Who is this choice for?

Shoppers looking for two specific labels

You want the same ice cream lolly to carry both a “gluten-free” claim and the Fairtrade/Max Havelaar logo. The brand name or a general commitment to cocoa is not enough to confirm both of these points.

Shoppers open to a different cocoa certification

Your priority is a product explicitly labelled gluten-free, and you’re happy for its cocoa to be certified by Rainforest Alliance rather than Fairtrade/Max Havelaar. Magnum uses these claims for Classic x4 and Vegan Almond x3.

Households checking for several allergens

As well as gluten, you need to check the recipe’s allergens and any “may contain” warnings. Depending on the ice cream lolly, milk, soya or nuts may need to be checked separately.

What should you check?

First check the exact product for gluten and any other relevant allergens, then look for the label you want on that same product.

Fairtrade/Max Havelaar logo

Keep in mind: if this specific label is essential, choose only a product for which you can also check the gluten-free claim separately.

Limitation: seeing the logo on an ice cream or at a retailer does not mean that all its ice cream lollies carry it.

Gluten-free with Rainforest Alliance cocoa

Worth considering: if a gluten-free claim is your priority and you’re happy with a different cocoa certification, Magnum Classic x4 and Vegan Almond x3 are examples of this option.

Limitation: Rainforest Alliance is not a Fairtrade/Max Havelaar label; you’ll still need to check the allergens in each recipe.

Criteria What to check Who it’s for
Gluten-free claim The claim and ingredients list for the flavour and pack size you’re actually buying. I want to confirm that my ice cream lolly is gluten-free without assuming the same is true of other flavours in the range. Around 40% of shoppers prioritise this check.
Fair trade label The Fairtrade/Max Havelaar logo on the exact product, if that’s the label you’re looking for. If Fairtrade/Max Havelaar matters to me, another cocoa certification does not meet this criterion. Around 30% of shoppers prioritise this label.
Other allergens Allergens listed in the ingredients and any “may contain” warnings. If I need to consider several allergens, a gluten-free claim alone is not enough to make my choice. Around 20% of shoppers prioritise these other allergens.
Product availability The product and its labelling at the shop or through the grocery service you use. I need to be able to find the specific ice cream lolly while shopping, rather than relying on a retailer’s general website. Availability is the top criterion for around 10% of shoppers.

Mistakes to avoid

  • Confusing Rainforest Alliance with Fairtrade/Max Havelaar

    Magnum Classic x4 and Vegan Almond x3 carry the Rainforest Alliance label. If you specifically require Fairtrade/Max Havelaar certification, look for that label instead.

    Check for the Fairtrade/Max Havelaar logo on the product you choose; don’t treat the two labels as interchangeable.

  • Assuming a gluten-free claim applies to a whole brand

    Magnum says that some of its ice creams are not gluten-free, even though other products in the range carry this claim.

    Check the packaging for the flavour and multipack you’re buying, especially if the recipe or pack size has changed.

  • Stopping at the gluten-free claim

    A gluten-free ice cream lolly may still contain other allergens or carry a “may contain” warning. For Vegan Almond x3, Magnum specifically warns of possible traces of milk, soya and other nuts.

    If you need to avoid other allergens, check the ingredients and trace warnings separately for the exact product.

  • Assuming a retailer’s website means a product is available locally

    A general commitment to fair trade does not mean that every shop stocks an ice cream lolly that meets your criteria.

    Before you shop, check the product, its labelling and whether it’s available at your chosen shop or collection point.

Brands and retailers to consider

Magnum

In France, Magnum offers ice cream lollies whose specific product packaging carries a “gluten-free” claim, including Classic x4 and Vegan Almond x3.

  • The product pages list ingredients and allergen information; they also mention Rainforest Alliance for the cocoa.
  • Magnum does not claim that its entire range is gluten-free. Rainforest Alliance does not prove Fairtrade/Max Havelaar certification, and allergens vary by recipe.

Carrefour

Carrefour France outlines its commitment to fair trade and publishes product details for ice cream lollies, so you can check each one individually.

  • A Magnum ice cream lolly listing published by Carrefour France carries a “gluten-free” claim and a Rainforest Alliance indication.
  • The retailer’s commitment does not give this ice cream lolly the Fairtrade/Max Havelaar label; also check what your chosen shop stocks.

Aldi

A retailer worth checking if you’re looking for a product carrying the Fairtrade/Max Havelaar logo while you shop.

  • When shopping in store, look for the logo on the packaging to identify the label you want.
  • Check the gluten-free claim on each ice cream lolly separately, and make sure it’s available at your local shop.

E.Leclerc

Another retailer where it’s worth checking what’s available locally, rather than assuming an ice cream lolly meets your requirements based on the general range.

  • Packaging for an identifiable product lets you check both the label you want and its ingredients.
  • Occasional availability of labelled products does not guarantee a particular ice cream lolly or a gluten-free claim.

Joybuy products related to this choice

Products related to this topic will be available soon.

Frequently asked questions

Is a Fairtrade/Max Havelaar ice cream automatically gluten-free?

No. Fairtrade/Max Havelaar certification and a “gluten-free” claim relate to two separate criteria. If you need an ice cream lolly that meets both, check the logo, the gluten-free claim and the ingredients on the exact product.

Is the whole Magnum range gluten-free?

No. Magnum says that most of its ice creams are gluten-free, but not all of them, and advises checking the packaging for the latest information. So make sure you check the flavour and pack size you’re buying.

What should you check on the packaging before buying an ice cream lolly in France?

Check the ingredients list, allergens and any trace warnings. For this choice, also look for a gluten-free claim and the Fairtrade/Max Havelaar logo if you require that label. The DGCCRF reminds shoppers that labelling information must be visible, legible and written at least in French.

Is a plant-based ice cream lolly automatically suitable if I need to avoid milk or nuts?

No. Magnum says that Vegan Almond x3 contains almonds and may contain milk, soya and other nuts, even though this product carries a “gluten-free” claim. Check the packaging of the product you choose for all relevant allergens.