Hosts serving a group
If you want every guest to have an ice lolly, count the individual lollies before choosing a box. Carrefour and E.Leclerc, for example, offer packs of twelve.
Who are these formats for?
Hosts serving several desserts
Mini ice lollies or an assorted pack let you offer smaller portions or a choice of flavours. Magnum, for example, offers a box of six mini ice lollies in three flavours.
Hosts keeping an eye on ingredients
If a guest has an allergy or dietary restriction, check the label on the box you buy. Auchan’s praline ice lollies, for example, list milk and hazelnuts, and may contain traces of other nuts.
What should you look for before choosing?
First, work out how many portions you need, then take the other desserts and your guests’ dietary requirements into account.
| What to consider | What to check | Who is this for? |
|---|---|---|
| Number of portions | Count your guests and the number of lollies in each box. Check the net weight too if you’re comparing portion sizes. | I want to serve every guest without finding out at dessert time that the box doesn’t contain enough. Around 40% of consumers would make portion count their top priority. |
| Format and flavours | Check the size of the ice lollies, the flavours available and the total number in the box. | If I’m serving several desserts, I’d rather offer smaller portions or a choice of flavours. This variety would be a priority for around 30% of consumers. |
| Ingredients | Read the ingredients, listed allergens and may-contain warnings on the pack you choose. | If a guest needs to avoid certain ingredients, I can’t rely on the flavour name alone. Around 30% of consumers would make these checks a priority. |
Mistakes to avoid
-
Choosing a box without counting the ice lollies
Not every pack contains the same number: Carrefour and E.Leclerc, for example, offer boxes in different sizes.
Decide how many portions you need, then add up the number of lollies in the boxes you’re considering.
-
Assuming an assorted pack will suit everyone
Flavours that seem similar can have different ingredients. Auchan’s praline ice lollies list milk and hazelnuts, and may contain traces of other nuts.
Read the label on each product you buy. Only plan an alternative if its ingredients are suitable for the guests concerned.
-
Leaving your ice lollies out after shopping
For frozen food, the DGCCRF advises picking it up last, carrying it in an insulated bag and keeping the journey time to a minimum. Auchan’s praline ice lollies also state that a thawed product must not be refrozen.
Get your insulated bag ready and make room in the freezer before you set off. Put the boxes away as soon as you get home.
-
Assuming an item will be in stock without checking the store
Lidl states that the validity period is shown on its offers, and that some stores may not stock every item in the catalogue.
Check the dates and the store shortly before you shop, and look for another format that might work.
Retailers and brands to consider
Carrefour
A retailer where you can compare regular and mini ice lollies for a group get-together.
- Carrefour’s range includes boxes of twelve ice lollies.
- Check the number of lollies and the flavours in the product available at your local store or for click and collect.
E.Leclerc
A retailer with a range of Eco+ and Marque Repère ice lollies in different formats.
- The range includes boxes of regular ice lollies and mini ice lollies.
- Check the format and selection at the store where you plan to shop.
Auchan
A retailer to browse for ice lollies, mini ice lollies and assorted packs.
- Product details for some items include ingredients and storage advice.
- Auchan’s praline ice lollies contain milk and hazelnuts. If you have an allergy, check the label on the product you choose.
Aldi
A retailer offering Mucci mini ice lollies and ice lollies with a double coating.
- The Mucci range includes a box of twelve mini ice lollies and a box of four double-coated ice lollies.
- Check whether your chosen product is available at your store when you shop.
Lidl
A retailer to check if you’re choosing your ice lollies shortly before the party.
- Lidl lists offer validity periods on its offer pages.
- Lidl says some stores may not stock every item in a catalogue, and items can’t be reserved in store.
Magnum
A brand to consider if you’d like an assortment of mini ice lollies in different flavours.
- Magnum offers an assortment of six mini ice lollies in Classic, Almond and White Chocolate flavours.
- If any guests have allergies, check the ingredients and warnings on the specific box.
Ice lollies to consider on Joybuy
These boxes include water ice lollies and ice cream lollies in individual portions. First, choose based on the number of lollies and flavours you want, then check the ingredients and storage instructions for each product.
Image unavailable
Maison de la Glace Water Ice Pops, 5 flavours, 12 pieces, 1200 g
A box to consider if you need twelve ice lollies and want to offer a choice of flavours.
If any guests have allergies, check the ingredients and warnings on the exact packaging before serving.
Image unavailable
POP POLO Water Ice Lollies, 5 flavours, 10 pieces, 700 g
This pack is a good choice if you want individual portions and a selection of flavours.
Check the pack label if any guests need to avoid allergens or may contain traces of allergens.
Image unavailable
CAPRI-SUN Orange & Cherry Ice Pops, 12 pieces, 444 g
The twelve ice lollies give you individual orange and cherry portions to serve.
If a guest has an allergy, check the ingredients and any may-contain warnings on the box you buy.
Image unavailable
Magnum Mini Classic, Almond and White Chocolate, 6 pieces, 254 g
These mini ice lollies let you offer three flavours alongside other desserts.
Magnum lists six in the box. Check the ingredients and allergens on the box you buy.
Image unavailable
Binggrae Melona Melon Ice Bar, 8 × 70 ml
This melon pack can complement other desserts if eight individual portions are right for your gathering.
Read the ingredients and label warnings before serving to guests with allergies.
Frequently asked questions
How can I tell if one box will be enough for my guests?
Count the people you want to serve and compare that number with the number of ice lollies in the box. If you’re serving several desserts or some guests might want another ice lolly, adjust the quantity rather than relying on the size of the packaging alone.
How should I transport ice lollies after shopping?
Pick them up at the end of your shop, put them in an insulated bag and get them into the freezer as soon as possible. The DGCCRF recommends keeping transport time for frozen food to a minimum. Follow the storage instructions on the packaging too.
Can you refreeze ice lollies that have thawed?
Don’t refreeze a thawed product: this instruction appears on the product details for Auchan’s praline ice lollies. When serving, take out only the amount you need and leave the rest in the freezer.
How should I choose if a guest has a nut allergy?
Check the ingredients and may-contain warnings on the exact pack, rather than relying on the flavour name alone. Auchan’s praline ice lollies list hazelnuts and may contain traces of other nuts. Check any alternative product’s own label too.