For a solo treat
If you’re looking for a portion to enjoy on your own, choose between mini and classic sizes based on how much you’d like. Also check whether the box contains several lollies, even if they’re individually wrapped.
Who are these sizes for?
For planning several Christmas desserts
If you’d like to keep portions in the freezer, compare the number of lollies, the net weight and the space the box will take up. A multipack can offer several flavours, as long as each recipe suits the people who’ll be eating them.
For choosing based on the ingredients
If allergens matter to your choice, read the label for the exact product rather than relying on its flavour. Some Auchan product listings mention milk, soya or hazelnuts, depending on the recipe.
What should you compare?
When shopping for Christmas, choose your portion before considering the box size, then check that the ingredients and storage requirements suit your purchase.
| Criteria | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Portion size | Compare mini and classic sizes, the quantity per lolly where stated, and the number of lollies in the box. | If I only want a small treat, the size of each lolly matters more than the size of the pack; around 40% of consumers put this need for a solo portion first. |
| A festive stock-up | Check the net weight, the number of lollies and the freezer space required; compare the prices shown when you buy. | If I’m planning several desserts over the festive period, I want a box I can store without ending up with too much; this is the priority for around 30% of consumers. |
| Ingredients and storage | Read the ingredients, allergen information and storage temperature on the packaging; plan your journey home to the freezer. | If the ingredients in a recipe or the journey home with frozen food affects my purchase, these points come before the flavour; they’re the main concern for around 30% of consumers. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Confusing an individual portion with a single-item purchase
An ice lolly intended to be enjoyed on its own may be sold in a box containing several. Magnum Mini multipacks and some supermarket own-brand products illustrate the difference between a portion and a pack size.
If you only want to buy one lolly, check the pack size before choosing a box.
A multipack also takes up more freezer space than a single lolly.
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Comparing boxes without checking what’s inside
Two boxes may contain different numbers of lollies or have different net weights. For ice cream, the DGCCRF also highlights the importance of comparing weight, as the volume can be affected by overrun.
Compare the net weight, number of lollies and prices shown for products you can actually buy.
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Assuming allergens from the flavour alone
A fruity name or the word ‘sorbet’ doesn’t tell you everything about a product’s ingredients. The DGCCRF notes that any allergens in frozen products must be declared in writing.
Check the ingredients list and allergen information on the packaging of the product you choose.
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Picking up frozen food too early while shopping
Ice lollies need to be kept in the storage conditions stated on their packaging. The DGCCRF notes that a rise in temperature can increase the microbiological risk.
Pick them up at the end of your shop, keep the journey home as short as possible and put them in the freezer promptly.
Brands to compare
Magnum
Magnum France offers a selection of mini Classic, Almond and White Chocolate ice lollies for anyone who’d like to try different recipes.
- The box described by Magnum contains six 55 ml mini ice lollies.
- It’s a multipack, not a single lolly sold on its own; check which product is available in your shop.
Carrefour Extra, Simpl et Carrefour Classic'
Carrefour’s ranges let you compare different ice lolly pack sizes from the same retailer.
- Carrefour France listings include boxes of eight lollies, among other options, so compare the exact product.
- Check the number of lollies and the product information shown for your selected shop.
Trium et Smicy, Marque Repère E.Leclerc
These ranges feature among the ice lollies listed by E.Leclerc, giving you a choice of recipes and box sizes to compare.
- The E.Leclerc page includes a box of four Trium lollies and a 12-piece vanilla and chocolate product.
- Check the product and pack size available at your E.Leclerc store.
Auchan et Pouce
The products listed include vanilla and chocolate assortments in boxes of 12.
- Depending on the product, Auchan listings provide the net weight, ingredients or storage instructions.
- Allergens vary by recipe, so read the label of the product you choose.
MUCCI, chez ALDI
ALDI presents MUCCI as its ice cream and sorbet brand, with mini-sized options among its range.
- Mini ice lollies are worth considering for a smaller portion, if the recipe and pack size suit you.
- Check which products and flavours are available when you shop.
Ice lollies and other portions on Joybuy
These products suit anyone looking for an individual frozen treat or a stock of lollies for several occasions. They’re shown in the order selected; check the exact pack size if you’re looking to buy just one.
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POP FRUIT Sorbet Sticks Coconut, 4 pieces (280 g)
An option to consider if you fancy a coconut sorbet. The box contains four pieces, with a stated total weight of 280 g, so it isn’t a single-item purchase. Check the allergen information on the packaging of the product you choose.
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MAGNUM Vanilla Almond Ice Cream Bars, 8 pieces (600 g)
If you fancy vanilla and almond ice cream and want several portions, this pack contains eight bars, weighing 600 g in total. Check the ingredients list and allergen information for this product before buying.
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CAPRI-SUN Orange & Cherry Ice Pops, 12 pieces (444 g)
The orange and cherry flavours could be a good choice if you’d like to mix things up. The pack contains 12 pieces, weighing 444 g in total; make sure you have enough freezer space and check the allergen information on the packaging.
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Binggrae Melona Coconut Ice Cream Bar, 8 × 70 ml
This pack is for anyone looking for several coconut ice lollies rather than just one. It contains eight portions, each stated as 70 ml; read the label to check the ingredients and allergen information.
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Maison de la Glace Water Ice Pops, 5 flavours, 12 pieces (1 200 g)
This assortment could suit anyone planning several treats and looking to choose from five flavours. The pack contains 12 pieces, weighing 1 200 g in total. If the size of each portion or individual wrapping matters to you, check these details and the allergen information on the product.
Frequently asked questions
Is sorbet always dairy-free?
No. Don’t assume a product is dairy-free just because it’s called a ‘sorbet’. The DGCCRF notes that any allergens in frozen products must be declared in writing, so check the label for the exact product.
Which allergens should you check on an ice lolly?
Read the allergen information and ingredients list for the product you choose. Some Auchan listings mention milk, soya or hazelnuts, with information that varies depending on the recipe.
How should you bring ice lollies home after your Christmas shop?
Pick up frozen food at the end of your shop, keep the journey home as short as possible and put it in the freezer promptly at the temperature stated on the packaging. The DGCCRF notes that a rise in temperature can increase the microbiological risk.
Can you refreeze an ice lolly once it has thawed?
Follow the instructions on the packaging for your product: the Auchan listing for its Pouce vanilla and chocolate ice lolly says not to refreeze a thawed product. This guidance applies to that particular product and doesn’t replace checking the packaging of the one you buy.