People mindful of comfort before exercise
If your workout is coming up, how soon you’ll be exercising and how much you eat matter more than the intensity of the chocolate alone.
Who is this guide for?
Fans of intense dark chocolate
You’re looking for a pronounced cocoa flavour and want to know whether the stated percentage applies to the coating or another part of the ice lolly.
People mindful of portion sizes and allergens
You compare the exact pack size, nutritional values per portion and allergens listed on the packaging before choosing a recipe.
What should you look for?
First, think about how soon you’ll be exercising and check the portion size. Then compare the cocoa content and ingredients to find a recipe that suits your tastes.
| Criteria | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Timing and comfort | How long until your workout and the fat content per ice lolly. The IRBMS’s pre-competition advice recommends eating something light and low in fat. | When my workout is coming up, I want to consider how soon I’ll be exercising rather than relying on the word “dark”; around 42% of consumers would put this comfort first. |
| Cocoa flavour | The stated cocoa percentage and which part of the product it refers to, followed by the product description. | If I’m looking for a pronounced cocoa flavour, I want to know exactly what the figure on the packaging refers to; around 33% of consumers would make this intensity their priority. |
| Portion and ingredients | Nutritional values per portion, the ingredients list and allergens, including any “may contain” warnings. | To choose an amount that suits my plans and avoid an ingredient I need to steer clear of, I check the exact pack size; around 25% of consumers would prioritise portion size and ingredients. |
Common misconceptions to avoid
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Assuming dark chocolate means a light snack
A dark chocolate coating may cover a creamy ice cream, sauce or added pieces. The type of chocolate alone doesn’t tell you how much fat is in a portion.
If your workout is soon, check how much time you have and the nutritional values for the exact ice lolly. The IRBMS recommends eating something light and low in fat before a competition.
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Assuming the cocoa percentage applies to the whole ice lolly
According to Auchan’s product listing for Magnum Intense Dark, the 70% cocoa refers to the dark chocolate coating; the centre is milk chocolate ice cream.
Read the cocoa percentage alongside the product description and ingredients list to understand exactly what the figure refers to.
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Relying on the brand for allergen information
Dark chocolate and nut recipes can have different ingredients lists and “may contain” warnings, depending on the product.
Check the label on the product you buy, especially the highlighted allergens and any “may contain” warnings. The DGCCRF reminds consumers that allergenic ingredients must be identified in the ingredients list.
Brands to know
Magnum
The Intense Dark product gives you a specific cocoa percentage for the coating to compare.
- Auchan’s product listing states that the coating is dark chocolate with 70% cocoa.
- This figure applies to the coating, not the whole ice lolly, which has a milk chocolate ice cream centre.
NUII
The dark chocolate and Brazil nut variety combines chocolate ice cream, a dark coating and pieces of nuts.
- Its ingredients let you make an informed choice if you’re looking for the crunch of nuts.
- Check the portion size, fat content and allergens on the pack you buy, particularly if you’re thinking of having it before a workout.
Ferrero
Rondnoir combines cocoa ice cream with a dark chocolate coating and cocoa pieces.
- Auchan’s product listing states that this variety contains 32.6% dark chocolate in its ingredients list.
- It also lists 24 g of fat per 100 g. Check the label to compare the values with the portion you’ll eat and to check the allergens.
Ice lollies on Joybuy
These two products offer different ways to enjoy dark chocolate: a mini fruit sorbet and a dark chocolate ice lolly. If you’re choosing one before a workout, check the portion size, ingredients and nutritional values on each pack.
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PopFruit Mini Sorbet Sticks with mango, passion fruit and dark chocolate, pack of 6, 282 g
Worth a look if you’re after a mini fruit sorbet with dark chocolate rather than a creamy ice cream.
The pack contains 6 ice lollies, weighing 282 g in total. Check the ingredients, allergens and nutritional values per ice lolly on the packaging before choosing it for a time close to your workout.
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POPELINO Intense Dark Chocolate Ice Lollies, pack of 4, 312 g
Worth a look if you’re specifically after a dark chocolate ice lolly.
The pack contains 4 ice lollies, weighing 312 g in total. To assess the portion before a workout, check the nutritional values per ice lolly as well as the ingredients and allergens on the packaging.
Frequently asked questions
Is a dark chocolate ice lolly suitable just before exercise?
Don’t assume it’s suitable before an imminent workout just because it contains dark chocolate. In its advice for athletes before competition, the IRBMS recommends eating something light and low in fat. Consider how long you have before your workout and check the nutritional values per portion.
Does “70% cocoa” describe the whole Magnum Intense Dark?
No. According to Auchan’s product listing for Magnum Intense Dark, the 70% cocoa refers to its dark chocolate coating, while the centre is milk chocolate ice cream. Always check which part of the product a percentage applies to.
Which allergens should you check in a dark chocolate ice lolly?
Check the allergens listed for the exact product, including milk, soya, nuts or cereals where these are mentioned in the recipe. The DGCCRF explains that allergenic ingredients must be highlighted in the ingredients list. Also read any “may contain” warnings on the pack you buy.