Who is this choice for?

Consumers who look for the Fairtrade label

You want to be able to spot the Fairtrade/Max Havelaar label on the ice lolly you choose, rather than relying on a general claim about the cocoa.

Consumers mindful of their evening portion

You want to compare the size of the lolly, as well as the energy, sugars and saturated fatty acids per portion for the flavour you’re considering.

Consumers who need to check allergens

You need to read the allergen list and any ‘may contain’ statements for the specific recipe and pack size.

What should you check?

When choosing a chocolate ice lolly for a late-night snack, check the certification you’re looking for first, then the portion size. Allergens and storage need to be checked separately.

Criteria What to check Who it matters to
Fairtrade label Look for the Fairtrade/Max Havelaar label on the product. If it features an arrow, check the back to see which ingredients are certified and how they’re traced, as explained by Max Havelaar France. I want an ice lolly whose certification matches exactly what I’m looking for, rather than a different claim about the cocoa. This would be the top priority for around 42% of consumers.
Portion size and nutritional values Compare the size of the lolly and, for the exact flavour, the energy, sugars and saturated fatty acids per portion. For a late-night snack, I’d rather know what’s in the lolly I’m about to eat than compare the boxes alone. Around 25% of consumers would put this first.
Allergens and storage Check the allergens and ‘may contain’ statements for the product you’ve chosen. Also plan how you’ll get it back into the freezer after buying it. If the recipe needs to meet my dietary requirements, I also want to keep the ice lolly cold on the way home. This would come before other considerations for around 33% of consumers.

Mistakes to avoid

  • Confusing cocoa certifications

    Rainforest Alliance certification doesn’t prove that an ice lolly carries the Fairtrade/Max Havelaar label you’re looking for.

    If Fairtrade is essential for you, look for its label on the packaging and read the details about the certified ingredients.

  • Using nutritional values for a different flavour

    The portion sizes and nutritional information for one product don’t necessarily apply to another flavour or pack size from the same brand.

    Check the energy, sugars and saturated fatty acids per portion on the packaging of the product you’re buying.

  • Forgetting to check the label and plan the journey home

    Allergen information depends on the recipe. The ice lolly also needs to stay cold on the way home from the shops.

    Check the information for the exact flavour and plan your journey so you can put the ice lolly back in the freezer quickly. Anses notes that keeping food at a low temperature limits the growth of micro-organisms.

Brands to know when comparing

Magnum

Magnum offers a useful point of comparison for chocolate-coated ice lollies, but its cocoa certification alone doesn’t establish that a product is Fairtrade/Max Havelaar certified.

  • According to Magnum France, all the cocoa used by the brand comes from Rainforest Alliance-certified farms.
  • For Classic x4 and Double Chocolat x4, Magnum France explains that certified cocoa is mixed with non-certified cocoa under a mass balance system. Check the label, portion size and allergens for the product you’re interested in separately.

Joybuy products

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

How can you recognise a Fairtrade/Max Havelaar ice lolly?

Look for the Fairtrade/Max Havelaar label on the packaging of the specific product. Max Havelaar France explains that when the label features an arrow, the back of the packaging provides details about the certified ingredients and their traceability.

Does Magnum’s Rainforest Alliance cocoa meet the Fairtrade criteria?

No. Rainforest Alliance is a separate certification and doesn’t prove that a product carries the Fairtrade/Max Havelaar label. Magnum France says it uses cocoa from Rainforest Alliance-certified farms; you’ll need to check the label on each ice lolly you’re considering separately.

Which nutritional values should you compare for an ice lolly eaten in the evening?

Compare the portion size, as well as the energy, sugars and saturated fatty acids for the exact flavour. By way of an example for this specific product, Magnum France lists a portion of Classic x4 as containing 233 kcal, 20 g of sugars and 10 g of saturated fatty acids. These values don’t apply to other ice lollies.

How should you transport ice lollies after shopping?

Keep them out of the cold for as little time as possible and put them back in the freezer promptly. Anses notes that storing food at a low temperature slows the growth of micro-organisms.