Who is this choice for?

Parents of children under 3

Before comparing labels, you’re looking for a snack that’s right for your child’s age. Manger Bouger recommends avoiding sugary foods and drinks before the age of 3.

Parents of older children who care about Fairtrade

If you’re considering an occasional ice lolly, you’ll want to check for the Fairtrade/Max Havelaar mark on the product you choose, without confusing it with another cocoa certification.

People who are mindful of allergens

Check the ingredients list and warnings on the product you buy, rather than relying on the details for another product from the same brand.

What should you look for?

Start with your child’s age. If you’re considering an ice lolly for an older child, check what the Fairtrade mark covers, then look at the ingredients and portion size of the product you’ve chosen.

Criteria What to check Who it matters to
Age and snacks Check your child’s age: Manger Bouger recommends avoiding sugary foods before the age of 3. If my child is under 3, I want to choose their snack before thinking about an ice lolly’s label; around 40% of consumers prioritise this age-related consideration.
Fairtrade mark Look for the Fairtrade/Max Havelaar mark on the exact product and check which ingredients it applies to; don’t confuse it with Rainforest Alliance. When choosing an ice lolly for an older child, I want to know exactly what the Fairtrade mark covers; around 40% of consumers put this first.
Ingredients and portion size Check the ingredients, highlighted allergens, ‘may contain’ warnings, sugars and portion size on the packaging. If I need to account for specific ingredients or allergens, the recipe of the product I choose matters more than its label; around 20% of consumers prioritise this check.

Mistakes to avoid

  • Confusing Fairtrade/Max Havelaar with Rainforest Alliance

    Magnum says its cocoa comes from Rainforest Alliance-certified farms. This doesn’t prove that a Magnum ice lolly carries the Fairtrade certification you’re looking for.

    Check the packaging of the exact product for the logo or mark that matches your criteria, and see which ingredients it applies to.

  • Making ice lollies a regular snack for children under 3

    Manger Bouger recommends avoiding sugary foods and drinks before the age of 3. A fair trade mark doesn’t change this dietary guidance.

    Check your child’s age first. If they’re under 3, don’t choose an ice lolly as their snack.

  • Relying on the label without checking the ingredients

    Allergen warnings vary from product to product. For example, Magnum says its White Chocolate & Cookies x4 may contain traces of several cereals, soya and nuts.

    Check the ingredients list and warnings on the packaging of the product you buy, especially if you need to avoid an allergen.

Brands and retailers to know

Ben & Jerry's

The brand provides Fairtrade information for some tubs of ice cream, including Chocolate Fudge Brownie Non-Dairy.

  • According to the product information published by Ben & Jerry’s France, the sugar, cocoa and vanilla in this product are Fairtrade, using a mass balance approach, and account for 47% of the total weight excluding water.
  • This is a tub, not an ice lolly; its Fairtrade mark doesn’t tell you about the ingredients in any ice lolly the brand might make.

Magnum

Magnum chocolate-coated ice lollies let you explore the format, but don’t in themselves meet the Fairtrade criterion.

  • Magnum says its cocoa comes from Rainforest Alliance-certified farms.
  • Rainforest Alliance certification isn’t proof of Fairtrade certification. Check the ingredients and allergen warnings for each product.

Carrefour

The retailer lists categories for ice lollies, children’s ice creams and mini formats.

  • These categories can help you find the format you’re looking for before checking a specific product.
  • A product category isn’t enough to establish that a particular ice lolly carries a Fairtrade mark. Check the product information and packaging for the one you choose.

Joybuy products related to ice lollies

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

Is a Fairtrade ice lolly suitable as a regular snack for a child under 3?

No. Manger Bouger recommends avoiding sugary foods and drinks before the age of 3. Certification for some ingredients doesn’t change this guidance.

How can I check what the Fairtrade mark covers?

Read the Fairtrade/Max Havelaar mark on the exact product and identify which ingredients it applies to. For example, Ben & Jerry’s France product information for Chocolate Fudge Brownie Non-Dairy states that the sugar, cocoa and vanilla are Fairtrade, using a mass balance approach, and account for 47% of the total weight excluding water. However, this is a tub of ice cream.

Does Rainforest Alliance certification for cocoa mean it’s Fairtrade?

No. Magnum says its cocoa is Rainforest Alliance-certified; this doesn’t confirm that the product is Fairtrade-certified.

Where can I check the allergens in an ice lolly?

Check the ingredients list and warnings on the packaging of the product you buy. The European Commission says that the main allergens in the ingredients must be highlighted in this list; also check separately for any ‘may contain’ warnings.