For sharing dessert after a ride
A box of ice cream lollies gives you individual portions to enjoy at home, provided the recipient has a freezer. It’s a tasty treat, with no claims about its suitability for cycling.
Who is this gift for?
For choosing with portion sizes in mind
If the size of each lolly matters to you, compare the nutritional information per 100 g or 100 ml with the figures per portion, if shown on the packaging. Two boxes with the same number of lollies may contain different-sized portions.
For someone with food allergies
Check the ingredients and any ‘may contain’ information on the specific pack before giving it as a gift. Chocolate recipes don’t all contain the same allergens.
What should you look for?
First, decide whether the gift will be enjoyed after the ride and can be kept frozen. Then compare the portions and ingredients of the box you’re considering.
| What to consider | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| When to enjoy it | Make sure the box is intended as a dessert after the ride, not as fuel during the journey. | I want to give them something to share when they get back, without presenting it as part of their sports preparation. Around 44% of consumers would put enjoying a treat after a ride at the top of their list. |
| Portions and nutritional information | Compare the number and size of the lollies, then check the figures per 100 g or 100 ml and, if shown on the packaging, per portion. | If I’m choosing between two sizes, I want to know what one lolly contains rather than relying on the number in the box alone. Nearly 33% of consumers would prioritise this comparison. |
| Allergens and storage | Read the ingredients on the pack, including any ‘may contain’ information, and plan how to transport it and make room in the freezer. | Before giving this gift, I need to check that it’s suitable for the recipient and will stay frozen until I hand it over. This would be the main consideration for around 23% of consumers. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Confusing a chocolate dessert with sports nutrition
The fact that an ice cream lolly contains sugar doesn’t make it suitable fuel or preparation for a long ride. INSEP points out that a sportsperson’s diet depends on their individual needs.
Give the box as a treat to enjoy after the ride; don’t assume it’s suitable for sports based on its ingredients.
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Comparing boxes by the number of lollies alone
A 65 g portion and a portion of a different weight can’t be compared directly using the figures per lolly alone. Nutritional information per 100 g or 100 ml gives you a common basis for comparison, as DGCCRF explains.
Also check the total weight, the size of each portion and the nutritional information per lolly, if provided.
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Choosing a flavour without checking the allergens
A recipe’s name doesn’t tell you all its ingredients or whether it may contain other allergens. This matters particularly if the recipient needs to avoid certain foods.
Ask about any dietary restrictions, then check the label on the pack you buy.
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Forgetting that it’s a frozen gift
Carrefour and Auchan’s product information for ice cream lollies says to store them at −18 °C and not to refreeze them once thawed.
Plan your journey and make sure there’ll be a freezer available when you arrive. If you can’t hand over the gift straight away, a box of chocolates that doesn’t need to be frozen is easier to transport.
Without somewhere to store it in a freezer straight away, the recipient won’t be able to keep the box under the storage conditions specified for the product.
Brands to compare
Magnum
Magnum’s range includes a Double Chocolat box containing four 85 ml lollies.
- Magnum France’s product information lists 234 kcal, 20 g of sugars and 10 g of saturated fatty acids per 85 ml portion.
- This recipe contains milk and may contain several types of tree nut. Check the pack if the gift is for someone with an allergy.
Carrefour
The Carrefour Extra and Carrefour Sensation ranges let you compare several chocolate ice cream lolly recipes.
- The Carrefour Extra Mint Chocolate product information gives nutritional details per 100 g and lists ingredients to check.
- Ingredients vary by recipe. Carrefour’s product information also says to store frozen products at −18 °C and not to refreeze them after thawing.
ECO+
E.Leclerc offers ECO+ vanilla and chocolate lolly boxes containing 16 lollies, as well as boxes of 12 mini lollies.
- These packs provide more portions to share than a box of four.
- Before choosing between them, compare the weight per portion, nutritional information and allergens on the pack in question.
MUCCI
ALDI France offers a pack of four MUCCI double-coated lollies, with varieties including chocolate, caramel and raspberry.
- A pack of four is a good size for sharing with a small group.
- If you’re choosing a variety for someone with dietary restrictions, check the ingredients and allergens on the packaging.
Ice cream lollies available on Joybuy
These boxes of chocolate ice cream lollies are a dessert to share at home after a bike ride. Choose the size and recipe to suit the people who’ll be eating them, then check the label and storage instructions before giving the box as a gift.
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Magnum Vanilla Almond, 8 ice cream lollies, 600 g
A box of eight portions to share as a dessert after the ride.
This variety combines vanilla and almond. If the recipient has food allergies, check all the ingredients and any ‘may contain’ information on the pack.
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Snickers chocolate, caramel and peanut, 5 ice cream lollies, 204 g
A pack of five lollies to serve as a dessert at home.
The recipe includes peanuts, as its name suggests. Check the other ingredients and allergens on the packaging before giving it as a gift.
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POPELINO Intense Dark Chocolate, 4 ice cream lollies, 312 g
A box of four portions for a chocolate dessert to share when you get back.
To compare its ingredients with those of another box, use the figures per 100 g and check the allergens on the pack you buy.
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Magnum Mini Classic, Almond and White Chocolate, 6 lollies, 254 g
An assortment of mini lollies, with several varieties to choose from at dessert time.
As the recipes vary within the box, check their ingredients and allergens before choosing it for a group.
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Magnum White Chocolate Almond, 4 ice cream lollies, 100 ml each
A box of four lollies to share as a dessert after the ride.
The name indicates white chocolate and almond. Check the ingredients on the pack if the recipient needs to avoid certain allergens, and make sure you can keep the box frozen.
Frequently asked questions
Is a box of chocolate ice cream lollies a suitable gift for a cyclist?
Yes, if it’s a dessert to enjoy after the ride and the recipient can store it in a freezer. Don’t present it as fuel: INSEP points out that sports nutrition should meet the individual’s specific needs.
How can you compare lollies in different sizes?
Start with the nutritional information per 100 g or 100 ml, then check the figures per lolly if they’re shown on the packaging. DGCCRF explains that presenting information per 100 g or 100 ml makes it easier to compare pre-packed foods.
Which allergens should you check before giving the box as a gift?
Check all the ingredients and any ‘may contain’ information on the specific pack, rather than relying on the flavour name alone. Depending on the recipe, chocolate ice cream lolly product information may mention milk, soya, tree nuts or peanuts. DGCCRF says that allergenic ingredients must be highlighted on the label.
Can you refreeze the lollies after they’ve thawed?
No. The storage instructions on Carrefour and Auchan product listings say not to refreeze a product once it has thawed. Plan the journey and make room in the freezer before handing over the gift, then follow the instructions on the pack you buy.