When choosing a chocolate-coated ice lolly in this context, compare the nutritional values on the same basis, then check the amount in the lolly you plan to eat. A mini size makes it easy to identify an individual lolly, but tells you nothing about the recipe’s nutritional values on its own. A box of chocolates intended as a gift is a different kind of product: its portions and storage requirements are not the same as those of an ice lolly.
If you keep track of the energy and sugars in your frozen desserts, start with the values per 100 g or 100 ml, then check those for the portion you eat. A value given for one flavour or coating won’t apply to the whole range.
An individually wrapped lolly makes it easy to identify one item in the box. Check its weight and nutritional values too: the word “mini” or the number of lollies in the box isn’t enough to compare recipes.
Check the label for the flavour and coating you’re buying. Product listings from Auchan and Carrefour show that ingredients and precautionary statements about possible traces vary by recipe; the DGCCRF reminds consumers that allergens must be highlighted in the ingredients list.
To compare chocolate-coated ice lollies, start with the exact recipe, then relate its nutritional values to the amount you plan to eat. Check allergens separately if they’re a deciding factor for you.
| Criterion | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Nutritional values | Energy, sugars and saturated fatty acids per 100 g or 100 ml; use the same basis when comparing products. | If I’m comparing two recipes to choose a frozen dessert, I want to read their values on the same basis before looking at my portion. Around 42% of consumers prioritise this nutritional comparison. |
| Portion and format | Amount per lolly and values per portion, where shown; number of lollies in the box. | To decide in advance how much I’ll eat, I need to distinguish one lolly from the whole box, even when it’s labelled “mini”. Portion size is the first consideration for around 33% of consumers. |
| Allergens | Ingredients list and highlighted allergens for the variant you’ve chosen, including any precautionary statements about possible traces. | When an ingredient affects my decision to buy, I need to check the exact recipe rather than relying on the word “chocolate” alone. Around 25% of consumers prioritise this check. |
An ice lolly is a frozen dessert that should be stored according to the instructions on its packaging. An assorted box of chocolates intended as a gift has a different use and may not have the same portion size.
First choose the type of product you want to buy, then compare the labels of products in that category.
The stated size and number of lollies don’t replace the nutritional values for the recipe. The DGCCRF says that nutritional information per 100 g or 100 ml makes it easier to compare pre-packed foods.
Compare values expressed on the same basis, then check the amount in the lolly you plan to eat.
Ingredients vary between products. Auchan and Carrefour product listings mention milk or wheat, depending on the recipe, as well as precautionary statements about possible traces of nuts.
Check the ingredients and highlighted allergens for the exact flavour and coating you’re buying.
The E.Leclerc listing for the ECO+ pack of 16 lollies advises customers to contact their E.Leclerc store to check availability.
Before setting off, check the product and its availability with your chosen store.
This check could save you a journey to find the item isn’t in stock.
These examples show what to compare on a specific product; their nutritional values don’t apply to every recipe from a brand.
Magnum offers chocolate-coated ice lollies, including multipacks.
The range includes a speculoos and chocolate ice lolly sold in a 280 g box.
Auchan offers, among other options, a box of four vanilla ice lollies coated in white chocolate.
These brands feature among the ice lollies in E.Leclerc’s frozen food range.
ALDI France offers MUCCI lollies in a box of four with a double coating, as well as mini lollies in a box of 12.
First compare their nutritional values per 100 g or 100 ml, without mixing the two measures, then check the amount per lolly. The DGCCRF explains that information per 100 g or 100 ml makes it easier to compare pre-packed foods; the values for a portion then help you work out the amount you plan to eat.
No. The Nutri-Score is voluntary in France, as the DGCCRF points out. If it’s displayed, read it alongside the nutritional values and the amount per lolly. Don’t rely on it alone to decide whether a product is right for you.
Check those listed on the label for the product and flavour you’re buying. The DGCCRF says allergens must be highlighted in the ingredients list; products described by Auchan and Carrefour show that ingredients and precautionary statements about possible traces can vary from one recipe to another.
The Auchan listing for the vanilla ice lolly coated in white chocolate says not to refreeze it after thawing. For another product, follow the storage instructions on its packaging.