If Fairtrade is your deciding factor when choosing an ice cream lolly to give or share this Valentine’s Day, look for the Fairtrade/Max Havelaar mark on the packaging and check which ingredients it covers. Rainforest Alliance certification for the cocoa does not prove that the lolly is Fairtrade. Also check the number of lollies, allergens and storage instructions.
You want to check that the product you’re giving as a gift meets Fairtrade standards, rather than relying on a brand’s general commitment. Look for the Fairtrade/Max Havelaar mark on the product and check which ingredients it applies to.
You’re looking for lollies that are ready to serve for two or as part of a small meal. The number of lollies matters, but you should also check the mark you’re looking for, the allergens and the storage instructions.
You’re checking the number of lollies and the quantity in each box to find a suitable size. A large box alone tells you nothing about whether its ingredients are certified.
When choosing a Valentine’s Day ice cream lolly, start with what matters most to you: proof of Fairtrade certification on the product, a size that’s easy to share, or practical considerations for your meal. The Rainforest Alliance mark shown for the cocoa in some Magnum and Auchan lollies should not be confused with Fairtrade/Max Havelaar.
| Criteria | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Fairtrade proof | The Fairtrade/Max Havelaar mark on the exact product and the ingredients covered by the claim. | I want to be able to identify the Fairtrade status of the dessert I’m giving by looking at the packaging, rather than inferring it from another cocoa certification. Around 42% of consumers would put this proof at the top of their list of criteria. |
| Size to share | The number of lollies, net weight and flavour of the box you’re considering. | For a dessert for two, I want to choose a suitable number of lollies without automatically opting for a large multipack. Around 33% of consumers would have the same priority. |
| Practical considerations | The quantity in each box, the allergens listed and the product’s storage instructions. | I want to choose a suitable quantity and be able to transport and serve the lollies as instructed. Almost 25% of consumers would prioritise these practical considerations. |
Magnum France says its cocoa comes from Rainforest Alliance-certified farms, and an Auchan product listing mentions this certification for the cocoa butter. These claims do not mean that the lollies carry the Fairtrade/Max Havelaar mark.
If Fairtrade is essential to your purchase, look for the mark on the exact product and read the details about the ingredients it covers.
Lidl says it sells Fairtrade/Max Havelaar products, but a commitment covering its range does not mean that every ice cream lolly sold under its brand is certified.
Check the packaging or product listing for the item you plan to give, rather than relying solely on the retailer’s general claims.
Ingredients and trace allergen warnings vary by product. An Auchan lolly product listing says to store at −18 °C and not to refreeze after thawing.
Read the information on the pack you plan to serve, and make sure you transport it in line with the storage instructions.
The ranges from Carrefour, E.Leclerc and ALDI include boxes in different sizes. The number of lollies alone doesn’t tell you how much each portion contains.
Compare the number of lollies and the net weight to find a box that suits the number of guests.
These examples help you distinguish Fairtrade claims about specific ingredients from other commitments relating to cocoa. When choosing an ice cream lolly, always check the claim for the exact product.
Ben & Jerry’s France says that the sugar, cocoa and vanilla in its Chocolate Fudge Brownie Non-Dairy tub are Fairtrade-sourced, under a mass balance model.
Magnum France says its cocoa comes from Rainforest Alliance-certified farms.
An Auchan white chocolate ice cream lolly product listing mentions Rainforest Alliance-certified cocoa butter.
Lidl France says its range includes products carrying the Fairtrade/Max Havelaar mark.
ALDI France includes Mucci lollies among its frozen desserts.
Look for the Fairtrade/Max Havelaar mark on the packaging of the exact product, then check which ingredients the claim applies to. Fairtrade/Max Havelaar France says that a product must pass an audit before it can be sold with the mark.
No. Rainforest Alliance and Fairtrade/Max Havelaar are two different certifications. An Auchan lolly product listing mentions Rainforest Alliance-certified cocoa butter; if you’re looking for Fairtrade, check for that mark separately on the product you choose.
Yes. Fairtrade/Max Havelaar France lists ice cream among the Fairtrade-certified products available in France. This does not refer to a particular lolly, brand or shop, so check the product before buying.
Read the ingredients list and trace allergen warnings on the exact pack, as these vary by recipe. The products mentioned include warnings about milk, soya or nuts. Don’t assume that another flavour or manufacturer has the same ingredients.
Follow the instructions printed on the box you buy, and plan your journey to the freezer accordingly. An Auchan product listing says to store at −18 °C and not to refreeze a product once it has thawed.