For an Easter egg hunt, save the ice lollies for dessert after the game rather than hiding them: they need to stay frozen until you serve them. Then choose the recipe and pack size to suit your guests, checking the number of portions, allergens and storage instructions on each box.
If the hunt is taking place at home or in the garden, keep the ice lollies frozen during the activity and serve them afterwards. Anses recommends buying frozen food last, carrying it in an insulated bag and keeping the journey as short as possible.
To round off the party food, compare flavours, coatings, inclusions and individual portions. Even a more elaborate recipe still needs to be counted out to make sure you have enough for everyone.
Check the ingredients for every product you plan to serve. A recipe labelled as plant-based may contain nuts or carry a warning that it may contain traces of other allergens.
First, decide how you’ll keep the ice lollies frozen and serve them after the hunt. Then choose the flavour and pack size, bearing your guests’ dietary requirements in mind.
| Criterion | What to check | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Storage and serving | Insulated transport, storage instructions on the box and serving the ice lollies after the hunt. | If I need to transport the ice lollies and then wait until the game is over, I want to be able to serve them while they’re still frozen; around 36% of consumers would make these arrangements their top priority. |
| Dessert recipe | Flavour, coating, inclusions and individual portions. | When adding to a party spread, I’m mainly looking for a recipe with flavours and textures my guests will enjoy; around 29% of consumers would put this first. |
| Allergens and dietary requirements | Ingredients, highlighted allergens and any may-contain warnings on the product you buy. | If a guest needs to avoid certain ingredients, my first concern is choosing a box that suits their needs; around 21% of consumers would prioritise this check. |
| Number of portions | Number of ice lollies per box and how many you need for your guests. | If several guests are expecting dessert, I need to be able to give everyone a portion rather than relying on the pack’s weight alone; around 14% of consumers would put portion count first. |
If an ice lolly is left outside the storage conditions stated on its box, it may no longer be suitable to serve as intended. The NUII Anatolian Pistachio product listed by Auchan carries storage instructions requiring it to be kept at −18 °C.
Keep the boxes in the freezer and take out only the ice lollies you’ll serve once the game is over.
Magnum says its Vegan Almond product contains almonds and may contain milk, soya and other nuts. So the range name alone isn’t enough to help you choose an ice lolly for someone with an allergy.
Read the label on every box you buy and keep it handy while serving; provide a separate dessert if needed.
Pack sizes vary by product: Magnum’s Mini Double Chocolate comes in a box of six portions, while ALDI’s product listing for MUCCI double-coated ice lollies states that it contains four.
Count how many people you need to serve, then check the number of ice lollies shown on each pack.
The brand offers ice lollies and mini ice lollies. It describes its Signature collection as inspired by haute couture, with recipes that combine coatings, inclusions and an ice-cream centre.
Auchan’s Anatolian Pistachio product combines pistachio, cream, white chocolate and wafer pieces.
Carrefour’s ice lolly range includes double chocolate and pistachio-chocolate recipes under this brand.
ALDI offers a pack of four double-coated ice lollies under this brand, available in several flavours.
These ice lollies and lolly-style sorbets make a handy individual dessert to serve after the hunt. Compare the recipes and pack sizes, then check the labels before offering them to your guests.
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A pistachio option for an individual dessert after the hunt.
Four ice lollies, 312 g per box; the product name specifies a white chocolate coating.
If you have an allergy, check the box for information on ingredients including milk, pistachio and soya. Follow the storage instructions and do not refreeze once thawed.
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A coconut lolly-style sorbet for individual servings at the end of the game.
Four ice lollies, 280 g per box.
Check the allergen information on the packaging. The product listing states that it is not suitable for children under 36 months; also follow the storage instructions and do not refreeze once thawed.
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A pistachio option to consider if five people each need an ice lolly after the hunt.
Five portions of 70 ml.
If a guest needs to avoid milk or pistachio, check the label before serving this product. Follow the storage instructions on the box.
No. It’s best to serve them after the hunt rather than leaving them in hiding places during the game. For transporting frozen food, Anses recommends using an insulated bag and keeping the journey as short as possible. Then store the boxes according to the instructions on their packaging.
Not necessarily: the fact that it’s plant-based doesn’t tell you everything about its allergens. Magnum says Vegan Almond contains almonds and may contain milk, soya and other nuts. Check the box for any ingredients your guest needs to avoid.
First, check the ingredients, allergens, number of portions and storage instructions for the product you’ve bought. For prepacked food in France, DGCCRF states, among other things, that allergens must be highlighted in the ingredients list.
Count how many people will have an ice lolly, then add up the number of pieces shown on the boxes you’ve chosen. As a guide when comparing different products, Magnum states that Mini Double Chocolate has six portions, while ALDI’s listing for MUCCI double-coated ice lollies states that it has four. Make separate plans for desserts for guests with dietary requirements.