Who is this guide for?

Shoppers who require Fairtrade certification

You want to identify the label on the ice lolly you choose, rather than relying on a general commitment from the brand or retailer.

Organisers who need to check allergens

You’re serving a varied group and need to check the ingredients and any ‘may contain’ information for each recipe before offering it.

People responsible for quantities and supplies

You need to compare the number of ice lollies in each box and confirm that your chosen shop can supply enough for the event.

What should you check before buying?

First, check exactly what the label covers on the specific product. Then check the allergen information and how many ice lollies you’ll be able to get for the market.

Criterion What to check Who this matters to
Fair trade certification Look for Fairtrade/Max Havelaar on the specific product and check which ingredient the label applies to. Fairtrade/Max Havelaar France describes criteria monitored by an independent certifier. I want to identify the certification before presenting these ice lollies as Fairtrade; for around 42 % of consumers, this proof is the top priority.
Allergens Read the ingredients list, highlighted allergens and any ‘may contain’ information for each recipe. The DGCCRF notes that allergens must be highlighted on the labelling of prepacked foods. If I’m serving people who need to avoid certain ingredients, I check every pack before choosing a recipe; around 25 % of consumers prioritise this.
Pack size and availability Compare the number of ice lollies per box and confirm collection or delivery options with your chosen shop. To serve the planned number of portions, I need a suitable pack size and confirmed supplies; this is the top criterion for around 33 % of consumers.

Common mix-ups to avoid

  • Assuming ‘fair trade chocolate’ means the ice lolly is certified

    Biocoop describes the chocolate in a Naïce ice lolly as ‘fair trade’. On its own, this wording doesn’t confirm that the ice lolly carries the Fairtrade/Max Havelaar label.

    If the label is a requirement for your event, check that it appears on the packaging or listing for the product you’re buying, and what it covers.

  • Confusing Rainforest Alliance with Fairtrade

    Magnum states that the cocoa butter in its White Chocolate, Coconut & Almonds x4 product is Rainforest Alliance certified. This doesn’t prove that the ice lolly is Fairtrade/Max Havelaar certified.

    Check the name of the label and which ingredient it applies to before describing the product to visitors.

  • Overlooking allergens in chocolate recipes

    Magnum’s White Chocolate, Coconut & Almonds x4 product contains milk and almonds; its listing also mentions possible traces of pistachios and soya. Check other recipes separately.

    Check the labelling of every product you choose and, if needed, plan another option to suit your guests’ needs.

  • Choosing a pack size without checking with the shop

    Seeing a box in an online category doesn’t confirm that it’ll be available from the shop you plan to use for the market.

    Before the event, check the number of ice lollies per box and confirm supply arrangements with your chosen shop.

Brands and retailers to consider

Naïce

Naïce describes its ice lollies as artisan-made in Provence. Biocoop calls the chocolate in one of its products ‘fair trade’.

  • The Biocoop listing lets you check the wording used about the chocolate in this ice lolly.
  • This wording alone doesn’t identify a Fairtrade/Max Havelaar label on the product.

Magnum

The listing for its White Chocolate, Coconut & Almonds x4 product details its ingredients and states that the cocoa butter is Rainforest Alliance certified.

  • You can check the ingredients and allergen information for this recipe before choosing it.
  • Rainforest Alliance doesn’t prove Fairtrade/Max Havelaar certification; this recipe contains milk and almonds.

Carrefour

Its online frozen lolly range includes products in a variety of pack sizes.

  • The number of lollies shown makes it easier to compare boxes for your event.
  • The category listing is no substitute for checking the label on each product.

Auchan

Its frozen lolly category includes products from different brands, with drive-through collection and delivery options.

  • You can check supply options at your chosen shop.
  • A product appearing in the category doesn’t confirm Fairtrade/Max Havelaar certification.

Lidl

Lidl lists Fairtrade/Max Havelaar and Rainforest Alliance among the labels used for some of its own-brand products.

  • Knowing the difference between the labels helps you check the right one on the packaging.
  • The retailer’s wider approach doesn’t, by itself, certify a specific frozen lolly.

ALDI

ALDI outlines its fair trade approach and its FAIR brand.

  • This gives you a starting point for checking products available locally.
  • The range name doesn’t remove the need to check the label on the ice lolly you’re considering.

Joybuy products related to this topic

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

How can you check whether a chocolate ice lolly has the Fairtrade label?

Look for Fairtrade/Max Havelaar on the packaging or the up-to-date listing for the exact product, then check which ingredient it applies to. Fairtrade/Max Havelaar France describes social, economic and environmental criteria monitored by an independent certifier. A retailer’s general commitment doesn’t identify the certification of a particular ice lolly.

Is a Magnum ice lolly with Rainforest Alliance certification also Fairtrade?

The Rainforest Alliance label doesn’t prove Fairtrade/Max Havelaar certification. Magnum states that the cocoa butter in its White Chocolate, Coconut & Almonds x4 product is Rainforest Alliance certified. Check separately for any Fairtrade requirement relating to the product you choose.

Which allergens should you check before serving frozen lollies?

Read the ingredients, highlighted allergens and any ‘may contain’ information on every pack. Magnum’s White Chocolate, Coconut & Almonds x4 product contains milk and almonds, and may contain pistachios and soya. Don’t assume the same ingredients apply to other recipes.