Who is this choice for?

Organisers who prioritise the Fairtrade label

You want to be able to spot the Fairtrade/Max Havelaar label on the packaging, rather than rely on a general claim about the cocoa.

Families serving individual portions

You’re planning to give each participant an ice cream after the hunt. The number of portions, their format, allergens and keeping them cold will all affect your choice.

Shoppers comparing cocoa certifications

You’re choosing between a product carrying the Fairtrade/Max Havelaar label and an ice cream on a stick that mentions Rainforest Alliance. These labels refer to different certifications.

What should you check?

First, check the label if it’s essential to your purchase. Then choose a format that’s easy to hand out and can be stored according to the instructions.

What to consider What to check Who this matters to
Fairtrade label The Fairtrade/Max Havelaar logo on the exact product you’re buying. If there’s an arrow alongside the logo, check the information on the back about the ingredients and traceability, as explained by Fairtrade/Max Havelaar France. I want to see the Fairtrade commitment on the ice cream I’m buying, not just on another product from the same brand. Around 36% of consumers would make this label their priority.
Format and portions The number of portions and the amount per portion; for a tub, the equipment needed to serve it. If I want to hand out ice creams quickly after the hunt, I’ll choose portions that are easy to share out. Around 29% of consumers would prioritise individual portions.
Allergens and ingredients Allergens highlighted in the ingredients list and any ‘may contain’ warnings for each flavour. If I know about participants’ allergies, I need to choose each recipe accordingly. Around 21% of consumers would put this check first.
Keeping the ice creams cold The storage instructions on the packaging and how to keep the ice creams at the required temperature until serving; the DGCCRF recommends −18 °C for transport. If the ice creams are being served after an outdoor activity, I need to be able to keep them cold in the meantime. Around 14% of consumers would put this planning first.

Mistakes to avoid

  • Confusing Rainforest Alliance with Fairtrade

    Magnum France says that its cocoa is certified by Rainforest Alliance. This doesn’t mean that an ice cream on a stick carries the Fairtrade/Max Havelaar label.

    If Fairtrade is essential to your choice, look for its logo on the packaging of the exact product you’re buying. Read the accompanying information if there’s an arrow alongside the logo.

  • Assuming a certified ice cream comes on a stick

    The Joybuy listing for Ben & Jerry's that mentions Max Havelaar is for a 465 ml tub. This isn’t as easy to hand out as individually wrapped ice creams on sticks.

    Check the label, packaging and number of portions together before planning how to serve them.

    A tub may require bowls, spoons and someone to serve the ice cream.

  • Hiding ice creams along the route

    Ice cream left without a way to keep it cold can’t be stored as required during the hunt. The DGCCRF recommends −18 °C for transporting ice creams and sorbets.

    Keep the ice creams stored appropriately and hand them out after the hunt, rather than hiding them among the eggs.

  • Relying on the allergen information for a different flavour

    Ingredients vary from one product to another. The DGCCRF reminds shoppers that allergens must be highlighted on the labels of pre-packed foods.

    Check the ingredients list and any ‘may contain’ warnings on every pack you buy. Have an alternative ready if a recipe isn’t suitable for someone taking part.

Brands to consider by format

Ben & Jerry's

A Joybuy listing for the brand says that its products sold in Europe are certified by Max Havelaar. The product in question is a 465 ml tub of ice cream, not an individual ice cream on a stick.

  • The tub could work for serving in bowls with spoons if you prioritise the label over an ice cream on a stick.
  • This information doesn’t confirm the label or format of other Ben & Jerry's products. Check the packaging of the product you choose.

Magnum

The Joybuy listing for Magnum Classic shows a pack of four ice creams on sticks. Magnum France says it uses cocoa from Rainforest Alliance-certified farms.

  • The pack of ice creams on sticks makes it easy to check how many portions you’ll have to hand out.
  • Rainforest Alliance isn’t the same as the Fairtrade/Max Havelaar label. This claim alone isn’t enough if Fairtrade is a must-have for you.

Carrefour

Carrefour’s online range includes ice creams on sticks and mini versions, making it useful for comparing different pack sizes.

  • Compare the number of portions and the amount per portion to plan how you’ll hand them out.
  • A product being listed in this range doesn’t prove that it carries the Fairtrade/Max Havelaar label. Check each product individually.

Joybuy products related to this topic

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

How can you tell if an ice cream is Fairtrade/Max Havelaar certified?

Look for the label on the packaging of the ice cream you’re planning to buy. Fairtrade/Max Havelaar France explains that, if there’s an arrow alongside the logo, you should check the back of the pack to find out which ingredients are covered and what type of traceability applies.

Does Rainforest Alliance-certified cocoa in a Magnum mean the ice cream is Fairtrade?

No. Rainforest Alliance and Fairtrade/Max Havelaar are two separate certifications. Magnum France mentions cocoa certified by Rainforest Alliance, but this doesn’t prove that an ice cream on a stick carries the Fairtrade label.

What should you check for participants with allergies?

Read the ingredients list and any ‘may contain’ warnings for every flavour you’re planning to serve. According to the DGCCRF, allergens must be highlighted on the labels of pre-packed foods. Don’t assume that one recipe has the same ingredients as another.

Can you hide ice creams on sticks among the eggs?

Don’t put them along the route if you can’t keep them stored as required. The DGCCRF recommends −18 °C for transporting ice creams and sorbets. Instead, arrange to hand them out after the hunt, using a suitable way to keep them cold.