Fans of an intense cocoa flavour
You want to see a specific cocoa percentage, rather than relying on the words ‘dark chocolate’ alone. Auchan’s listing for Magnum Intense Dark gives this figure for its coating.
Who are these ice lollies for?
Hosts catering for different tastes
You’re looking for a dark chocolate shell, but would also like to offer vanilla, caramel, mint or a crunchy texture. These combinations come in different recipes, so the ice cream flavour and inclusions matter just as much as the coating when choosing something to share.
People who need to check allergens
If a guest needs to avoid certain ingredients, check the pack you’re planning to serve. The recipes featured here include ingredients such as milk or soya; some contain nuts or may contain traces of other allergens.
What should you check for coffee time?
First, decide between a clearly stated cocoa content and a flavour combination that will appeal to your group. Before serving, check your choice against the allergens and storage instructions on the pack.
| Criteria | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Cocoa intensity | Look for the cocoa percentage and check whether it applies to the coating or the whole ice lolly. | If I want a pronounced dark chocolate flavour with my coffee, a figure linked to the cocoa content is more helpful than the word ‘dark’ alone; around 50% of consumers are said to prioritise this measure. |
| Flavour combination | Check the ice cream flavour and inclusions: vanilla, caramel, mint and nuts each make for a different recipe. | When entertaining friends with different tastes, I’d rather choose a combination we’ll enjoy sharing than a flavour focused solely on cocoa; around 30% of consumers are said to put this balance first. |
| Allergens and storage | Read the ingredients, allergen information and any precautionary allergen statements on the pack; follow the storage instructions. | If a guest needs to avoid an ingredient, I need to be able to check the recipe before serving it and keep the ice lollies frozen; this is said to be a priority for around 20% of consumers. |
Mistakes to avoid
-
Assuming ‘dark chocolate’ tells you the cocoa percentage
A statement such as ‘36% dark chocolate’ describes the proportion of dark chocolate in a recipe, not necessarily the cocoa content of that chocolate. Auchan’s listing for Magnum Intense Dark, by contrast, specifies 70% cocoa for the dark coating.
If you’re looking for a stronger cocoa flavour, check that the stated percentage refers to the cocoa content and note which part of the ice lolly it applies to.
-
Choosing inclusions without checking with your guests
Almonds, Brazil nuts and mint all change the flavour of a recipe. Nuts can also make some ice lollies unsuitable for guests with a nut allergy.
Ask about preferences and any allergens to avoid, then check the label on the pack you actually buy before putting together your selection.
-
Letting the ice lollies defrost before serving
Product listings for several options state that they should be stored at −18 °C and that defrosted products must not be refrozen.
Plan to transport them in a cool bag, make space in the freezer and only take out the lollies you’re ready to serve.
Brands and recipes to know
These products show different ways to pair ice cream with dark chocolate. The percentages quoted don’t all measure the same thing, so check what each one refers to before comparing recipes.
Magnum
Magnum Intense Dark combines milk chocolate ice cream with a dark chocolate coating and comes in a pack of three.
- Auchan’s listing states that the dark coating contains 70% cocoa: a specific figure if that’s what you’re looking for.
- This percentage doesn’t apply to the whole ice lolly. The recipe contains milk and soya and may contain almonds.
Côte d’Or
The vanilla, dark chocolate and almond recipe comes in a pack of four ice lollies.
- Auchan’s listing states that each ice lolly contains 36% dark chocolate and 6% almonds, so you can make an informed choice about this flavour and texture combination.
- The 36% figure doesn’t refer to the cocoa content. The product contains milk, soya and almonds, among other ingredients.
Ferrero
Rondnoir combines cocoa ice cream, a dark chocolate shell and cocoa pieces, in a pack of four.
- Auchan’s listing states that the recipe contains 32.6% dark chocolate, while the ingredients include 4% low-fat cocoa powder.
- These figures don’t give the cocoa percentage of the dark chocolate itself. The listing mentions milk and soya, and warns that traces of other allergens may be present.
Nuii
The dark chocolate and Brazil nut recipe includes a malted caramel sauce and comes in a pack of four.
- Auchan’s listing states that the ice lolly has a 31% dark chocolate coating and contains 4.5% roasted Brazil nuts.
- The caramel and nuts make this a more complex recipe, rather than one focused solely on chocolate flavour. Check the allergens, particularly nuts and the cereals listed.
Carrefour Extra
The mint chocolate ice lollies come in a pack of four and combine dark chocolate with cocoa bean pieces.
- Carrefour’s listing states that the recipe contains 29% dark chocolate and 4.1% chopped cocoa beans.
- The mint gives these a different flavour from an ice lolly focused on cocoa. Check the label for milk and any possible traces of allergens.
Ice lollies available on Joybuy
These two options let you choose between a dark chocolate ice lolly and mini mango and passion fruit sorbets coated in dark chocolate. If cocoa content is your deciding factor, check the percentage on the packaging before you buy.
Image unavailable
POPELINO Intense Dark Chocolate ice lollies, 4 lollies, 312 g
A pack of four dark chocolate ice lollies to consider if your guests would prefer to stick with a chocolate flavour. Check the information on the pack to help you choose based on cocoa intensity or allergens to avoid.
Image unavailable
PopFruit Mini Sorbet Sticks mango and passion fruit with dark chocolate, 6 pieces, 282 g
These six mini ice lollies pair mango and passion fruit sorbet with dark chocolate. Choose them for a fruity contrast rather than a purely chocolate flavour. If cocoa content matters to you, check the figure on the pack, along with the allergen information.
Frequently asked questions
How can I find an ice lolly with a stronger cocoa flavour?
Look for a clearly stated cocoa content for the chocolate, rather than the word ‘dark’ alone. Auchan’s listing for Magnum Intense Dark states that its dark coating contains 70% cocoa; this figure doesn’t describe the whole ice lolly or any of the other products.
Should I get a pack of three or four for coffee time?
Choose the number of packs based on how many people will be there and which flavours they’d like. The products featured include a pack of three Magnum Intense Dark ice lollies and packs of four Ferrero Rondnoir, Nuii, Côte d’Or and Carrefour Extra; consider another recipe if not all your guests can share the same one.
What should I check if a guest has a food allergy?
Read the ingredients, allergen information and any precautionary allergen statements on the packaging of the product you choose. Depending on the recipe, it may contain milk, soya or nuts. The Directorate General for Competition Policy, Consumer Affairs and Fraud Control reminds manufacturers that allergenic ingredients must be emphasised on labels.
How can I keep the ice lollies ready to serve?
Follow the storage instructions on the pack until you’re ready to serve. The listings for Magnum, Nuii and Côte d’Or state that the products should be stored at −18 °C; transport them in a cool bag and don’t refreeze them if they’ve defrosted.