Who is this choice for?

Shoppers avoiding added sugars

You’d like to serve a frozen dessert at Christmas with no added sugars, while bearing in mind that it may still contain naturally occurring sugars or sweeteners.

Shoppers who check ingredients

You’ll need to read the exact claim, the ‘of which sugars’ line and the ingredients list before choosing a recipe.

Hosts looking for smaller portions

You’re planning individual or mini portions for a Christmas dessert, without mistaking the size of an ice lolly for its sugar content.

What should you check?

First decide whether your priority is added sugars, ingredients or portion size: these criteria won’t necessarily point you towards the same product.

Criterion What to check Who it’s for
Sugar claim Compare the exact wording on the packaging and the ‘of which sugars’ line per 100 g. ‘No added sugars’ and ‘sugar-free’ do not mean the same thing. I want to avoid added sugars in my Christmas dessert, without assuming it contains no sugar at all. Around 42% of consumers would make this their priority.
Ingredients and sweeteners Read the ingredients list and allergen information for the product you’re considering; look out for sweeteners if you want to avoid them. Before choosing a recipe, I want to know which sweeteners and ingredients it contains and whether it meets my dietary requirements. This would be the main criterion for around 33% of consumers.
Portion and format Check the number of pieces and the amount in each one. To compare sugar content, use the nutritional information for the exact recipe. When serving several guests, I prefer individual portions that are easy to share out, without necessarily looking for a no-added-sugars recipe. Around 25% of consumers would prioritise this format.

Common misunderstandings to avoid

  • Assuming ‘no added sugars’ means ‘sugar-free’

    The European regulation listed by EUR-Lex distinguishes between these claims. A product with no added sugars may still contain sugars; the Auchan product page for MES PETITES FOLIES strawberry sorbet also uses the claim ‘reduced sugar’ in its nutritional information.

    Check the claim on the specific product, its ingredients and its ‘of which sugars’ line rather than relying on the search term ‘sugar free’.

  • Assuming it contains no sweeteners

    A recipe described as having no added sugars may contain sweeteners: Auchan lists maltitol and erythritol in its MES PETITES FOLIES strawberry sorbet. It’s a sorbet, not a product identified as an ice lolly.

    If you want to avoid certain sweeteners, check the ingredients list for each product you’re considering.

  • Mistaking a mini ice lolly for a sugar-free recipe

    A mini format means a smaller portion, not a lower sugar content in the recipe. Magnum France lists 26 g of sugars per 100 g for Mini Chocolat Blanc & Cookies.

    Choose a mini format if portion size is your priority; if you’re concerned about sugar, also check the nutritional information and ingredients for the exact product.

Brands to consider

MES PETITES FOLIES

Auchan sells a 315 g strawberry sorbet under this brand, labelled ‘no added sugar’.

  • The Auchan product page lists strawberry purée and juice, as well as the sweeteners maltitol and erythritol.
  • This sorbet alone is not a verified ice-lolly option. Also check the nutritional information and claims on the packaging.

Magnum

The brand offers mini ice lollies, among other products, which are worth considering when portion size is the priority.

  • Mini Chocolat Blanc & Cookies comes in individual portions.
  • According to Magnum France, this recipe contains 26 g of sugars per 100 g, and its ingredients list includes sugar and several syrups. It isn’t suitable if you’re looking for a product with no added sugars.

Carrefour

Carrefour’s online range includes ice lollies, including mini assortments.

  • Product names and formats make it easy to spot assortments to consider for individual portions.
  • The format tells you nothing about added sugars: check the product page and packaging for the item you choose.

MUCCI / ALDI

ALDI features MUCCI ice lollies and mini ice lollies in its frozen dessert range.

  • The ALDI catalogue includes boxes of 4 ice lollies and 12 mini ice lollies.
  • These formats don’t tell you whether the products have no added sugars; check the exact recipe before choosing.

Related Joybuy products

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

Does ‘no added sugars’ mean ‘sugar-free’?

No, these are two different claims. For a frozen dessert sold in France, check the wording on the packaging and the ‘of which sugars’ line: ‘no added sugars’ doesn’t mean the product contains no sugar at all.

Can a frozen dessert with no added sugars contain sweeteners?

Yes. Auchan lists maltitol and erythritol in the ingredients of its MES PETITES FOLIES strawberry sorbet, labelled ‘no added sugar’. If you’re looking for an ice lolly with no sweeteners, check the ingredients list for the specific product.

Is a regular mini ice lolly a sugar-free option?

Not simply because it’s smaller. Magnum Mini Chocolat Blanc & Cookies, for example, contains 26 g of sugars per 100 g according to Magnum France; compare the ingredients of each recipe separately from its format.

Does a sugar claim tell you whether a product contains allergens or is plant-based?

No, a sugar-related claim isn’t enough to establish either of these. Check the ingredients and allergen information on the packaging of the product you plan to serve.