For fans of rich cocoa
You’re looking for a recipe that specifies the presence of dark chocolate and, if a cocoa percentage is shown, tells you which part of the lolly it applies to.
Who are these options for?
For students organising their frozen food
You need to fit the box into a small freezer and choose a number of lollies that suits the space you have available.
For shoppers who check the ingredients
You check the exact recipe before buying: depending on the product, the dark chocolate, ice cream centre and inclusions may contain milk, soya or nuts.
What should you look for?
When stocking up as you settle in, start with the recipe you want, then check that the pack will fit your freezer and that the ingredients meet your needs.
| What to consider | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Dark chocolate profile | Look for dark chocolate in the product name or ingredients. If the packaging gives a cocoa percentage, check which part of the lolly it refers to. | I want a stronger cocoa flavour, not just a name that suggests dark chocolate; around 45% of consumers put this intensity at the top of their list. |
| Pack size and storage | Compare the number of lollies and the net weight, then check that the box will fit in your freezer. | In my new home, I’d rather choose a box I can store and finish; this is a priority for around 33% of consumers. |
| Ingredients and allergens | Read the ingredients list and allergen information for the exact product, including any warnings about possible traces. | If certain ingredients matter to me, “dark chocolate” isn’t enough to make a choice; around 22% of consumers would put this check first. |
What mistakes should you avoid?
-
Assuming “dark” describes the whole lolly
A cocoa percentage may refer only to the coating. The ice cream centre or a sauce can make the overall recipe different from what you expect.
Read the full description and check which ingredient or layer each percentage refers to.
-
Guessing the allergens from the type of chocolate
The recipes reviewed contain more than just dark chocolate: some include milk, soya or nuts.
Check the packaging of the product you’re buying, especially for lollies with nuts or other inclusions.
-
Picking up ice cream at the start of your shop
The journey to your new home is also part of your choice. Anses recommends limiting the time frozen food spends in transit to maintain the cold chain.
Pick up your ice cream last, use an insulated bag and put it in the freezer as soon as you can.
Brands to consider
These examples show how recipes and pack formats can differ. The brand name doesn’t replace checking the label of the specific product you choose.
Magnum
At Auchan, Magnum Intense Dark is described as an ice lolly with a dark chocolate coating.
- Auchan states that this coating contains 70% cocoa, making it clear which part of the product the information applies to.
- The centre is described as milk chocolate ice cream, so the 70% doesn’t apply to the whole lolly. The box contains three lollies.
Carrefour Extra
Carrefour offers, among other options, a mint and chocolate ice lolly whose ingredients list states that it contains 29% dark chocolate.
- The ingredients list lets you check how much dark chocolate is in this particular recipe.
- The mint flavour may not suit you if you’re looking for a lolly focused solely on cocoa.
NUII
The product described by Auchan combines a dark chocolate coating with Brazil nuts and a malted caramel sauce.
- This recipe lets you choose an ice lolly with inclusions rather than plain dark chocolate.
- Brazil nuts may be a concern for people with nut allergies; check the label of the product you buy.
Ferrero Rondnoir
Auchan describes an ice lolly with cocoa ice cream, a dark chocolate shell and cocoa pieces.
- Auchan’s product details state that dark chocolate makes up 32.6% of the ingredients in this product.
- This ingredient percentage shouldn’t be confused with the cocoa content. The recipe also lists milk and soya.
ESKISS
E.Leclerc offers a tub of dark chocolate ice cream with dark chocolate flakes.
- A tub lets you serve portions to suit your appetite.
- It isn’t an individual ice lolly; the product details also list milk and soya.
Ice lollies to discover on Joybuy
These two formats suit different cravings: an ice lolly described as dark chocolate, or a mini mango and passion fruit sorbet with dark chocolate. If you’re mainly looking for a cocoa-based ice cream, bear in mind that the second product has a fruity centre.
Image unavailable
POPELINO Intense Dark Chocolate, 4 ice lollies, 312 g
Worth considering if you’d like ice lollies described as dark chocolate rather than a fruit sorbet. The box contains 4 lollies and has a net weight of 312 g.
To find out exactly what the recipe contains, check the packaging to see what the dark chocolate information refers to and which ingredients are included.
Image unavailable
PopFruit Mini Sorbet Sticks mango, passion fruit and dark chocolate, x6, 282 g
Consider this option if you prefer fruit and dark chocolate together rather than a mainly chocolate ice cream. The box contains 6 mini ice lollies and has a net weight of 282 g.
The centre is a mango and passion fruit sorbet, so check the ingredients and allergen information on the packaging before choosing this format.
Frequently asked questions
How can you tell if an ice lolly is focused on dark chocolate?
Read the product name and ingredients list, then check what any stated percentage refers to. For example, Auchan states that Magnum Intense Dark’s dark chocolate coating contains 70% cocoa; this doesn’t apply to the whole lolly.
Does dark chocolate mean the lolly is free from milk and nuts?
No: the words “dark chocolate” don’t mean that other ingredients or allergens are absent. Some of the recipes featured here list milk or soya, and the NUII lolly mentioned contains Brazil nuts. Read the label of the product you buy, including any warnings about possible traces.
How should you transport ice cream when moving home?
Pick it up at the end of your shop, carry it in an insulated bag and put it in the freezer as soon as you can. Anses recommends limiting the time frozen food spends in transit to maintain the cold chain.
Are ice lollies or a tub of ice cream a better choice?
Choose ice lollies if you want individual portions ready to enjoy; a tub is better if you’d rather serve each portion yourself. Either way, check that you have enough room in your freezer and that the recipe suits you: a tub of dark chocolate ice cream isn’t an individual ice lolly.