For a little treat just for you
You’re looking for a pre-portioned ice lolly that’s smaller than a standard frozen dessert. The mini format is a good place to start, but remember to check how many lollies are in the box too.
Who are these formats for?
For entertaining at Halloween
You want to hand out a portion to each guest with ease. The number of ice lollies and range of flavours matter more than the size of a single lolly.
For comparing ingredients
You need to check the ingredients, allergens or nutritional information before choosing a recipe, especially if several people will be sharing an assortment.
What should you look for before buying?
First, decide whether the box is for one person or several guests, then check the ingredients and the space available in your freezer. The percentages below indicate how important each need might be to shoppers making this choice.
| Criteria | What to check | Which shoppers is this for? |
|---|---|---|
| Portion size | Compare the volume of each ice lolly with the number of lollies in the box. Magnum France, for example, offers a six-pack of Mini Classic ice lollies, each 55 ml. | For a treat just for me, I’d prefer a smaller portion, even if I have to buy a whole box. Around 40% of shoppers might put portion size at the top of their list. |
| Quantity and flavours | Count the lollies and check whether the box includes several recipes. Auchan, for example, offers a 12-pack of vanilla and chocolate ice lollies. | If I’m having guests over, I want enough portions and, if possible, a choice of flavours. This could be the top priority for around 30% of shoppers. |
| Ingredients and allergens | Read the label for each recipe, including any statements about possible traces. The DGCCRF reminds shoppers that allergenic ingredients must be clearly highlighted. | Before serving ice cream to someone who avoids certain ingredients, I need to be able to check the exact box. Around 20% of shoppers might make this their priority. |
| Storage | Plan to use an insulated bag and make room in your freezer; follow the instructions on the box you choose. | If I buy the ice lollies ahead of the party, I need to be able to transport them and keep them frozen until they’re served. For around 10% of shoppers, this planning could take priority over other criteria. |
Mistakes to avoid
-
Confusing a single portion with a single-item purchase
A box of six could mean more portions than you need for a treat just for you; on the other hand, a box of four might not be enough for your guests. Magnum France’s Mini Classic ice lollies are sold in packs of six.
Before choosing, check both the number of lollies and the quantity in each one.
-
Choosing by flavour without checking allergens
Recipes can vary within an assortment. Check whether the product you’re serving contains, or may contain traces of, any ingredients your guests need to avoid.
Read all the allergen information on the box and keep the packaging handy during the party.
-
Letting the ice lollies warm up before putting them away
Transporting frozen products and leaving them out after shopping can make it harder to keep them frozen. Anses advises buying frozen food at the end of your shopping trip and using an insulated bag.
Keep transport time to a minimum and put the box in the freezer as soon as you get home. Follow the storage instructions too: one Auchan product advises against refreezing once thawed.
Brands to know
These products showcase different ice lolly formats. Check the ingredients and pack size on each box.
Magnum
Magnum France offers mini ice lollies, including its 55 ml Mini Classic, as well as assorted recipe boxes.
- The Mini Classic combines vanilla ice cream with a milk chocolate coating. According to Magnum France, a mini assortment also includes Classic, Almond and White Chocolate flavours.
- Check the ingredients and allergens on the box you choose, especially if an almond recipe isn’t suitable for one of your guests.
AUCHAN
Auchan offers, among other products, a 12-pack of vanilla and chocolate ice lollies, giving you several portions to hand out.
- With 12 lollies in the box, it’s easy to compare the number of portions with the number of guests.
- The assortment described in Auchan’s product information includes milk, hazelnuts and soya, and may contain traces of other nuts. Check the exact label before serving.
TRIUM
E.Leclerc offers, among other products, a four-pack of TRIUM ice lollies with vanilla, a milk chocolate coating and almonds.
- A box of four is a handy pack size to compare for one person or a small group.
- The almond recipe isn’t suitable for every guest, so check the ingredients and allergens on the product you choose.
MUCCI
ALDI offers MUCCI ice lollies with a double coating in a box of four, with a stated total weight of 288 g.
- The number of lollies makes it easier to decide whether this box is right for your small group.
- Check the ingredients and allergens on the packaging of the exact product before offering it to your guests.
Products for groups of different sizes
These Joybuy products include mini ice lollies, multi-packs and water ice or sorbet options. For Halloween, choose according to the number of people and the type of frozen treat you’re after, then check the packaging before serving.
Image unavailable
Magnum Mini Classic, 6 × 55 ml
The mini format is ideal when you fancy a smaller portion, but these ice lollies are sold in a pack of six, not individually.
The product description lists vanilla ice cream coated in milk chocolate, milk and possible traces of almonds. Check the packaging before serving to anyone who needs to avoid these ingredients.
Image unavailable
Binggrae Melona Melon Ice Bar, 8 × 70 ml
Eight melon ice bars give you several portions to share. This box contains more than you’d need for a one-off treat just for you.
The product information lists milk and includes a warning that the colour E102 may have an adverse effect on children’s activity and attention. Check the packaging before serving.
Image unavailable
Maison de la Glace Water Ice Pops, 5 flavours, 12 pieces, 1 200 g
This box of 12 water ice lollies is a good choice if you’re looking for several portions and a range of flavours rather than a creamy, chocolate-coated ice lolly.
The product information advises that this assortment is not suitable for people at risk of allergy. Check the packaging for each guest who may be affected.
Image unavailable
CAPRI-SUN Orange & Cherry Ice Pops, 12 pieces, 444 g
These 12 orange and cherry water ice lollies are worth considering if you’re handing out portions to a group. If portion size will affect your choice, check the quantity per lolly on the packaging.
The product information states that it may contain traces of cereals containing gluten, peanuts, soya, milk and nuts.
Image unavailable
POP FRUIT Sorbet Sticks 100% Coconut, 4 × 70 g
With four coconut sorbet sticks, this box is suited to a small number of portions. Count your guests before choosing this pack size.
The product information states that it is not suitable for children under 36 months and may contain traces of allergens, including milk, nuts, soya, peanuts, cereals containing gluten and sulphites. Check the packaging.
Frequently asked questions
Are individual ice lollies sold separately?
Not necessarily: ‘individual’ describes the portion, and several ice lollies may be sold together in a box. Magnum France, for example, sells its 55 ml Mini Classic ice lollies in packs of six. Check the number in the box before buying for one person.
How can I check allergens before serving my guests?
Read the label on the box you’ve bought, including the information for each recipe in an assortment. The DGCCRF reminds shoppers that allergenic ingredients must be clearly highlighted. Also check for possible traces and keep the packaging close at hand while serving.
How should I transport ice lollies to the party?
Buy them at the end of your shopping trip, carry them in an insulated bag and put them in the freezer as soon as possible, following Anses advice for frozen foods. Then follow the instructions on the box you’ve chosen; one Auchan product, for example, advises against refreezing once thawed.