Organisers serving large numbers of people
You’ll need to plan for enough portions. Compare the number of ice lollies in each box and the size of each portion before deciding how many to buy.
Who is this choice for?
People organising tastings and buffets
You’re looking for portions that are easy to hand out, and perhaps a choice of recipes. An assortment of mini lollies could work well for this type of service, as long as the flavours suit your guests.
People responsible for allergens and keeping products cold
You’ll need to check the label on each product and plan how to keep everything frozen during the journey, while waiting and when handing out the lollies.
What should you look for?
First work out how many people will have an ice lolly and how you’ll serve it. Then check the recipes and storage instructions before choosing your boxes.
| Criteria | What to check | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Number of portions | Count the lollies in each box and decide how many each person will be served. | I need to serve lots of people without running short; around 31% of consumers make this their top priority. |
| Serving format | Compare the size of the lollies and the flavours available, depending on whether you’re planning a tasting or serving one per person. | For a buffet, I’d rather have portions that are easy to hand out than a large ice lolly for everyone; around 25% of consumers prioritise this format. |
| Allergens and recipes | Read the ingredients, allergen information and any ‘may contain’ warnings on each pack you’re considering. | If any guests have allergies, I need to know exactly what’s in each recipe; around 19% of consumers prioritise this check. |
| Keeping products frozen | Check the temperature stated on the product and plan for transport, storage and any waiting time before serving. | The journey and length of the event mean I need to plan how to keep the products frozen until they’re handed out; around 25% of consumers make this their main criterion. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Choosing a box without counting the lollies
Two boxes may contain the same number of ice lollies but have different-sized portions. At Carrefour, a Classic’ box contains 12 lollies; ALDI also offers an assortment of 12 MUCCI® mini lollies.
Work out how many portions you need to serve, then compare the number and size of the lollies.
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Assuming a chocolate recipe is suitable for everyone
The Carrefour Extra mini lolly assortment lists milk, soya and almonds, and may also contain traces of eggs and other nuts. Ingredients can vary from one product to another.
Keep the packaging to hand while serving, and check the label separately for any other recipe you offer.
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Buying ice lollies without planning how to keep them frozen
A Magnum product listing states that the product should be stored at −18 °C. In France, the DRIAAF states that commercial transport of perishable food must maintain the required storage temperatures throughout the journey.
Before deciding how many to buy, check your storage capacity, the journey and the waiting time before serving. The requirements that apply to your event will depend, among other things, on how it’s organised and how the products are distributed.
You’ll also need to factor in the equipment required to keep products frozen during transport and service.
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Relying on a single product right up until festival day
A product you find online may no longer be available when you place your order. This could affect the number of portions or the recipes you’re able to offer.
Confirm availability for your serving location and find an alternative with a suitable format and labelling.
Brands and retailers to consider
Carrefour
A retailer where you can compare own-brand ice lollies and mini assortments.
- Carrefour offers, among other options, a box of 12 Classic’ chocolate and vanilla lollies. The listing for a Carrefour Extra assortment of 8 mini lollies gives the weight per lolly, ingredients and allergen information.
- Check the product and its availability at your chosen shop or collection point.
Auchan
A retailer to check if you’re deciding between different formats and recipes.
- Its range includes ice lollies, mini lollies, ice cream bars and fruit-flavoured or branded products.
- A category appearing in the catalogue doesn’t guarantee that a particular product is available at your local shop.
ALDI / MUCCI®
Worth a look if you’re considering multipacks of MUCCI® ice lollies and mini lollies.
- ALDI offers, among other options, an assortment of 12 MUCCI® mini lollies and a box of 4 lollies.
- Availability varies by product; one listing for 6 MUCCI® almond lollies showed the product as unavailable.
Magnum
A brand to consider if you’d like to offer recognisable chocolate recipes or a mini assortment.
- Magnum offers a box of mini lollies featuring Classic, Almond and White Chocolate.
- Depending on the product, the recipes listed include milk, almonds or possible traces of nuts. Check the exact packaging.
Lidl
A retailer whose frozen food range includes an ice cream category you can check at your local shop.
- Browse the category to find formats that may suit your event.
- Before choosing a box, check the product, the number of lollies and the labelling.
Products to consider on Joybuy
This selection includes ice lollies, water ice pops and sorbet sticks in multipacks. Choose a category and format to suit the portions you need to serve, then check the labelling on the product you select.
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CAPRI-SUN Orange & Cherry Ice Pops, 12 pieces, 444 g
A box of 12 water ice pops to consider if you’d like to serve individual portions in orange and cherry flavours.
Check the packaging for any allergen warnings before serving, and plan how to keep the pops frozen.
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Magnum Mini Classic, Almond & White Chocolate, 6 pieces, 254 g
The mini format and three recipes make these a good fit for a service where guests can choose from several lollies.
The recipe lists milk and possible nuts; check the label on the box you’re serving.
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Binggrae Melona Melon Ice Bar, 8 × 70 ml
With eight melon-flavoured lollies, you can serve individual portions of the same recipe.
The product description lists milk and includes a warning about the colour E102 and its effect on children’s activity and attention. Check the label before serving this product.
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POP FRUIT Sorbet Sticks 100% Coconut, 4 pieces, 280 g
These four coconut sorbet sticks could suit a small group or make a distinct option on the buffet.
The product description states that it’s made in a facility that handles several allergens and isn’t suitable for children under 36 months. Check these warnings on the packaging.
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Maison de la Glace Water Ice Pops, 5 flavours, 12 pieces, 1 200 g
With 12 water ice pops in five flavours, this assortment works well when guests value a choice of recipes.
Check the exact packaging to confirm the allergen information before serving these to anyone with allergies.
Frequently asked questions
How many boxes should I buy for a festival?
Start with the number of people you’ll be serving and how many lollies each person can have, then count the pieces in each box. Check the portion size too: 12 mini lollies and 12 standard-sized lollies don’t suit the same type of service.
When should I choose mini lollies instead of standard-sized ones?
Mini lollies are a good choice for tastings or buffets where you’re serving smaller portions. If you’re planning to give everyone a full ice lolly, check the size of a standard lolly instead. For example, Carrefour lists 8 pieces of 32 g in its Extra mini assortment.
Which allergens should I check in chocolate ice lollies?
Check the ingredients and any ‘may contain’ warnings on each box rather than assuming what’s inside based on the brand or flavour. The Carrefour Extra assortment lists milk, soya and almonds, and may also contain traces of eggs and other nuts.
What temperature should I maintain during transport?
Follow the temperature stated on the product you’re transporting: a Magnum product listing says to store it at −18 °C. For commercial transport of perishable food in France, the DRIAAF states that equipment must maintain the required storage temperatures throughout the journey. Other requirements will depend on how the festival is organised.