep the lollies frozen until you’re ready to serve them.
What should you check before buying?
When buying ice lollies for a birthday party, start with the sugar restriction, then check the portion you’ll actually serve and what you’ll need to do when serving a group.
| What to consider | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Added sugars | The exact claim, then the “of which sugars” amount per 100 g and per ice lolly. | I want to avoid sugars added to the recipe, without excluding those naturally found in fruit. Around 45% of consumers would prioritise this distinction. |
| Strict restriction | Sugars per serving and the ingredients list. If there’s an individual dietary requirement, check the product against it. | A claim on the front of the pack isn’t enough for me if sugar intake needs to be monitored closely. Around 33% of consumers would put this check first. |
| Serving a group | The number of ice lollies, any allergens listed and the storage instructions on each box. | I need to make sure there are enough ice lollies while taking account of any declared allergies and keeping them frozen. This would be the main priority for around 22% of consumers. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Confusing “no added sugar” with “sugar-free”
Auchan’s product information for its 100% mango and passion fruit lolly lists 19 g of sugars per 100 g and 11 g per 60 g lolly, despite the “no added sugar” claim.
Read the claim alongside the “of which sugars” line, checking the same product and the portion you intend to serve.
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Assuming plant-based or sweetened versions are low in sugars
According to the product information published by Magnum France, Magnum Vegan Almond contains sugar and glucose syrup. Nor should you choose a sweetened recipe because you expect it to affect your weight or blood glucose: Anses has not established any such benefit from regularly consuming high-intensity sweeteners.
Check the ingredients and nutritional information for the specific ice lolly instead of relying on its category or a claim on the front of the pack.
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Forgetting about allergens and storage during the party
Auchan’s mango and passion fruit product may contain traces of cereals containing gluten, peanuts and other nuts. Its box also says to store it at −18 °C and not to refreeze it after thawing.
Keep the packaging to hand so you can check the information for each product, and take the boxes out as you need them.
Brands and retailers to explore
Compare specific products: the fact that a range includes ice lollies doesn’t tell you how much sugar they contain.
Auchan
One 100% mango and passion fruit ice lolly is labelled “no added sugar”.
- Its product information lists the ingredients, nutritional details, pack of 4 ice lollies and storage instructions.
- However, it contains 19 g of sugars per 100 g and may contain traces of allergens.
Magnum
A brand of ice lollies to consider depending on the recipe you’re looking for. Don’t assume its plant-based versions are sugar-free.
- Magnum France’s product information for Vegan Almond lets you check the ingredients and nutritional details for this product.
- This product contains sugar and glucose syrups, and its product information lists 25 g of sugars per 100 g.
Carrefour
A retailer where you can compare multipacks of ice lollies and frozen bars.
- Its range includes several pack sizes to consider based on the number of guests.
- Check the claim, ingredients and sugar content for the product you choose rather than relying on its category in the freezer aisle.
E.Leclerc
A retailer to explore for mixed selections and multipacks of ice lollies.
- Its Marque Repère ice cream range includes, among other products, an assortment of 20 sticks.
- Check the ingredients of an assortment on its own product page or box.
Aldi
A retailer offering Mucci ice lollies in a range of pack sizes.
- Its range includes boxes of ice lollies and mini versions.
- The size or name of a range doesn’t tell you whether it contains added sugars, so check the packaging of the product you choose.
Lidl
A retailer whose frozen food range is worth checking when planning your party shopping.
- Its food range includes a frozen food category.
- To choose an ice lolly based on its sugar content, check the information on the specific box.
Related Joybuy products
Related products will be available soon.
Frequently asked questions
Does “no added sugar” mean “sugar-free”?
No. It doesn’t mean the ingredients are naturally free from all sugars. For example, Auchan’s product information for its 100% mango and passion fruit lolly lists 19 g of sugars per 100 g and 11 g per 60 g lolly.
How should I compare two ice lollies if sugar content is a particular concern?
Compare the “of which sugars” amount per 100 g, then per serving as you’ll serve it, and read the ingredients list. If a guest has an individual dietary requirement, don’t assume that the product is suitable for them just because it says “no added sugar”.
What should I check on the boxes before serving a group?
Check the number of ice lollies, portion sizes, any listed allergens and storage instructions on each box. Keep the packaging until you’ve finished serving, in case you need to check any of this information.
Can you refreeze ice lollies after they’ve thawed?
The box for Auchan’s mango and passion fruit lolly says not to refreeze it after thawing and to store it at −18 °C. Follow the storage instructions for the product you’ve actually bought.