If Fairtrade is your top priority for a children’s snack, choose a chocolate ice lolly that carries the Fairtrade/Max Havelaar label itself. If the logo includes an arrow, check the back of the pack to see which ingredients are certified. A Rainforest Alliance claim about the cocoa is not a substitute for this label. Also check the allergens for the exact product and follow its storage instructions before serving.
You want to check the Fairtrade credentials on the ice lolly’s packaging, rather than relying on the brand’s general commitments. For a multi-ingredient ice cream carrying the Fairtrade/Max Havelaar label with an arrow, the details on the back matter when making your choice.
If a child needs to avoid an ingredient, the product’s composition comes before its label. The product listings for Magnum and Carrefour Sensation chocolate-coated ice lollies viewed on Auchan and Carrefour mention milk, soya or peanuts, depending on the product, as well as some ‘may contain’ warnings.
A mini format or a box of several ice lollies can make serving easier. However, the number of lollies tells you nothing about Fairtrade certification or allergens, so you’ll still need to check these details on the product you choose.
Choose this if: Fairtrade/Max Havelaar certification on the product is essential.
Bear in mind: for a multi-ingredient ice cream whose logo includes an arrow, you’ll also need to check the information on the back about which ingredients are certified.
Consider this if: you’re happy with a cocoa certification that’s different from Fairtrade; Auchan highlights this claim for some Magnum products.
The limitation: this claim alone isn’t enough if you’re looking for an ice lolly that meets a strict Fairtrade requirement.
Consider this if: you have time to prepare and freeze a snack; Éthiquable publishes a recipe for chocolate ice lollies.
Bear in mind: you’ll need lolly moulds, preparation time and to check each ingredient separately. Using Fairtrade chocolate doesn’t automatically certify the whole ice lolly.
| What to check | What to look for | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Fairtrade proof | Look for the Fairtrade/Max Havelaar label on the exact product. If its logo includes an arrow, read the details on the back about which ingredients are certified. | To serve a snack that meets my Fairtrade criteria, I want to see the label on the product I choose; around 38% of consumers would put this Fairtrade proof first. |
| Allergens and ingredients | Read the ingredients and ‘may contain’ warnings for the flavour and format you’re buying, particularly for milk, soya, peanuts and tree nuts. | If a child in the group needs to avoid an allergen, I must check the exact recipe before serving; around 38% of consumers would put this check first. |
| Format and storage | Compare the number of lollies and follow the storage instructions on the pack, including during the journey home. | To share portions that are easy to serve, I need a pack that suits the occasion; around 24% of consumers would prioritise this convenience. |
Auchan lists a Magnum product featuring cocoa associated with Rainforest Alliance. This claim doesn’t prove that the ice lolly carries the separate Fairtrade/Max Havelaar label.
If Fairtrade is essential, check the label on the exact product and read the details on the back if the logo includes an arrow.
The Magnum and Carrefour Sensation listings viewed on Auchan and Carrefour show that ingredients and warnings about traces can vary between ice lollies.
Check the ingredients and allergen information for every flavour and format, even if you’re familiar with another box from the same brand.
The number of ice lollies doesn’t prove that the product carries the label you’re looking for or that its ingredients are suitable for everyone in the group.
Check the label and allergens before comparing pack sizes and storage requirements.
The instructions on the ice lolly listings we checked advise against refreezing after thawing.
Plan your journey around the instructions on the pack, put the ice lollies in the freezer as soon as you get home and don’t refreeze a product that has thawed.
Chocolate-coated ice lollies, including a six-piece Mini Classic pack featured by Auchan.
A range of chocolate-coated ice lollies from Carrefour’s own-label brand.
Éthiquable offers Fairtrade chocolate and publishes a recipe for chocolate ice lollies, making it an option to try at home.
Look for the label on the ice lolly’s packaging. Fairtrade/Max Havelaar France says its mark also applies to multi-ingredient products such as ice cream. If the logo includes an arrow, check the details on the back about certified ingredients and traceability.
No. The two claims aren’t equivalent for this choice. Auchan highlights a Rainforest Alliance claim relating to Magnum cocoa; if you require Fairtrade, look for the Fairtrade/Max Havelaar label on the specific ice lolly.
Read the ingredients and any warnings about traces for the exact product before serving it. Depending on the product, the Magnum and Carrefour Sensation ice lolly listings viewed on Auchan and Carrefour mention milk, soya, peanuts, almonds or possible traces of tree nuts.
Follow the storage temperature and instructions on the packaging. The ice lolly listings viewed on Auchan and Carrefour say not to refreeze a product that has thawed, so plan your journey before buying ice creams for a snack.