Who is this choice for?

People who want clear proof of fair trade

You want to be able to spot the Fairtrade/Max Havelaar guarantee on the ice lolly you buy, rather than relying on a general statement about cocoa sourcing.

People comparing frozen treats for a break

You’re looking for an individual portion for a study break and want to compare portion size, sugars, fat and the Nutri-Score, if shown.

People who need to check ingredients

You need to check the ingredients and allergens in the recipe before choosing a flavour or deciding whether it meets your fair trade requirements.

What should you check?

When choosing a chocolate ice lolly for a study break, check that the exact product carries a fair trade guarantee, but don’t let the label take the place of reading the food label.

What to check Look for Who is it for?
Fair trade guarantee The Fairtrade/Max Havelaar logo on the pack, or official information that matches the exact product you’ve chosen. I want to see a fair trade commitment on my chocolate lolly, rather than infer it from the brand name alone. Around 50% of consumers would make this proof their top priority.
Ingredients and portion The portion you’ll eat and its nutritional values, particularly sugars and fat; check the Nutri-Score if one is shown. For my study break, my first priority is choosing a portion and comparing recipes. This would be the top priority for around 30% of consumers.
Allergens and ingredients The ingredients list and any allergens highlighted on the packaging of the product you buy. Before I consider the label or flavour, I need to know whether the recipe fits my dietary requirements. Around 20% of consumers would put this check first.

Pitfalls to avoid

  • Confusing responsible sourcing with the Fairtrade label

    Magnum says it buys its cocoa and vanilla from Rainforest Alliance-certified farms. This does not prove that a Magnum ice lolly carries the Fairtrade/Max Havelaar label.

    If Fairtrade is a requirement for you, look for the label on the exact product instead of assuming it has a certification based on a different claim.

  • Assuming a brand’s commitment applies to the product format you’re buying

    Ben & Jerry's says it sources five key ingredients under Fairtrade terms, but the selection shown by Carrefour consists mainly of ice cream tubs. This statement isn’t enough to identify a specific ice lolly.

    Check the full product name, format and label of the item you plan to buy.

  • Overlooking the food label because of the fair trade label

    A fair trade guarantee doesn’t tell you about the portion, nutritional values or allergens in the recipe.

    Compare the nutritional information and check the ingredients and highlighted allergens on the pack.

Brands to know for this choice

Ben & Jerry's

Ben & Jerry's says it sources sugar, cocoa, vanilla, coffee and bananas under Fairtrade terms in the countries where its ice creams are sold.

  • This stated commitment can help guide your search for a product with a clearly identifiable fair trade label.
  • Carrefour mainly lists the brand’s ice cream tubs. Check the format and label of each product before choosing one as an alternative to an ice lolly.

Magnum

Magnum makes ice lollies and says it buys its cocoa and vanilla from Rainforest Alliance-certified farms.

  • The brand describes its sourcing approach for these two ingredients.
  • Rainforest Alliance is different from Fairtrade/Max Havelaar: Magnum’s statement does not certify a specific lolly under the Fairtrade/Max Havelaar label.

Joybuy products

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

Does Rainforest Alliance certification prove that an ice lolly is Fairtrade/Max Havelaar?

No, these are two different certifications. Magnum says it sources cocoa and vanilla from Rainforest Alliance-certified farms. If Fairtrade/Max Havelaar certification is a requirement for you, check the label on the product you buy.

Is a Ben & Jerry's product always a Fairtrade ice lolly?

No. Ben & Jerry's stated Fairtrade commitment for five key ingredients doesn’t, by itself, tell you the format or label of the product you’ve chosen. Carrefour mainly lists the brand’s ice cream tubs, so check the packaging if you’re looking for a lolly.

What should you look for on the packaging of a pre-packed ice lolly?

Check the product name, ingredients list, highlighted allergens and nutritional information. The French Directorate-General for Competition, Consumer Affairs and Fraud Control reminds shoppers that the labelling on pre-packed food provides this information to help them make an informed choice.

Is a fair trade label enough when choosing an ice cream to eat every day?

No, a fair trade label doesn’t tell you about an ice cream’s nutritional composition. Manger Bouger recommends limiting foods that are high in fat, sugar or salt, as well as ultra-processed foods. Check the portion and nutritional values of the recipe you’re considering.