Who is this option for?

People who care about the Fairtrade label

If fair trade is your deciding factor, look for the Fairtrade/Max Havelaar label on the exact ice cream lolly. A retailer’s policy or a different cocoa certification is not a substitute.

Fans of chocolate-coated lollies from the supermarket

If you’re happy with a cocoa certification other than Fairtrade, some Magnum products highlighted by the brand and French retailers carry the Rainforest Alliance label. Check the specific product and whether it’s available at your local shop.

People keeping an eye on their evening portion

If you’re choosing a lolly for a late-night snack, compare the number of lollies in the pack, the nutritional values per serving and the allergens in the flavour you’re considering.

What should you check before buying?

Start with the label if Fairtrade is essential for you, then check the packaging and label for the product available.

What to check Checks Who it’s for
Fairtrade proof Look for Fairtrade/Max Havelaar on the packaging or product page for the exact item; don’t assume it from a Rainforest Alliance label. I want cocoa with the certification I’m looking for, not just a retailer’s commitment; around 40% of consumers would put Fairtrade proof first.
Availability and pack size Check availability at your chosen shop and how many lollies are in the pack. For an evening snack, I want a pack I can find and store at home; around 30% of consumers would prioritise availability and pack size.
Portion and sugars Read the nutritional values per serving and check how many lollies make up that serving. I’d rather know what portion my lolly represents before choosing it; portion size would be the main consideration for around 20% of consumers.
Allergens and storage Check the allergens and any possible traces listed on the pack, then follow its storage instructions. If I need to consider an ingredient or storage conditions, these details matter more than the flavour; around 10% of consumers would check them first.

Mistakes to avoid before buying

  • Confusing Rainforest Alliance with Fairtrade/Max Havelaar

    These are separate labels. Magnum France states that the Rainforest Alliance-certified cocoa in its Classic is used under a mass balance system, which involves mixing certified and non-certified cocoa. This does not prove that the lolly is Fairtrade.

    If Fairtrade is essential, check for the label on the packaging or product page for the exact item.

  • Assuming a retailer’s commitment applies to all its ice cream lollies

    ALDI refers to several possible certifications in its cocoa-sourcing policy, while Lidl France highlights Fairtrade products in its permanent range. Neither statement on its own confirms that a specific lolly is certified.

    Use these commitments to guide your search, then check the labels on the pack you choose.

  • Overlooking the food label because of the certification

    A cocoa label alone doesn’t tell you about the sugars, serving size or allergens in the recipe.

    Compare the nutritional values per serving, and read the ingredients list and allergen information for the flavour you’re buying.

  • Assuming a product you’ve seen online will be available near you

    Magnum France says product availability varies depending on the location and size of the shop.

    Check what’s available at your chosen shop or online grocery service, then check the label on the product offered.

Brands and retailers: key points

Magnum

A brand of chocolate-coated ice cream lollies, with some products stocked by French supermarkets.

  • Magnum France says the cocoa in its Classic is Rainforest Alliance certified and specifies that it uses a mass balance system.
  • This label is not proof of Fairtrade/Max Havelaar certification; check the label on each recipe for its ingredients and allergens.

MUCCI® (ALDI)

A range of ice creams and sorbets from ALDI France, including ice cream lollies.

  • ALDI France describes the MUCCI range as made with Rainforest-certified cocoa.
  • ALDI’s general cocoa policy does not mean that every MUCCI lolly is Fairtrade.

Lidl France

A retailer that highlights Fairtrade/Max Havelaar products in its permanent range.

  • Lidl France stated that it had 114 Fairtrade/Max Havelaar-labelled products in its permanent range in 2023.
  • This figure covers several categories, so check the label on any ice cream lolly you’re considering.

Carrefour

A retailer whose online range features Magnum ice creams, including lollies.

  • The range lets you browse different products and pack sizes.
  • A product appearing in this range doesn’t tell you whether it has Fairtrade certification. Check its full product details and packaging.

Joybuy products related to this topic

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

Is a Magnum lolly made with Rainforest Alliance cocoa Fairtrade?

The Rainforest Alliance label doesn’t mean a product is Fairtrade. For Magnum Classic, the brand also says its Rainforest Alliance-certified cocoa is used under a mass balance system. Look separately for Fairtrade/Max Havelaar on the product you’re interested in.

Is Lidl or ALDI’s Fairtrade policy enough to help me choose an ice cream lolly?

No. A retailer-wide commitment doesn’t automatically certify every ice cream lolly. Check for the Fairtrade/Max Havelaar label on the packaging or product page for the specific lolly.

What should I look for on the label for a late-night snack?

Check the number of lollies in the pack, the stated serving size, sugars per serving and allergens. The nutritional information and ingredients list should match the flavour you actually choose.

How should I store ice cream lollies before eating them?

Follow the temperature and any other storage instructions on the packaging. Check these details on the product you buy rather than relying on information from another product.

Will a product I’ve spotted online be available in store?

Not necessarily: Magnum France says availability varies depending on the location and size of the shop. Check what’s available at your chosen store and make sure the pack on offer carries the labels you’re looking for.