Fans of intense cocoa flavours
You want to give your guests precise information about the cocoa in the coating, rather than relying on the word “dark” on the box.
Who are these ice lollies for?
Hosts planning portions for a buffet
You need to make sure there are enough ice lollies for everyone and have a way to keep them frozen before serving.
Hosts mindful of allergens
You want to identify recipes that contain ingredients such as milk, soya or nuts, and leave the packaging where guests can check it.
What to look for when shopping for the fête
First, choose the type of recipe you’d like to serve, then work out how many portions you need. Before buying, check the allergens and storage temperature on each pack.
| What to consider | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Cocoa intensity | The cocoa content of the coating, if stated, and the type of ice cream underneath. The proportion of the product made up by the coating doesn’t tell you its cocoa content. | If I’m serving guests who enjoy a pronounced cocoa flavour, I want to know exactly what the percentage on the pack refers to. Around 30% of consumers would put this intensity at the top of their list of priorities. |
| Number of portions | The number of ice lollies in each box and their net weight, so you can plan how many to serve. | If I want to give every guest a portion, I need to be able to count the ice lollies rather than judge by the size of the box alone. The number of portions would be the priority for around 40% of consumers. |
| Allergens and keeping the lollies frozen | Allergens and possible traces listed on the packaging, followed by the temperature to maintain during transport and storage. | If any guests need to avoid certain ingredients, I want them to be able to check the ingredients and make sure the ice lollies are kept at the stated temperature. These precautions would come first for around 30% of consumers. |
Common mistakes to avoid
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Confusing the proportion of coating with its cocoa content
Auchan states that the coating on Magnum Intense Dark contains 70% cocoa. E.Leclerc says that the dark chocolate coating makes up 27.2% of the TRIUM ice lolly. These figures describe different things.
Check what each percentage measures, and read the product description and ingredients list before comparing recipes.
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Serving a recipe containing nuts without checking the label
The NUII recipe featured by Auchan contains Brazil nuts. Depending on the product, the packaging may also list milk, soya or other allergens and possible traces.
Keep the packaging for each recipe where guests can check it during serving. If needed, provide a separate option with ingredients suitable for the guests concerned.
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Overlooking transport and storage
Auchan’s product information for Magnum Intense Dark and NUII states that they should be stored at −18 °C. The DGCCRF recommends keeping transport time to a minimum and following the temperature stated on the packaging.
Use a suitable insulated container for the journey and arrange somewhere to store the ice lollies at your venue. Only take the boxes out when you’re ready to serve.
Brands to know when comparing recipes
Magnum
According to Auchan, Intense Dark comes in a box of three 100 ml ice lollies.
- Auchan states that the dark chocolate coating contains 70% cocoa.
- You’ll need to allow for three portions per box. The product information lists milk and soya, and says it may contain traces of almonds.
NUII
According to Auchan, the dark chocolate and Brazil nut variety combines chocolate ice cream, caramel sauce and a coating, in a box of four.
- Auchan’s product information states that the dark chocolate coating makes up 31% of the product.
- The recipe contains Brazil nuts, milk and soya. Check the packaging for other allergens and possible traces.
TRIUM
E.Leclerc offers a box of four ice lollies combining dark chocolate ice cream with a dark chocolate coating.
- E.Leclerc’s product information states that the coating makes up 27.2% of the product.
- This figure isn’t the cocoa content of the coating. Also check the information provided by your chosen shop.
Carrefour Extra
Carrefour offers a box of four ice lollies combining mint, dark chocolate and chopped cocoa beans.
- Carrefour’s product information states that this recipe contains 29% dark chocolate.
- The mint flavour sets it apart from a recipe focused on cocoa. It contains milk, and the packaging warns that it may contain traces of other allergens.
Ice lollies available on Joybuy
These two boxes let you choose between dark chocolate ice lollies and mini fruit sorbet lollies with dark chocolate. For a village fête, compare the number of portions and check the ingredients in each box.
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POPELINO Intense Dark dark chocolate ice lollies x4, 312 g
The box of four is handy if you’re planning portions for your guests. Check the packaging for the ingredients and cocoa content if the intensity of the dark chocolate is important to you.
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PopFruit mini mango, passion fruit and dark chocolate sorbet lollies x6, 282 g
The six mini lollies offer fruit sorbet with dark chocolate, rather than chocolate-focused ice cream. Check the packaging for allergens and cocoa content if these are important to your choice.
Frequently asked questions
Does “dark chocolate” tell you the cocoa content of an ice lolly?
No. Check what the percentage on the packaging measures. Auchan states that the coating on Magnum Intense Dark contains 70% cocoa, while the 27.2% figure E.Leclerc gives for TRIUM refers to the proportion of the ice lolly made up by its dark chocolate coating.
How many ice lollies should you buy for your guests?
Work out how many portions you need, then count the ice lollies in each box. Check their net weight too if you’re comparing different sizes. The boxes featured by Auchan contain either three Magnum Intense Dark ice lollies or four NUII dark chocolate and Brazil nut ice lollies. The TRIUM variety featured by E.Leclerc contains four.
What should you check if any guests have food allergies?
Read the ingredients and allergen information on the packaging for each specific box, and make sure guests can access it when you’re serving. The DGCCRF states that allergens in frozen products must be indicated in writing. Depending on the variety, the recipes mentioned may contain milk, soya or nuts.
How should you transport ice lollies to the fête?
Follow the temperature stated on the packaging and minimise the time the ice lollies spend outside suitable frozen storage. The DGCCRF recommends using an insulated bag for transport where possible and reminds consumers that thawed food must not be refrozen.