People who enjoy indulgent frozen desserts
If an afternoon treat is a moment of pleasure, recipes combining ice cream, chocolate, sauce or inclusions offer a range of flavours and textures to choose from, depending on the person’s preferences.
Who are these options for?
People who are mindful of textures and ingredients
If chewing is uncomfortable or certain ingredients need to be avoided, check for crunchy pieces and read the label of the chosen recipe before serving it.
People planning several afternoon treats
When serving individual portions, the number of lollies and the size of each one matter just as much as the flavour. A smaller format may suit someone who wants a lighter dessert.
What should you look for in an afternoon treat?
Start with ingredients and textures the person can comfortably enjoy, then choose the flavour and portion size. The percentages below show each main need among consumers choosing this type of treat; they do not indicate how common these needs are among older people.
| Criterion | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Flavour and recipe | Look at the flavour, sauce, coating and any inclusions rather than relying on a range label. | To make an afternoon treat more indulgent, I look for a particular combination of chocolate, caramel or pistachio. Around 37% of consumers put flavour first. |
| Texture and allergens | Check the chosen box for crunchy pieces, the ingredients list and allergen information. | If pieces are difficult to chew or an ingredient needs to be avoided, I want to be able to rule out that recipe. Comfort and dietary suitability come first for around 27% of consumers. |
| Portion and nutritional content | Compare the size of the lolly and its nutritional information per portion, particularly sugars and fat. | When a small amount is enough for an afternoon treat, I prefer to know the portion size and what it contains. Around 18% of consumers prioritise portion size and nutritional content. |
| Pack size and availability | Check the number of lollies and the weight of the box, then confirm that the product is available from your chosen retailer. | When planning several afternoon treats, I look for a box with the right number of portions for what I’ll be serving. Pack size and availability are priorities for around 18% of consumers. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Assuming ‘luxury’ means it is a better nutritional fit
An elaborate recipe is still a dessert, and its nutritional values depend on the product and portion size. Manger Bouger points out that the nutritional needs of adults over 75 do not necessarily decrease with age.
Choose a flavour for the enjoyment of the treat, and check the nutritional information separately. If someone is losing weight unintentionally or finding it difficult to eat, ask for tailored advice rather than relying on a frozen dessert.
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Choosing crunchy pieces without considering the person
Magnum describes Signature La Pistache as containing crunchy caramelised pistachios and lists almonds in Vegan Amande. What one person enjoys may make chewing difficult for someone else or may not suit their dietary restrictions.
Ask whether the pieces are comfortable to eat, and check the ingredients, allergens and ‘may contain’ statements on the packaging you actually buy.
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Relying on a product without checking it is available
Purchasing options can vary by retailer and product. E.Leclerc, for example, recommends contacting the store to check the availability of certain Trium products.
Confirm availability at your chosen store or through your chosen service before planning the afternoon treat.
Without checking, you may need to make an extra trip or choose a different recipe.
Brands to consider
Magnum
Some products combine ice cream, sauce and chocolate coatings; according to Magnum, Signature La Pistache contains crunchy caramelised pistachios.
- Recipe descriptions help you compare flavours and textures.
- Check the allergens and whether the shells or inclusions will be comfortable to eat for each product.
Carrefour Sensation
The range includes Double Caramel Beurre Salé Chocolat lollies, which Carrefour sells in a box of four.
- The flavour and number of lollies help you assess this recipe as an afternoon treat.
- Check the ingredients for the exact product and confirm it is available at your chosen store.
Trium / Marque Repère E.Leclerc
E.Leclerc features milk chocolate-coated vanilla lollies with almonds, as well as a vanilla and white chocolate recipe.
- The recipes mentioned offer distinct choices of flavour and coating.
- The product information for the white chocolate recipe lists milk and soya lecithin, among other ingredients; check each pack individually.
Auchan
Auchan’s range includes ice lollies and mini lollies, which you can compare based on the portion size and texture you want.
- These formats make it easier to look for a dessert size that suits the planned afternoon treat.
- Check the ingredients and nutritional content of the product you choose.
MUCCI / Aldi
Aldi features MUCCI lollies with a double coating and mini lollies among its frozen desserts.
- The double coating and mini format offer different options for recipe and portion size preferences.
- A double coating tells you nothing about nutritional value or whether the product is suitable for someone with an allergy or difficulty chewing.
Ice lollies and frozen bars on Joybuy
These products include chocolate-coated or nut-based lollies, as well as caramel frozen bars. When choosing an afternoon treat for an older person, compare them based on texture, ingredients and the portion size you want: a frozen bar is not necessarily the same as a lolly with inclusions.
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Magnum White Chocolate Almond, 4 × 100 mL
Worth considering if the person enjoys white chocolate and almonds and can manage this texture. The box contains four 100 mL lollies; check the packaging for allergens and any ‘may contain’ information.
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POPELINO Sicilian Pistache, white coating, x4, 312 g
A pistachio option for someone who enjoys this flavour and can eat the listed ingredients. The box contains four lollies; check for pieces and allergens before serving.
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Magnum Salted Caramel & Almond, x3, 222 g
Consider this for a salted caramel and almond treat if the person can eat these ingredients and enjoys a bit of crunch. The pack contains three frozen bars; check the packaging for allergens and nutritional information per portion.
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Magnum Double Chocolat, x4, 284 g
For someone who particularly enjoys chocolate, Magnum describes this recipe as chocolate ice cream with chocolate sauce and two coatings. The box contains four lollies; consider the shell and check the nutritional information for the portion you choose.
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Mars Caramel Ice Bars, x7, 280 g
These caramel frozen bars offer a different flavour from the pistachio or almond lollies featured here. The pack contains seven bars; check the ingredients, allergens and nutritional values per bar before serving.
Frequently asked questions
Is a ‘luxury’ ice lolly necessarily better for an older person’s afternoon treat?
No. The label does not tell you whether its texture, ingredients or portion size are suitable for the person. Check the specific recipe and its nutritional information; Manger Bouger also points out that the nutritional needs of people over 75 do not necessarily decrease with age.
Should you avoid all almond or pistachio lollies?
No, not if the person can eat these ingredients and enjoys crunchy pieces. Magnum lists almonds in Vegan Amande and describes Signature La Pistache as containing crunchy caramelised pistachios. Check the allergens and texture of the product you buy before serving it.
Why check the ingredients again for a flavour you already know?
Because ingredients can vary between recipes, even within the same range. Check the packaging of the box you actually buy, particularly for allergens and ‘may contain’ statements.