Who is this guide for?

Shoppers looking for a fair trade label

You want to identify the fair trade label and check whether it applies to the ice lolly or just one of its ingredients, rather than relying on a general mention about the cocoa.

Households comparing pack sizes

You’re choosing between boxes and different stick sizes, and want to compare the net weight and number of portions to find the right fit for your shopping needs.

Shoppers who check the ingredients

You need to check the ingredients, highlighted allergens and any ‘may contain’ statements for the specific product you’re considering.

What should you look for?

Start with the factor you’re not willing to compromise on, then check the size and ingredients of each product. Fair Trade France explains the commitments associated with fair trade labels; you’ll still need to check the label name and what it covers on the product you choose.

What to look for What to check Who it matters to
Fair trade label Name of the fair trade label and whether it applies to the product or an ingredient; don’t confuse it with Rainforest Alliance. I want proof that the ice lolly or its cocoa is covered before choosing it for its fair trade credentials. Around 36% of shoppers would put this at the top of their list.
Pack size Net weight, number of sticks and portion size. If I’m planning to have several frozen desserts, I look for a box with portions that match how many I expect to eat. Pack size would be the main deciding factor for around 29% of shoppers.
Ingredients and allergens Ingredients list, highlighted allergens and any ‘may contain’ statements for the exact product. Before choosing a recipe, I need to know whether its ingredients suit my dietary requirements. Around 21% of shoppers would prioritise this check.
Recipe and variety Flavour, type of coating and mini or standard size. Once I’ve taken my other requirements into account, I choose the recipe and stick size that suit me. This would be the main deciding factor for around 14% of shoppers.

Common mistakes to avoid

  • Assuming Rainforest Alliance means Fairtrade

    A Rainforest Alliance mention relating to cocoa doesn’t mean the ice lolly carries a fair trade label. Carrefour’s product listing for a vegan Magnum stick also explains that certified cocoa is mixed with non-certified cocoa under a mass balance system.

    If you’re looking for fair trade credentials, check the name of the label and which ingredient or product it applies to on the packaging of the one you’ve chosen.

  • Comparing only the number of sticks

    Two boxes with the same number of sticks may contain different portion sizes.

    Compare the net weight and number of sticks together, along with the volume of each stick if it’s shown.

  • Assuming a vegan recipe is allergen-free

    Carrefour’s product listing for a vegan Magnum stick names soya and almonds, as well as possible traces that you should check. So the vegan label alone won’t tell you whether a product is suitable for someone with an allergy.

    Check the ingredients, highlighted allergens and any ‘may contain’ statements for the exact product.

  • Assuming information about a range applies to every product

    ALDI says its MUCCI range uses Rainforest Alliance-certified cocoa, but information about a range doesn’t necessarily tell you the details of every stick.

    Before you decide, check the listing or packaging for the specific product, particularly for its label and ingredients.

Brands to know

Magnum

Magnum offers ice cream sticks, mini versions and vegan recipes.

  • Carrefour’s product listing for a vegan Magnum stick mentions Rainforest Alliance-certified cocoa and explains the mass balance system.
  • This doesn’t mean the stick is Fairtrade/Max Havelaar certified; check its ingredients and allergen information too.

MUCCI

MUCCI is an ALDI brand offering ice cream and sorbets, including ice cream sticks.

  • ALDI says its MUCCI range is made using Rainforest Alliance-certified cocoa.
  • This information about the range doesn’t mean every product is Fairtrade/Max Havelaar certified, so check the listing for the product you choose.

Carrefour

Carrefour sells ice cream sticks under its own ranges, including Carrefour Classic’ and Carrefour Sensation, as well as national brands.

  • Product listings in the frozen dessert section help you compare the sizes available.
  • A product appearing in this section doesn’t, by itself, tell you whether it has fair trade certification.

Magnum ice cream sticks on Joybuy

These two Magnum Classic products let you choose between a box of eight sticks and a mini pack of six portions. Their inclusion here doesn’t certify them as fair trade: if this label is important to you, check the exact wording on each product.

Box of Magnum Classic ice cream sticks, eight pieces, 600 g

Magnum Classic, 8 sticks, 600 g

This box may suit you if you’re looking for several portions and want to compare the net weight of the available pack sizes.

Pack size shown: 8 sticks, 600 g. If you require a fair trade label, check the exact wording for this product.

View on Joybuy
Box of Magnum Mini Classic ice cream sticks, six 55 ml portions

Magnum Mini Classic, 6 × 55 ml

The mini size may suit you if you’d rather choose 55 ml portions than a standard-sized stick.

Pack size shown: 6 sticks, 55 ml each. Check the packaging for allergens and any certification information that matters to you.

View on Joybuy

Frequently asked questions

Does Rainforest Alliance mean an ice lolly is Fairtrade?

No. A Rainforest Alliance mention relating to cocoa isn’t enough to describe an ice lolly as Fairtrade/Max Havelaar. Fair Trade France explains fair trade labels and their commitments; check the exact label and what it covers on the product you’re interested in.

Where can I check the allergens in a prepacked ice lolly?

Read the ingredients list for the specific product. The French Directorate-General for Competition Policy, Consumer Affairs and Fraud Control says that allergenic ingredients must be highlighted in the list. Also check for any ‘may contain’ statements.

Is a vegan stick automatically suitable for someone with an allergy?

No. The vegan label doesn’t replace checking the allergens. Carrefour’s product listing for a vegan Magnum stick names soya and almonds, as well as possible traces. Always check the packaging of the product you choose.

How should I compare two boxes of different-sized ice cream sticks?

Compare the net weight and number of sticks, then check the volume of each one if it’s shown. A box with more pieces won’t necessarily contain portions of the same size.