Households stocking up
If you’re planning to buy several portions of the same flavour, work out how many ice lollies you’ll use and check how much freezer space you have before buying multiple boxes.
Who are these individual portions for?
Households with different tastes
A mixed pack or mini ice lollies can be a good choice when everyone wants a different flavour or portion size. Check exactly what each box contains.
People who check ingredients
If you’re stocking up for several people, check the ingredients, allergens, portion sizes and nutritional information for each product. Don’t assume they’ll be the same across different flavours.
What to look for when buying ice lollies in bulk
Start with the number of portions you’ll use, then compare the options based on the flavours you need, the labelling and your freezer space. A box of mini ice lollies and a box of standard-sized ones may contain the same number of pieces but offer different portion sizes.
| What to consider | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Number and size of portions | Count the pieces and compare the weight or volume of each ice lolly. Don’t assume mini and standard sizes are equivalent. | If I’m planning several servings of the same flavour, I want to know how many portions the box actually contains. Around 36% of consumers prioritise this. |
| Flavours and formats | Check which flavours are included and distinguish between standard ice lollies, mini ice lollies and sorbet lollies. | When I’m serving people with different preferences, I look for suitable flavours or portion sizes. This variety comes first for around 29% of consumers. |
| Ingredients and allergens | Read the ingredients and allergen information for the exact flavour. Check the nutritional values per portion if you’re comparing products. | When several people will be sharing what I’ve bought, I need to be able to check the ingredients for each product. This is the top priority for around 21% of consumers. |
| Transport and storage | Make space in your freezer, pick up frozen food at the end of your shop and follow the temperature shown on each pack. | If the journey or lack of freezer space makes a large shop tricky, I need to plan how I’ll store everything before deciding how many boxes to buy. Around 14% of consumers prioritise this. |
Mistakes to avoid before you stock up
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Choosing based only on the number of ice lollies
Boxes of four, six or twelve pieces listed by Carrefour don’t necessarily contain portions of the same size.
Check both the number of pieces and the weight or volume of each ice lolly before deciding how many boxes to buy.
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Assuming a fruity ice lolly is dairy-free
Carrefour’s product listing for Solero Fruits Exotiques mentions milk and lactose. The flavour or appearance of an ice lolly isn’t enough to tell you what it contains.
Check the ingredients and allergen information for the exact product, particularly if you’re buying portions for several people.
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Putting ice lollies in your trolley at the start of your shop
A large shop can mean a longer wait between the freezer aisle and your freezer at home. The DGCCRF recommends minimising breaks in the cold chain.
Pick up frozen food last, use an insulated bag for the journey and clear some space in your freezer before you set off.
Brands and retailers to consider
These brands and retailers offer different pack sizes to compare. The contents of each box and the available mixed packs depend on the product you choose.
Magnum
Chocolate-coated ice lollies for anyone looking for this style of recipe in individual portions.
- Carrefour lists, among other options, a box of eight 95 mL Magnum ice lollies.
- Check the flavours and allergens on the exact box. The product listing consulted mentions milk and the possible presence of almonds or pistachios.
Carrefour
A retailer whose ice lolly range lets you compare boxes with different numbers of pieces.
- Carrefour’s range includes products with four, six and twelve ice lollies per box.
- Check the pack size and selection available at your chosen store and for your preferred collection option.
Auchan
A retailer to browse for standard ice lollies, mini ice lollies and frozen bars, keeping in mind that these are different formats.
- Its ice cream category includes a range of box sizes and mini formats.
- Check the number of pieces and flavours in the product you choose before putting together a mixed selection.
Mucci
An ALDI brand worth considering if mini ice lollies are the right size for you.
- ALDI lists, among other options, a box of twelve Mucci mini ice lollies, weighing 429 g in total.
- Check the flavours and pack size available at your local store.
Solero
A brand to consider if you’re looking for an ice lolly that showcases fruit rather than a chocolate coating.
- Carrefour lists Solero Fruits Exotiques in a box of four 90 mL ice lollies.
- This product contains milk and lactose. A fruity flavour doesn’t mean it’s suitable for a dairy-free diet.
Individual ice lollies and sorbets available on Joybuy
This selection includes ice lollies and a sorbet lolly, in boxes of four to twelve. Choose based on the number of portions and flavours you want, then check the labelling and make sure you have enough freezer space.
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CAPRI-SUN Orange & Cherry Ice Pops, x12, 444 g
For a freezer stash to share with orange and cherry fans, this box contains twelve individual ice pops, weighing 444 g in total.
Check the allergen information on the exact pack and make sure you have room in your freezer.
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Maison de la Glace Water Ice Pops, 5 flavours, x12, 1,200 g
For a freezer stash with a choice of flavours, this box contains twelve ice pops in five listed flavours. It weighs 1,200 g in total.
Check the ingredients and allergen information on the pack before serving these to several people.
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Binggrae Melona Melon, 8 × 70 mL
If you’re after several individual portions with a melon flavour, this box contains eight 70 mL ice lollies, 560 mL in total.
Check the ingredients and information on the box, particularly if it’s for children or anyone with allergies.
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POP FRUIT Sorbet Sticks 100% Coconut, x4, 280 g
Add a sorbet lolly to your selection of individual frozen treats with this coconut-flavoured box of four, weighing 280 g in total.
Four portions may not be enough for a group, so you might need several boxes. Check the allergen information on the exact pack too.
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MAGNUM Classic, x8, 600 g
If you’re stocking up on one type of ice lolly, this box of MAGNUM Classic contains eight portions, weighing 600 g in total.
Check the allergens on the exact packaging and make sure you can store all the boxes as directed.
Frequently asked questions
What temperature should I store ice lollies at when buying in bulk?
Follow the storage temperature shown on each pack rather than assuming it applies to other products. For example, Carrefour’s product listing for Solero Fruits Exotiques says to store it at −18 °C.
How can I keep frozen food cold during a big shop?
Pick up ice lollies at the end of your shop and put them in the freezer as soon as you get home. Use an insulated bag for the journey if needed. The DGCCRF recommends limiting the time frozen food is allowed to warm up.
Are fruit ice lollies always dairy-free?
No. Carrefour’s Solero Fruits Exotiques contains milk and lactose. Check the ingredients and allergens for the exact flavour before you buy.
How do I compare boxes of different sizes?
Compare the number of ice lollies, then check the weight or volume of each portion. A box with more mini ice lollies may not suit the same needs as a box of standard-sized ones.