Hosts looking to offer chocolates
If you want to put a treat on the table for guests to help themselves to, look at boxes of chocolates. Check what’s in the selection and whether the product you’ve chosen is available.
Who are these options for?
Hosts planning a frozen dessert
If you have access to a freezer until it’s time to serve, mini ice cream bars and frozen assortments make it easy to offer individual portions after drinks.
Shoppers checking ingredients carefully
If your group includes people with allergies or dietary restrictions, check the ingredients, highlighted allergens and any ‘may contain’ warnings on the exact box you’re buying.
What should you check before buying?
Box of chocolates
Choose this if: you want a treat that can be given as a gift or left out during drinks.
Bear in mind: an assortment may contain several varieties, so check the ingredients for each product you choose.
Chocolate ice lollies
Choose these if: you’d like to serve a cold dessert in individual portions.
Bear in mind: the ice lollies must stay frozen until serving, so they’re not a substitute for a box of chocolates to leave on the table.
Once you’ve chosen your treat, compare the portion sizes and ingredients, then make sure the product you want will be available for your gathering.
| What to consider | What to check | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| How you’ll serve it | Check the product category: a box of chocolates to give as a gift, or frozen ice lollies to serve cold. | I want to put a treat on the table, not arrange the serving of a frozen dessert. Around 33% of consumers would prioritise how they plan to serve it. |
| Number of portions | Compare the number of pieces and distinguish mini formats from standard ice lollies; the weight alone doesn’t tell you how many portions you’ll get. | If every guest is to have a dessert, I need enough pieces and mustn’t confuse a mini with a standard-sized ice lolly. Quantity would be the priority for around 27% of consumers. |
| Ingredients and allergens | Read the ingredients list and any ‘may contain’ warnings for the exact product you’re buying, rather than relying on information for a different flavour. | For guests with dietary restrictions, I need to check the box I’m going to serve. Around 20% of consumers would prioritise this check. |
| Availability | Confirm the product, store and, where applicable, the collection or delivery slot. | I’m planning a get-together for a specific date and don’t want to rely on a seasonal product that’s unavailable when I go to buy it. Availability would come first for around 20% of consumers. |
Common mix-ups to avoid
-
Mistaking an ice lolly for a box of chocolates to give as a gift
A frozen ice lolly needs to be kept in the freezer, while a box of chocolates is suited to giving as a gift or putting on the table. How you plan to serve it will determine your choice.
Decide whether you want a treat to leave out for guests or a frozen dessert to serve when it’s time to eat.
-
Assuming the pack weight tells you how many portions there are
Standard ice lollies and mini ice lollies can come in packs of different weights without serving the same number of guests.
Check the number and size of the pieces first, then compare them with the number of people you’ll be serving.
-
Assuming all chocolate treats are suitable for your guests
The ingredients listed for Carrefour’s box include milk, soya, hazelnut, almond and wheat. The Magnum Double Chocolat product information lists milk and possible traces of nuts; these ingredients should not be assumed to apply to other products.
Check the label on the product you buy, and plan another treat if its ingredients aren’t suitable for one of your guests.
-
Relying on an old Christmas product listing
Carrefour says its Christmas-themed box of 49 chocolates is unavailable. Lidl says its leaflet offers have validity dates and may vary between stores.
Before planning to serve a specific product, check it’s available at your chosen store or for your selected collection slot.
If you need to switch products at the last minute, allow time to adjust your dessert plans or visit another shop.
Brands and retailers to know
Magnum
Magnum’s French range includes chocolate-coated ice lollies, including Double Chocolat in a box of four.
- The Magnum Double Chocolat product information describes four 85 ml ice lollies with chocolate ice cream, chocolate sauce and a double coating.
- The same product information lists milk and possible traces of several nuts, so check the box you choose for your guests.
Carrefour
The retailer lists boxes of chocolates and frozen ice lollies in separate categories.
- Its Christmas-themed box of 49 chocolates is an example of an assortment to give as a gift.
- The product listing says this box is unavailable, so you can’t rely on being able to buy it for a gathering.
E.Leclerc
The online Marque Repère frozen desserts category lets you browse different ice lolly formats.
- E.Leclerc lists, among other options, a 20-piece SMICY ice lolly assortment.
- Confirm your chosen product with the store where you plan to shop.
Auchan
The frozen ice lolly category includes assortments, including mini formats.
- Auchan lists, among other options, an assortment of 10 Magnum mini ice lollies, making it easy to distinguish the number of pieces from the size of each one.
- Check the pack size and availability of your chosen product in your area.
ALDI
The retailer’s frozen dessert range includes Mucci ice lollies.
- ALDI lists, among other options, a box of four Mucci double-coated ice lollies with a total weight of 288 g.
- Check the number of pieces and the label on the pack actually available at your store.
Lidl
The retailer’s leaflets can help you spot limited-time offers for a gathering.
- Lidl shows the validity dates for its offers in its leaflets.
- The retailer says some stores may not stock every item, so check a specific product before adding it to your menu.
Joybuy products for the table or a frozen dessert
These products suit two different ways to enjoy a Christmas drinks party: frozen ice lollies to keep in the freezer, and bite-sized confectionery to put on the table. The confectionery featured here isn’t an assorted box of chocolates to give as a gift.
Image unavailable
Magnum Mini Classic, Almond & White Chocolate, 6 ice lollies, 254 g
Consider this if you want to serve a frozen dessert in smaller portions, rather than leave chocolates on the table.
The box contains six mini ice lollies and weighs 254 g. Keep them frozen and check the ingredients and allergens on the pack you’ll be serving to your guests.
Image unavailable
Snickers Chocolate Caramel and Peanut, 5 frozen ice lollies, 204 g
This format works well for individual portions of frozen dessert, as long as you have freezer space until it’s time to serve.
The box contains five ice lollies and weighs 204 g. If any guests have allergies, check the label on the product you buy, particularly for peanuts.
Image unavailable
Magnum Double Hazelnut, 4 frozen ice lollies, 276 g
Consider this for a cold dessert for a small group, rather than a treat to leave out throughout your drinks party.
The pack contains four ice lollies and weighs 276 g. Keep them in the freezer and check the label if any guests need to avoid hazelnuts or other ingredients.
Image unavailable
TWIX, Mars, Bounty and Snickers Miniature Mix, 3 kg
This assortment of mini sweets is ideal for putting on the table, without serving a frozen dessert.
The pack contains 3 kg and includes four confectionery brands. Choose a quantity that suits your group; the weight doesn’t replace checking the number of pieces and allergens on the packaging.
Image unavailable
Nestlé KitKat Strawberry Short Cake, 9 pieces, 104.4 g
These small portions can be served alongside treats on the table, but they’re neither an assortment of chocolates nor a frozen dessert.
The pack contains nine pieces and weighs 104.4 g. Compare the number of pieces with the size of your group, and check the ingredients on the product you buy if anyone has an allergy.
Frequently asked questions
Can a box of chocolates replace ice lollies at Christmas?
Yes, if you’re looking for a treat to give as a gift or leave on the table; no, if you’ve planned individual frozen desserts. Boxes of chocolates and ice lollies need to be stored and served differently.
How many frozen ice lollies should I get for my guests?
Allow one per person if everyone is to have an ice lolly for dessert, then adjust the quantity to take account of any other desserts you’re serving. Check the number of pieces on the pack and distinguish mini ice lollies from standard sizes before deciding how many to buy.
Which allergens should I check in these treats?
Check the ingredients and any ‘may contain’ warnings for each specific product; a flavour or brand alone isn’t enough to confirm what it contains. The DGCCRF reminds shoppers that allergenic ingredients are highlighted on labels. The Carrefour and Magnum examples described here include milk or mention nuts, depending on the product.
Does a Christmas product listing guarantee it’ll be available later?
No. Confirm the product when you’re getting ready to shop. Carrefour says its Christmas-themed box of 49 chocolates is unavailable, while Lidl says its offers have validity dates and may vary from one store to another.