If Fairtrade/Max Havelaar is a must for your Epiphany celebration, check that the specific ice cream you plan to buy carries the label. The Rainforest Alliance certification listed for Magnum stick ice creams does not replace it. An Auchan product listing mentions Fairtrade/Max Havelaar for a tub of Ben & Jerry’s ice cream, not an ice cream stick. Your choice will also depend on how you plan to serve it, any allergens and the information provided by your chosen retailer.
You want to see Fairtrade/Max Havelaar on the specific product you choose, rather than relying on a general brand commitment. Max Havelaar France advises checking the details on the back when the label includes an arrow.
You want to serve everyone an ice cream without having to share a tub. Carrefour’s listing for Magnum Double Chocolate ice cream sticks mentions Rainforest Alliance-certified cocoa. Check the certification separately if Fairtrade/Max Havelaar is essential.
You compare the ingredients list and ‘may contain’ statements for each product. A ‘vegan’ or ‘gluten-free’ label doesn’t mean you can skip checking for other allergens. For example, Magnum says its Vegan Almond ice cream stick may contain milk, soya and other nuts.
When choosing ice cream for Epiphany, first decide whether the Fairtrade/Max Havelaar label or individual sticks are essential. Then check the exact product and the terms of purchase.
| Criteria | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Fairtrade/Max Havelaar label | Whether the specific product carries the label, which ingredients it covers and any traceability details on the back. | I want verifiable Fairtrade/Max Havelaar certification, even if that means considering a tub instead of an ice cream stick; around 36% of consumers would prioritise this criterion. |
| Ingredients and allergens | The ingredients list and ‘may contain’ statements for the specific product. | Before serving the ice cream, I need to know whether its ingredients and warnings are suitable for the guests concerned. This would be a priority for around 29% of consumers. |
| Individual portions | The number of ice cream sticks and the quantity per portion, followed by the product’s exact certification. | I’d rather give each guest their own ice cream than share a tub, even if that means reconsidering my label requirement; almost 21% of consumers would prioritise individual portions. |
| Availability and storage | The chosen retailer’s product listing, collection or delivery options, and storage instructions. | I want to be able to get the product I’ve chosen for the occasion and store it as instructed. For around 14% of consumers, this would be their top purchasing criterion. |
Magnum says its cocoa is sourced from Rainforest Alliance-certified suppliers. This does not confirm that the ice cream stick carries the Fairtrade/Max Havelaar label.
If Fairtrade/Max Havelaar is your priority, look for the label on the exact product and read the details on its packaging.
The Auchan listing that mentions Fairtrade/Max Havelaar for Ben & Jerry’s is for a tub of ice cream. It doesn’t confirm that the same label applies to an ice cream stick.
Decide whether certification or individual portions matter more before you choose, then check the format and label of the product you’ve selected.
A dietary claim alone doesn’t tell you about every ingredient or possible traces. Magnum’s Vegan Almond ice cream stick is described as gluten-free, but according to Magnum it may contain milk, soya and other nuts.
Read the ingredients list and ‘may contain’ statements for the exact product.
If you’re planning to buy something for a specific date, check the product you’re interested in with your chosen retailer and for your preferred ordering method.
Before ordering, check the format, label, allergens and storage instructions shown for that product.
Worth considering if a tub suits the way you’re serving ice cream at Epiphany and you’re looking for a Fairtrade/Max Havelaar statement on the product listing.
Worth considering if a chocolate-coated ice cream stick matters more to you than the specific Fairtrade/Max Havelaar label.
The Rainforest Alliance statement alone isn’t enough to confirm this. Magnum and Carrefour mention it for the cocoa in the ice cream sticks shown. If you require Fairtrade/Max Havelaar, look for that label on the specific product or its listing.
Check which ingredients the label applies to and read the traceability details. Max Havelaar France notes in particular that when the label is accompanied by an arrow, you should check the back of the packaging.
No. You need to check the allergens and warnings for the exact product. Magnum says its Vegan Almond ice cream stick may contain milk, soya and other nuts, even though it is described as gluten-free.
Check the mandatory information for the specific product, particularly details that let you verify its ingredients, allergens and storage requirements. The European Commission states that food sold online must provide the same mandatory information as food sold in shops. Also check the format and label shown on the listing you’ve chosen.