Dark chocolate fans
You’re looking for a distinct cocoa flavour and want to tell the difference between a stated cocoa percentage and a simple ‘dark chocolate’ description.
Who is this guide for?
Families who check the label
For a leisurely breakfast to share, you check the size of the lollies, ingredients, allergens and nutritional information before choosing a box.
Shoppers who care about pack size and availability
You compare the number of lollies and the weight of each box, then check that the product you want is available at your usual shop.
What to look for
When choosing a dark chocolate ice lolly, start with the flavour you’re after, then check the portion size and label before settling on a pack for the weekend.
| What to consider | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Dark chocolate content | Check whether the percentage refers to the cocoa in the chocolate or the amount of coating on the lolly. According to Auchan’s product listing, the 70% cocoa in Magnum Intense Dark refers to its coating. | I want to choose based on how much dark chocolate there is, without assuming the whole lolly has the same cocoa content. Around 33% of shoppers would put this first. |
| Its place in breakfast | Compare the sugars, fat and other nutritional values per 100 g and, where shown on the packaging, per portion. | If I’m planning to have an ice lolly for breakfast, I want to know the portion I’m serving and choose the other foods in the meal separately. This would be a priority for around 27% of shoppers. |
| Ingredients and allergens | Read the ingredients list and any ‘may contain’ warnings on the box you buy, especially for recipes with nuts. The DGCCRF reminds consumers that allergens must be clearly highlighted on the labels of prepacked foods. | When sharing a box with people who have allergies, I need to rule out any unsuitable recipes before thinking about the flavour. Around 20% of shoppers would put this need first. |
| Pack size and availability | Check the net weight, number of lollies and availability at your chosen shop or collection point. | For a meal with several people, I’m looking for a box with the right number of portions that I can actually buy. This would be the first thing around 20% of shoppers consider. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Assuming every percentage refers to cocoa content
The 70% stated for the coating on Magnum Intense Dark refers to its cocoa content. The 27.2% given by E.Leclerc for Trium, on the other hand, refers to the proportion of dark chocolate coating in the product.
Before comparing two lollies, check which ingredient and calculation each percentage refers to.
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Choosing a crunchy recipe without checking allergens
Almond or Brazil nut versions may not be suitable for everyone sharing the box. Other ingredients and possible traces can also vary between products.
If you have an allergy, check the ingredients list and ‘may contain’ warning on the packaging of the product you buy.
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Judging pack size by the box alone
Two boxes with the same number of lollies may have different net weights. The Trium dark chocolate pack listed by E.Leclerc contains four lollies and weighs 308 g.
Consider the number of lollies, net weight and portion size together.
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Assuming an online listing means it’s available locally
A product shown online may not be available at your selected shop or collection point.
Check availability at your chosen collection point before planning to serve this product for breakfast.
Brands and recipes to know
Magnum
Intense Dark is an ice lolly with a dark chocolate coating. Auchan’s product listing states that the coating contains 70% cocoa.
- The cocoa percentage refers to a specific part of the product.
- It doesn’t describe the cocoa content of the whole lolly; also check whether it’s available at your shop.
Carrefour Sensation
Double Chocolat combines chocolate ice cream, chocolate sauce and a dark chocolate coating.
- Carrefour’s product listing states that dark chocolate coating makes up 24.6% of the product.
- This proportion doesn’t tell you the cocoa content of the chocolate; check the packaging for allergens and possible traces.
Trium
E.Leclerc’s Marque Repère dark chocolate product combines dark chocolate ice cream with a dark chocolate coating.
- E.Leclerc lists four lollies weighing 308 g, with dark chocolate coating making up 27.2% of the product.
- The proportion of coating doesn’t tell you the cocoa content of the chocolate; check with your shop for availability.
Côte d’Or
The lolly listed by Auchan combines vanilla ice cream, dark chocolate and roasted almonds.
- The recipe contains 36% dark chocolate and 6% roasted almonds.
- Check for almonds and any other allergen information before sharing it.
Ice lollies available on Joybuy
These two options suit different weekend cravings: an Intense Dark chocolate lolly, and mini lollies combining fruit sorbet with dark chocolate. The second option isn’t a substitute for an ice lolly chosen primarily for its cocoa flavour.
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POPELINO Intense Dark Chocolate, 4 lollies, 312 g
An option to consider if you’re looking for an ice lolly with a focus on dark chocolate. Don’t confuse the proportion of dark chocolate in the coating with cocoa content. If cocoa content matters to your choice, check the packaging.
If someone has an allergy, check the box you buy for information about milk, soya and possible traces. Follow the storage instructions on the packaging.
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PopFruit Mini Sorbet mango, passion fruit and dark chocolate, 6 lollies, 282 g
Worth considering if you’d rather pair fruit sorbet with dark chocolate than choose an ice lolly centred on cocoa. The mini size lets you choose an individual portion; check the packaging for the nutritional information per portion.
Check the information about soya and possible traces if allergies are a concern. The product listing states that this product isn’t suitable for children under 36 months.
Frequently asked questions
Does ‘dark chocolate’ mean the whole lolly is high in cocoa?
No. The description alone doesn’t tell you the cocoa content of the whole lolly. Auchan’s product listing states that the coating on Magnum Intense Dark contains 70% cocoa, while the 27.2% given by E.Leclerc for Trium measures the proportion of dark chocolate coating in the finished product.
How can you include an ice lolly in a weekend breakfast?
You can enjoy it as a frozen treat without treating it as the whole meal. Check the size of the lolly and its nutritional information, then choose the other breakfast foods to suit your tastes.
What should you check if someone has a nut allergy?
Read the ingredients and any trace warnings on each box before serving the lollies. Some recipes contain almonds or Brazil nuts. The DGCCRF reminds consumers that allergens must be clearly highlighted on the labels of prepacked foods.
How should you store ice lollies?
Follow the temperature and storage instructions on the packaging of the product you buy. Don’t refreeze a product once it has thawed, and check the date shown on the box.