Hosts serving several guests
If everyone should be able to have an ice lolly, count the portions before choosing your boxes. Carrefour and Auchan each list an assortment of 12 ice lollies.
Who are these sizes suitable for?
Hosts looking for a particular recipe
If you’re after a vanilla ice lolly coated in chocolate rather than an assortment, Carrefour lists Magnum Classic in a box of 8 ice lollies, each 100 mL. This is not the same product as the Magnum Vanilla Almond listed below.
People choosing treats for guests with allergies
The exact recipe matters more than the flavour shown on the front of the box. The product information for the Carrefour and Auchan assortments mentions allergens or possible traces, so check the label on the box you plan to serve.
What should you check?
First decide how many portions you want to serve, then check their size, the flavours and the ingredients in each box.
| What to consider | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Number of portions | Count the ice lollies in each box and compare this with the number of guests. | If everyone needs a portion, I want to make sure I have enough to go round. Around 40% of consumers are thought to prioritise the number of portions. |
| Flavours and size | Check which flavours are included and the weight or volume of each ice lolly, if stated. | After a festive meal, I’d rather offer a choice of flavours or smaller portions. This is thought to be a priority for around 30% of consumers. |
| Recipe you’re looking for | Check the flavour, coating and number of items in the specific product. | For dessert, a particular recipe matters most to me, even if that means choosing a box with fewer ice lollies. Around 20% of consumers are thought to prioritise this. |
| Allergens | Read the ingredients, highlighted allergens and any ‘may contain’ warnings on the specific box. | If a guest needs to avoid certain ingredients, I need to check every recipe before serving it. This is thought to be a priority for around 10% of consumers. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Going by the number on the box alone
Two boxes with the same number of ice lollies may contain portions of different sizes.
Compare the net weight or volume shown too, and make sure you have enough portions for your guests.
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Assuming one flavour suits everyone
Depending on the product, a vanilla and chocolate recipe may contain milk, nuts or soya, and may carry warnings about traces of other allergens.
Check the packaging on each box and have an alternative ready if a guest can’t eat the ingredients.
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Letting the ice lollies thaw before the party
The product information for the Auchan x12 assortment says to store it at −18 °C and never to refreeze a product once it has thawed.
Pick up frozen products last when you’re shopping, and follow the transport and storage instructions on the packaging you buy.
Brands and ranges to consider
Carrefour Classic'
Carrefour lists a chocolate and vanilla assortment of 12 ice lollies, with a net weight of 450 g.
- The number of items is clearly stated, making it easier to plan portions for a group.
- The product information mentions milk and possible traces of other allergens, depending on the ice lolly. Check the box label.
Auchan
Auchan lists a vanilla and chocolate assortment of 12 ice lollies, with a net weight of 450 g.
- The assortment includes two flavours in individual portions.
- The product information lists milk, hazelnuts and soya, among other ingredients, and says to store at −18 °C.
Magnum
Carrefour lists Magnum Classic in a box of 8 ice lollies, each 100 mL, for anyone looking for this vanilla and chocolate recipe.
- The size and number of ice lollies are specified for this Classic product.
- This product contains milk and may contain nuts. Check the exact recipe rather than assuming the same applies to the whole Magnum range.
Ice lollies available on Joybuy
These boxes of 8 or 12 portions let you choose from fruity, coconut, melon and chocolate flavours. Check the ingredients for each product before putting together dessert for your group.
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CAPRI-SUN Orange & Cherry Ice Pops, 12 ice lollies, 444 g
Worth considering if you want to serve individual portions in orange and cherry flavours.
Check the packaging for allergen trace warnings before serving to guests who need to avoid certain ingredients. Store at −18 °C or below and do not refreeze after thawing.
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MAGNUM Vanilla Almond Ice Cream Bars, 8 ice lollies, 600 g
This box is for guests who specifically want a vanilla and almond recipe rather than an assortment of flavours.
The product contains milk and almonds; other nuts may also be present. The small pieces of nuts mean young children should be supervised. Store the box at −18 °C or below.
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Binggrae Melona Coconut Ice Cream Bar, 8 × 70 mL
The coconut flavour offers something different in a box of eight individual portions.
Check the packaging for allergen trace warnings if a guest has an allergy. Store at −18 °C or below and do not refreeze after thawing.
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Binggrae Melona Melon Ice Bar, 8 × 70 mL
Eight melon ice lollies are a good choice if you want to serve the same flavour to several guests.
Check the packaging for allergen information and guidance on the E102 colour, particularly if children will be having them. Store at −18 °C or below and do not refreeze after thawing.
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Maison de la Glace Water Ice Pops, 5 flavours, 12 pieces, 1 200 g
This assortment lets you offer five flavours in a box of 12 ice lollies.
The product information advises people at risk of an allergic reaction not to eat this product. Check the packaging before serving. Store at −18 °C or below and do not refreeze after thawing.
Frequently asked questions
How many boxes should I buy for a Christmas party?
First count how many people will have an iced dessert and check how many ice lollies come in each box. Then consider the portion size: a box of 12 small pieces and a box of 8 larger ones won’t quite satisfy the same craving.
Which allergens should I check for in ice lollies?
Check the ingredients in the specific recipe and any ‘may contain’ warnings. Products featured here may list milk, nuts, soya, gluten, peanuts or eggs, among other allergens. In France, the Ministry of the Economy reminds consumers that allergenic ingredients must be listed and highlighted on the label.
Can I compare the nutritional information on two boxes?
Yes, as long as the values are given on the same basis. The DGCCRF says that nutritional information is provided per 100 g or 100 mL, so check the unit before comparing sugars, fat or other nutritional values.
How should I store the ice lollies until dessert?
Follow the instructions on the box you buy and put the products back in the freezer soon after shopping. The product information for the Auchan x12 assortment says to store it at −18 °C until the date shown on the packaging and never to refreeze a product once it has thawed.