Couples looking for a pronounced cocoa flavour
For a wedding buffet, you may be looking for a dark chocolate ice lolly rather than one simply coated in chocolate. Check whether the stated cocoa content applies to the ice cream, the coating or both.
Who are these options for?
Organisers who need to consider allergies
You’ll need to identify recipes that contain allergens or carry a may-contain warning. Check the packaging on the batch you’ll be serving: the colour of the chocolate doesn’t tell you what other ingredients are in it.
Hosts planning the portions
You know how many guests are coming and want to offer several flavours at the buffet. The number of ice lollies in each box and the choice of a less intense option can help you plan how to serve them.
What should you look for?
First, choose the chocolate profile you want to offer. Then check the allergens and number of portions before planning storage and serving.
| Criteria | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Cocoa intensity | The stated cocoa content and which part of the ice lolly it applies to: the ice cream or the coating. | I want a dark chocolate flavour that stands out among the desserts on the buffet. Around 40% of consumers would prioritise this intensity. |
| Allergens | The ingredients and any may-contain warnings on each box you buy. | If guests have told me about their allergies, I need to be able to tell the recipes apart before serving them. This precaution would be a priority for around 30% of consumers. |
| Number of portions | The number of ice lollies in each box and the flavours planned for your guests. | I’m preparing several options and want to know how many portions each box actually provides. Nearly 20% of consumers would put this need first. |
| Storage and serving | Freezer space and the instructions on the boxes you choose. | The venue means I’ll need to bring the ice lollies out gradually to keep the rest chilled. For around 10% of consumers, this would be the main criterion. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Assuming “dark chocolate” means allergen-free
Dark chocolate doesn’t rule out milk, soya or nuts. The published recipes for Magnum Intense Dark, Picard Best and NUII list ingredients or possible traces you’ll need to consider.
Ask which allergens need to be avoided, check the packaging on each batch and clearly separate any ice lollies containing nuts.
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Comparing products by the cocoa percentage alone
According to Picard’s and Auchan’s product information, the 70% refers to the chocolate ice cream in Picard Best, but to the dark chocolate coating in Magnum Intense Dark. So it doesn’t describe the same part of each recipe.
Read the details of the ice cream and coating before deciding where an ice lolly belongs in your dark chocolate selection.
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Counting boxes instead of ice lollies
Auchan lists Magnum Intense Dark in a box of three, while Picard sells its 70% chocolate option in a box of four. So the same number of boxes won’t give you the same number of portions.
Start with the number of portions you need, then check the exact pack size of each product you choose.
You’ll also need freezer space for any portions left over.
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Taking all the ice lollies out as soon as the buffet opens
Leaving them out for too long makes it harder to serve ice lollies that have started to melt. Picard says to store its product at −18 °C and not to refreeze it once thawed.
Keep the spare ice lollies in the freezer and bring them out in small batches, following the instructions on each box.
Brands to compare
Magnum
According to Carrefour and Auchan product information, Magnum Intense Dark combines milk chocolate ice cream with a dark chocolate coating stated to contain 70% cocoa.
- The individual ice lolly makes it easy to identify the dark-coated option on the buffet.
- The product listed by Auchan comes in a box of three. The recipe contains milk and soya and may contain almonds; check the box you choose and local availability.
Picard Best
Picard describes four ice lollies combining chocolate ice cream stated to contain 70% cocoa, a dark chocolate coating and cocoa bean pieces.
- The product information confirms that the cocoa content applies to the ice cream, making it easier to distinguish this recipe from one with only a dark coating.
- The recipe contains milk and soya, and the product information lists other possible traces; check the packaging before serving.
NUII
The Brazil Nut & Chocolate option listed by Carrefour combines dark chocolate, chocolate ice cream and roasted Brazil nuts.
- The nuts add a different texture from chocolate ice lollies without this kind of inclusion.
- The recipe lists milk, soya, Brazil nuts, barley and wheat, as well as several possible traces. Keep it separate for guests who need to avoid these allergens.
Carrefour Sensation
Carrefour lists Milk and Dark Chocolate ice lollies in a box of four.
- The four-pack can help you work out how many portions to prepare.
- Before presenting this product as a high-cocoa option or one suitable for a dietary restriction, check its specific product information and the packaging you buy.
A fruit and chocolate option on Joybuy
This ice lolly combines mango and passion fruit sorbet with dark chocolate. It can add variety alongside the chocolate options on your buffet, but it isn’t a substitute for chocolate ice cream with a stated cocoa content.
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PopFruit Mini Sorbet Sticks, mango, passion fruit and dark chocolate, x6, 282 g
This individual format is ideal if you’d like to add a fruit and dark chocolate option alongside the chocolate ice lollies on your buffet.
The box contains six mini ice lollies, with a stated total weight of 282 g. If you’re looking for a specific cocoa content or need to take allergies into account, check the labelling on the batch before serving.
Frequently asked questions
Are dark ice lollies suitable for every wedding guest?
No: a dark chocolate label doesn’t guarantee that a recipe is suitable for every allergy. The product information for Magnum Intense Dark and NUII Brazil Nut & Chocolate lists different allergens, among others. Check each pack and offer a separate option to meet the needs your guests have told you about.
When checking for allergens, should I read the online product information or the box I receive?
Read the box for the batch you’ll be serving, even if you checked the online product information when choosing it. For pre-packed food in France, the Ministry of the Economy reminds consumers that allergenic ingredients must be listed and highlighted on the label.
How should I store the ice lollies until they’re ready to serve?
Keep the spare ice lollies in the freezer and only take out batches that are ready to serve. Follow the instructions for each product: Picard says to store its 70% chocolate ice lollies at −18 °C and not to refreeze them once thawed.