Who are these criteria important to?

Consumers who value the Fairtrade label

You want to know which ingredients carry a Fairtrade/Max Havelaar guarantee, without mistaking another cocoa certification for this label.

Consumers keeping an eye on fat

You compare the nutritional values for the exact product: neither a mini size nor a responsible sourcing scheme tells you how much fat it contains.

Consumers who want to stick with a chocolate-coated lolly

You prefer the ice cream lolly format, while checking the certification you’re looking for, the ingredients and the allergens in each recipe.

What should you check before choosing?

Start by checking the criterion you’re not willing to compromise on, then check the second one on the same product. Fairtrade information doesn’t tell you about its nutritional values, and a chocolate-coated lolly won’t necessarily carry the label you’re looking for.

Criterion What to check Who it matters to
Fairtrade guarantee Look for Fairtrade/Max Havelaar on the exact product and identify which ingredients it covers. Ben & Jerry’s France lists Fairtrade ingredients in some recipes, for example. If a specific Fairtrade guarantee is my top priority, I want to know which ingredients it covers; around 38% of consumers prioritise this proof.
Fat Compare fat content using the same unit. For a “low fat” claim, the European regulation published on EUR-Lex sets a maximum of 3 g per 100 g for solids and 1.5 g per 100 ml for liquids. When low fat content is my priority, the portion size doesn’t help me assess the recipe; around 37% of consumers prioritise this criterion.
Format and ingredients Check the format, ingredients list, highlighted allergens and any “may contain” statements on the pack you choose. The DGCCRF reminds consumers that allergens must be highlighted in the ingredients list. I want to stick with a chocolate-coated lolly, but its ingredients must suit my needs; around 25% of consumers prioritise this format and check.

What should you avoid confusing?

  • Assuming a mini lolly is low in fat

    The individual portion size doesn’t change the fat content shown in the nutritional information. Carrefour’s product listing for Magnum Almond gives 16 g of fat per 100 ml.

    Check the value given per 100 g or per 100 ml, and don’t assume a product is “low fat” just because it’s small.

  • Confusing Rainforest Alliance with Fairtrade/Max Havelaar

    Carrefour says the cocoa in Magnum Almond is Rainforest Alliance certified; this isn’t the same as the Fairtrade/Max Havelaar label.

    If Fairtrade is a must for you, look for that claim on the exact product you choose and check which ingredients it applies to.

  • Relying on the brand rather than the recipe when checking allergens

    Ingredients and “may contain” statements can vary between lollies. Carrefour’s Classic’ product listing, for example, notes possible traces of cereals containing gluten, peanuts, nuts, soya and eggs for the product shown.

    Read the ingredients list and check the highlighted allergens on the pack you buy.

Brands to consider based on your criteria

Ben & Jerry’s

Worth considering if your priority is Fairtrade information about specific ingredients, rather than the lolly format.

  • Ben & Jerry’s France says the sugar, cocoa and vanilla in its Chocolate Fudge Brownie recipe are Fairtrade-sourced.
  • The products considered here are ice creams in tubs. Carrefour’s Cookie Dough listing gives 13 g of fat per 100 ml: the Fairtrade claim doesn’t mean it’s low in fat.

Magnum

Worth considering if you’re looking for a chocolate-coated lolly and want to understand exactly which certifications are mentioned.

  • Carrefour’s product listing for Magnum Almond mentions Rainforest Alliance certified cocoa under a mass balance system.
  • This isn’t a Fairtrade/Max Havelaar guarantee. The same listing gives 16 g of fat per 100 ml; also check for milk, almonds and any statements about other nuts.

Carrefour Classic’

Worth considering if you want to compare chocolate-coated lollies by checking the ingredients for each product.

  • Carrefour’s listing for the chocolate and vanilla-chocolate assortment details the ingredients and allergens to check before you buy.
  • Check the pack you choose separately for a Fairtrade/Max Havelaar label and its fat content; the ingredients vary between the lollies in the assortment.

Joybuy products related to this topic

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

When can an ice cream carry a “low fat” claim?

The European regulation published on EUR-Lex limits this claim to 3 g of fat per 100 g for solids, or 1.5 g per 100 ml for liquids. Check the product’s form and the unit used: a small portion isn’t enough to establish that it meets the criteria.

Does Rainforest Alliance cocoa meet a Fairtrade/Max Havelaar requirement?

No, these claims aren’t interchangeable. Carrefour’s product listing for Magnum Almond mentions Rainforest Alliance; if you require Fairtrade/Max Havelaar, look for that guarantee on the exact product and identify which ingredients it covers.

What should you check on an ice cream lolly label if you have dietary requirements?

Read the ingredients, highlighted allergens, any “may contain” statements and the nutritional information for the product you’re buying. The DGCCRF reminds consumers that allergens must be highlighted; ingredients can vary within the same brand.

How do you compare the fat content of two ice creams?

Compare values on the same basis, for example per 100 g with per 100 g, or per 100 ml with per 100 ml. If one of the ice creams claims to be “low fat”, also check the threshold that applies to its form under the European regulation published on EUR-Lex.