For a Halloween party, start by working out how many guests you need to serve, then choose between standard sticks and mini portions depending on how you plan to hand them out. An assorted pack lets you offer a choice of flavours, but check the allergens for each product, as well as the transport and storage instructions, before you buy.
If several guests will be helping themselves, the number of lollies in a box is more useful for planning than the total weight alone. Also think about the choice of flavours and how much freezer space you’ll need for the boxes.
Mini lollies can be a good choice if you’d like to offer children a smaller ice lolly or let everyone try several flavours. Still, count how many there are in the pack in case some guests are likely to come back for more.
Ingredients vary between products and flavours. Before serving an assorted pack, check the ingredients and allergen information on the exact box you’ve bought, especially if a guest needs to avoid milk, soya or nuts.
When planning how to serve them, compare the number and size of the lollies first, then check the flavours, allergens and storage instructions.
| What to consider | What to check | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Number of portions | Count how many guests are likely to want an ice lolly, then compare the number in each box rather than looking at its total weight alone. | I want to serve my group without opening too many boxes or ending up with lots left over; around 36 % of consumers put the number of portions first. |
| Size of the ice lollies | Look for the word “mini” and check how many lollies there are; check the amount per lolly if it’s given. | I’d prefer to offer smaller portions for children or a tasting table; size is the top priority for around 29 % of consumers. |
| Flavours and allergens | Compare the flavours in the pack and check the ingredients, allergens and “may contain” warnings on the exact product. | I want guests to have a choice of flavours without accidentally serving something unsuitable; around 21 % of consumers prioritise this check. |
| Transport and storage | Use an insulated bag for the journey and check the storage instructions, as well as how much freezer space you have for the boxes. | If travelling or storage makes planning difficult, I need to be able to keep the ice lollies in the conditions specified; this is the main concern for around 14 % of consumers. |
Two boxes of a similar weight don’t necessarily contain the same number of lollies or portions of the same size. For a party, this affects how many you’ll be able to hand out.
Compare the number of lollies, then check whether they’re mini or standard size, before considering the total weight.
The flavours in the same box may have different ingredients. Product information from Auchan and Carrefour shows why it’s worth checking for milk, soya, almonds and possible traces of nuts, depending on the product.
Read the label on the box you plan to serve, and don’t assume it has the same ingredients as another flavour or product from the same brand.
A long journey makes it harder to keep ice lollies at the right temperature. Anses recommends buying frozen products at the end of your shop, using an insulated bag and keeping the journey as short as possible.
Make room for the boxes and put the products away in the freezer as soon as you get home, following the instructions on the packaging.
The products featured by Carrefour and Auchan include standard sticks as well as mini assortments.
Carrefour’s ice lolly range includes an Extra mini assortment of 8 lollies and a box of 12 Classic’ sticks.
Auchan offers, among other products, an assorted pack of 8 mini ice lollies and fruit ice lollies.
E.Leclerc offers, among other products, an assortment of 20 Smicy sticks, which is worth considering if the number of lollies matters for serving.
These products offer a few ways to plan individual portions for Halloween: assorted packs, mini lollies, single flavours and boxes with more lollies. Compare the number of portions with what you need, then check the information for the product you choose before serving.
Image unavailable
The 12 lollies make it easy to serve individual portions while offering a choice of flavours.
The box is listed as containing 5 flavours and weighing 1200 g in total. Check the exact label for ingredients and allergens before serving.
Image unavailable
This mini size is a good choice if you’d like to offer smaller portions and a few different flavours. Remember to factor in all 6 lollies when planning how to serve them.
The box is listed as weighing 254 g. Check the ingredients and allergen information, especially if a guest needs to avoid milk or nuts.
Image unavailable
The 12 lollies can be handed out as individual portions among your guests.
The name indicates Orange & Cherry flavour and a total weight of 444 g. Check the flavours on the packaging before counting on this assortment, and read the allergen information for the product you buy.
Image unavailable
Compare the stated quantity of 64 lollies with the number of guests and the space you have available to prepare them.
Each lolly is listed as 105 ml. If you plan to serve them frozen, check the preparation and storage instructions before buying.
Image unavailable
These 8 melon-flavoured sticks could be a good choice if you’re planning to offer this flavour to some of your guests, rather than a selection of flavours.
Each stick is listed as 70 ml. Check the exact label for ingredients and allergens before serving.
Start by counting how many guests are likely to want an ice lolly, then compare that with the number in each box. The total weight alone won’t tell you how many portions you can serve. If you choose mini lollies, also allow for some guests wanting more than one.
Choose mini lollies if you’d like to offer smaller portions or let people try a few different flavours. However, a mini pack won’t necessarily contain more lollies than a box of standard sticks, so check the quantity before planning how to serve them.
Read the ingredients and allergen information on the exact box you’re going to serve. In France, the DGCCRF says allergenic ingredients must be highlighted on the label; also check for any “may contain” warnings on each relevant product.
Pick up frozen products at the end of your shop, use an insulated bag and keep the journey short, in line with Anses recommendations. When you get home, follow the storage instructions on the packaging of the products you’ve bought.