For an individual dessert, choose a full-size ice lolly; for a buffet where guests can help themselves to several desserts, opt for mini lollies or frozen bites. Then compare the recipes and check the allergens on the packs you buy. Your presentation can set the Halloween mood without assuming that the ice creams come with themed decorations or packaging.
You’re looking for a recipe that combines ice cream with a chocolate coating, caramel or inclusions, to finish the meal with one lolly per person. The recipes from Magnum and Häagen-Dazs make it easy to compare these features before you choose.
You’d prefer small portions that guests can pick up without cutting, especially if you’re serving several desserts. In that case, the number of mini lollies or bites in the box matters more than its total weight alone.
If a guest needs to avoid certain ingredients, check the allergens and any ‘may contain’ warnings on every box you serve. The lolly recipes described by Magnum, Häagen-Dazs and Carrefour don’t all contain the same ingredients.
First decide how you’ll serve the ice creams, then compare the recipe and label on each product. Remember to plan how you’ll get them into the freezer before the party.
| Criteria | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Recipe and textures | Check the coating, sauce and inclusions actually listed for the recipe you’ve chosen. | If I’m serving a lolly as a dessert in its own right, I’m looking for a particular combination of ice cream, chocolate and caramel. Around 30% of consumers might put this combination at the top of their list of criteria. |
| Portion size | Compare the number and size of the portions: full-size lolly, mini lolly or frozen bite. | For a buffet, I want to offer small portions without having to cut up the desserts. Around 30% of consumers might prioritise this ease of serving. |
| Allergens | Read the ingredients, declared allergens and ‘may contain’ warnings on every box you buy. | If I’m hosting someone with an allergy, I need to be able to make an informed choice about what I serve them. Around 30% of consumers might make this check their main criterion. |
| Storage | Check the product’s storage instructions, make sure you have room in the freezer, and plan when you’ll collect or receive it. | If a journey or delivery could delay putting the desserts away, I need to plan storage before ordering. Around 10% of consumers might put this consideration first. |
Chocolate, biscuits and nuts can come with allergens or ‘may contain’ warnings. You can’t judge what a product contains from its flavour alone.
Check every pack before serving, and provide a separate dessert if your guests’ needs call for it.
Four full-size lollies, six mini lollies and twelve bites aren’t served in the same way at a party.
Start with the number of portions you want and how you’ll serve them, then compare the number of units in each box.
Whether you’re collecting your order, having it delivered or taking it home yourself, you need to be able to store the frozen desserts promptly and according to the product’s instructions.
Check your delivery or collection slot and make sure you have enough freezer space before buying. The Carrefour and Joybuy listings cited for these products specify storage at −18 °C; the Carrefour listing says not to refreeze a product once it has thawed.
A caramel or chocolate lolly won’t necessarily come with Halloween-themed decoration or packaging.
Create the theme with your table setting. If themed packaging matters to you, check this on the product you choose.
The range includes chocolate-coated lollies and smaller formats, which you can compare depending on whether you’re planning an individual dessert or a buffet.
Some of the brand’s lollies combine ice cream with caramel, chocolate or biscuit pieces.
The vanilla, caramel, milk chocolate and almond recipe is an option to consider if you’re looking for a lolly that contains nuts.
Aldi lists Mucci lollies with a double coating in a pack of four.
This selection includes lollies for serving individually or sharing, as well as frozen bites for a buffet. Choose your preferred format first, then check the ingredients and storage instructions on each box.
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Worth considering if you’re serving a caramel lolly as an individual dessert. The product comes in a 284 g pack; check the allergens on the box and store it at −18 °C.
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A pack of four lollies for individual portions with white chocolate and almonds. As it contains milk and almonds, check the label if any of your guests have relevant allergies; store the box at −18 °C.
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This pack of eight lollies could be a good choice if you’re planning several individual portions. The recipe is described as vanilla and almond; check the label for milk, almonds and possible traces of other nuts before serving.
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Four individual portions to consider if you’re looking for a recipe with caramel, white chocolate and pecans. Check all allergen and ‘may contain’ warnings on the packaging, then store the product at −18 °C.
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These frozen bites, rather than ice lollies on sticks, are ideal for serving in small portions at a buffet. Check the warnings for gluten, milk and soya, as well as possible traces of egg and nuts; store at −18 °C.
Read the label on every box you plan to serve, including any warnings about possible traces. Some chocolate, biscuit or nut recipes contain ingredients such as milk, soya, wheat or almonds. Don’t rely on the flavour name alone to tell you what’s in them.
Mini lollies are handy if guests want smaller portions or would like to try several desserts. For an individual dessert after a meal, a full-size lolly may be a better fit. Compare the number of units in each box before you buy.
No. Carrefour’s storage information says not to refreeze a product once it has thawed. Follow the temperature on the packaging; the Carrefour and Joybuy listings cited for these ice creams specify −18 °C.
No, check the packaging on the product you buy as well. Häagen-Dazs recommends referring to it for up-to-date information on ingredients, allergens and nutritional values.