For a conference where dark chocolate needs to be clearly identifiable, Magnum Intense Dark offers a precise reference point: according to Auchan’s product information, its coating is dark chocolate with a stated cocoa content of 70%, but the ice cream itself is milk chocolate. Carrefour Sensation ice lolly sticks combine milk chocolate and dark chocolate; they meet a different need and should not be presented as entirely dark chocolate. Before choosing, also check the allergens for each product, the number of portions and the storage conditions required during service.
If your brief specifies “dark”, distinguish between the composition of the coating and that of the ice cream. Auchan’s product information for Magnum Intense Dark states that the dark coating contains 70% cocoa, but does not describe the entire ice lolly as dark chocolate.
When serving several products individually, keep the information for each one separate and accessible. Auchan and Carrefour list different allergens depending on the recipe; check the packaging of the products being served before the conference.
The number of ice lolly sticks in a box matters more than the weight alone when planning your service: Auchan lists three 100 ml Magnum Intense Dark ice creams, while Carrefour lists four Sensation sticks weighing 284 g. Also check that your chosen supplier can provide the product you want and that you can keep it frozen.
For a conference buffet, start with the product you’ll actually be serving, then check that its allergen information, packaging and storage requirements suit your plans.
| Criterion | What to check | Consumers concerned |
|---|---|---|
| Dark chocolate | Read the descriptions of the coating and the ice cream separately. Auchan states that the Magnum Intense Dark has a dark coating containing 70% cocoa; Carrefour lists both milk chocolate and dark chocolate in its Sensation sticks. | For an event promoted around dark chocolate, I want to be able to describe exactly what guests will be eating, without confusing the coating with the entire recipe. Around 42% of consumers prioritise this criterion. |
| Allergens | Check the packaging of the product batch and keep the information for each product separate during service: Auchan and Carrefour list milk and soya among the allergens, while Carrefour also lists peanuts. | If the ice lolly sticks are taken out of their boxes, I need to be able to match each allergen notice to the right product. This is the top priority for around 33% of consumers. |
| Portions and keeping products frozen | Count the sticks in each box and check the storage instructions for your chosen product. Auchan lists three 100 ml ice creams and storage at −18 °C for Magnum Intense Dark. | I need to allow for enough individual portions and plan how to keep them frozen until they’re served, rather than working from the weight of the boxes alone. Around 25% of consumers put this planning first. |
According to Auchan, Magnum Intense Dark combines milk chocolate ice cream with a dark coating stated to contain 70% cocoa. The product name alone therefore doesn’t describe every part of the ice lolly.
When describing the recipe to guests, read the product name and ingredients as well as the wording on the front of the pack.
Auchan and Carrefour’s product information covers different recipes and different allergens. A single notice for the whole buffet might not make it clear which ice lolly it refers to.
Keep the packaging for the products being served and display clear information for each product next to it.
A pack of three 100 ml Magnum Intense Dark ice creams and a box of four Carrefour Sensation sticks weighing 284 g don’t provide the same number of individual portions.
Decide how many sticks you’ll need, then work out how many boxes to buy based on the pack size of your chosen product.
For the Intense Dark product listed by Auchan, the dark coating is stated to contain 70% cocoa. This applies to the coating, not the entire ice cream.
The Milk and Dark Chocolate sticks described by Carrefour combine two types of chocolate and come in a box of four.
Lidl France lists a “Dark Chocolate” variety among its Bon Gelati products. Before considering it for a conference, check the exact product and pack size in store.
These two individual formats suit different tastes: POPELINO is a dark chocolate ice lolly, while PopFruit combines mango and passion fruit sorbet with dark chocolate. If your conference is centred on cocoa, check the exact ingredients before choosing either product.
Image unavailable
Consider these if you’re looking for individual ice lollies with a dark chocolate focus for your buffet. The box contains four sticks weighing 312 g in total; if you need a specific cocoa percentage, check the ingredients on the packaging. Also check the information on milk, soya and any allergens in the batch being served, as well as its storage instructions.
Image unavailable
Consider these if you’d like to offer small portions of fruity sorbet with dark chocolate, rather than a chocolate-led ice cream. The box contains six mini sticks weighing 282 g in total. Check the packaging for the chocolate ingredients, allergens and storage instructions for the batch being served.
Not necessarily. Auchan describes Magnum Intense Dark as milk chocolate ice cream with a dark coating stated to contain 70% cocoa. To find out which part of another ice lolly is dark chocolate, check its product name and ingredients list.
The information varies by recipe: Auchan’s product information lists milk and soya among the allergens, and says the product may contain almonds. Carrefour’s information lists milk, soya and peanuts, and says it may contain traces of gluten, eggs and nuts. Check the packaging of each batch before serving.
Provide separate allergen information for each product being served and keep its packaging. In France, Articles R. 412-12 to R. 412-16 of the Consumer Code, published on Légifrance, cover, among other things, allergen information for non-prepacked food and food prepacked for immediate sale. In the situations covered, the information must be clearly linked to the relevant food.
Plan storage and transport according to the instructions for each product. Auchan specifies storage at −18 °C for Magnum Intense Dark; Carrefour also says to keep its ice lolly sticks frozen at −18 °C and not to refreeze them once thawed. Make sure your arrangements will allow you to follow the instructions for the products you’re serving.