Those catering for a large group
If you know how many guests are coming, boxes containing several ice lollies make it easier to work out how many portions to buy. Carrefour, E.Leclerc and ALDI, for example, offer products containing 12 ice lollies.
Who are you catering for?
Those looking for a choice of flavours and portions
If your guests have different tastes, an assortment or mini ice lollies may be more convenient than a single recipe. Carrefour, for example, offers an assortment of eight mini ice lollies.
Those who need to consider allergies
Check the ingredients of every box you choose. Carrefour’s product information for the Extra assortment and Magnum Classic lists allergenic ingredients or possible traces, so you can’t judge suitability by flavour alone.
What should you look for?
For a garden party, start by working out how many people will want an ice lolly. Then choose the formats and flavours, without letting preferences overshadow allergies or storage requirements.
| What to consider | What to check | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Number of portions | Count the guests who’ll want an ice lolly, then compare that number with the quantity shown on each box. | I’m hosting a group and want to offer everyone an ice lolly without buying too many boxes; around 33% of consumers would put the number of portions first. |
| Flavours and formats | Check whether the box contains a mix of flavours and whether the ice lollies are mini or standard size. | My guests don’t all like the same things, and some may prefer a smaller portion; variety would be the priority for around 27% of consumers. |
| Allergens | Read the ingredients and any ‘may contain’ warnings on the exact product you’re buying. | If a guest has an allergy, that should guide my choice before flavour; around 20% of consumers would prioritise the ingredients. |
| Transport and storage | Check the storage instructions and plan a suitable journey and space in the freezer. | The party is after I’ve done the shopping, so I need to keep the ice lollies frozen until they’re served; around 20% of consumers would put this planning first. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Assuming an assortment is suitable for everyone
A box containing several flavours doesn’t mean every guest can eat them. Carrefour’s product information for the Extra mini ice lolly assortment lists milk, soya and almonds, as well as possible traces of eggs and other nuts.
Ask about allergies before you shop, then check the label on the box you buy. If necessary, have a separate option available.
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Leaving the ice lollies out before serving
A long journey or boxes left out of the freezer make it harder to keep everything at the right temperature. The DGCCRF recommends following the storage temperatures shown on the packaging.
Pick up frozen foods at the end of your shop, plan how you’ll transport them and put them in the freezer as soon as possible. Take the boxes out only when you’re ready to hand them round.
Brands to know when comparing formats
Carrefour Classic’ et Carrefour Extra
Two Carrefour ranges to consider, depending on whether you’re looking for a multipack of ice lollies or an assortment of mini portions.
- Carrefour offers a box of 12 Classic’ ice lollies and an Extra assortment of eight mini ice lollies.
- The recipes differ, so check the allergens for each product, especially the Extra assortment.
Marque Repère : SMICY et TRIUM
E.Leclerc ranges offering different quantities of ice lollies, depending on the recipe.
- E.Leclerc’s range includes SMICY vanilla ice lollies in packs of 12, sorbet ice lollies and TRIUM products.
- Choose a box based on its quantity and ingredients, and check which product is available in your local shop.
MUCCI
An ALDI brand worth considering if you’re looking for a multipack of mini ice lollies.
- ALDI offers a box of 12 MUCCI mini ice lollies, with a net weight of 429 g.
- Check the format and ingredients of the box available when you shop.
Magnum
An option to consider if you want to add a vanilla-and-chocolate or almond recipe to the other ice lollies you’ve planned for the group.
- Carrefour’s product information for Magnum Classic describes a box of four 100 mL ice lollies.
- This product contains milk and may contain traces of several nuts; check the exact recipe you choose.
Auchan et Auchan Bio
The Auchan range includes several types of ice lollies, including an Auchan Bio product.
- Auchan’s range includes mini ice lollies and packs of six Auchan Bio Fruity Mix ice lollies.
- Distinguish ice lollies from frozen bars, and check how many are in each box before putting together your assortment.
Ice lollies and assortments on Joybuy
This selection includes multipacks of ice lollies, mixed flavours and a product that needs to be frozen before serving. Compare the stated number of portions and the instructions for each box.
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Maison de la Glace Water Ice Pops, 5 flavours, 12 pieces, 1200 g
A multipack to consider if you’re planning several individual portions and want to offer a choice of flavours.
Check the allergens on the packaging and follow the storage and defrosting instructions.
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CAPRI-SUN Orange & Cherry Ice Pops, 12 pieces, 444 g
This box of 12 is ideal for serving individual portions if your guests like the orange and cherry combination.
If anyone has an allergy, check the ‘may contain’ warnings on the packaging. Follow the storage instructions and don’t refreeze the product after defrosting.
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ABC JELLY Fruity Jelly Bar Assorted, 850 g
An assortment to consider if you’d like to offer a choice of flavours.
This product needs to be frozen before eating, so allow time for this before the party. Check the number of portions and read the label if any guests have allergies.
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Binggrae Melona Banana Ice Cream Bar, 8 × 70 ml
Eight banana ice lollies for guests who would prefer this flavour to an assortment.
Check the ingredients and allergens on the packaging before serving anyone with an allergy, and keep the ice lollies in the freezer until you’re ready to serve them.
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MAGNUM Vanilla Almond Ice Cream Bars, 8 pieces, 600 g
A pack of eight vanilla and almond ice lollies to consider as an extra if some guests enjoy this flavour.
The product information lists milk and almonds, as well as possible traces of other nuts, so check the packaging if anyone has an allergy. Take care with the almond pieces when serving young children.
Frequently asked questions
How many boxes should I buy for a garden party?
Count the guests who’ll want an ice lolly, then add up the quantities shown on the boxes you’re considering. You could allow for a few extra portions if you think some guests may want another; don’t estimate the number of portions based on net weight alone.
Is an assortment of mini ice lollies suitable for guests with allergies?
Not necessarily: every assortment has its own ingredients. Check the ingredients and ‘may contain’ warnings on the box you buy. Carrefour Extra, for example, lists milk, soya and almonds, as well as possible traces of eggs and other nuts.
How do I keep ice lollies frozen until they’re served?
Buy frozen foods at the end of your shop, transport them appropriately and put them in the freezer as soon as possible. The DGCCRF recommends following the storage temperature shown on each box; take the ice lollies out when you’re ready to hand them round.