Hosts keeping an eye on added sugar
For your Halloween party, you want to offer an ice lolly explicitly labelled ‘no added sugar’, without confusing this claim with a complete absence of sugar.
Who are these options for?
Households who prefer fruity ice lollies
You’re looking for individual fruit portions to complement the sweets. Auchan offers strawberry and mango-passion fruit recipes in boxes of 4 ice lollies, weighing 240 g per box.
Guests who prefer chocolate
You’d rather serve vanilla ice cream coated in chocolate with almond pieces, while keeping a separate option for anyone looking for a product labelled no added sugar.
What should you look for before buying?
Start with what matters most to your guests, then check the exact product, portion sizes and label before choosing how many boxes to buy.
| What to look for | What to check | Who it’s for |
|---|---|---|
| ‘No added sugar’ claim | Look for the claim on the product you’ve chosen, then compare the ‘of which sugars’ figures per 100 g and per portion, if shown on the label. | If I want to offer an ice lolly with no added sugar, I make sure to distinguish this claim from its total sugar content. Around 42% of consumers put this check first. |
| Fruit recipe and portions | Choose a flavour and work out how many you need. Auchan offers strawberry and mango-passion fruit ice lollies in boxes of 4, weighing 240 g. | If I want to serve everyone a fruity ice lolly, I look for enough individual portions. This is the top priority for around 33% of consumers. |
| Chocolate and almond flavour | Check the ingredients and allergens for the product you’re buying. Don’t assume it has a ‘no added sugar’ claim unless you can see it on the label. | When chocolate and crunch matter most to my guests, I keep this option separate from ice lollies with no added sugar. Chocolate flavour is the top priority for around 25% of consumers. |
Mistakes to avoid
-
Confusing ‘no added sugar’ with ‘sugar-free’
A fruit ice lolly can contain sugar even if it’s labelled ‘no added sugar’. The DGCCRF explains that this claim cannot be used when an ingredient is added for its sweetening properties.
Read the ingredients list and the ‘of which sugars’ line in the nutritional information. Don’t assume you know the total sugar content from the claim on the front of the pack alone.
-
Presenting any chocolate ice cream as a no-added-sugar option
Auchan describes Magnum Almond as vanilla ice cream coated in milk chocolate and almond pieces. This description doesn’t mean it can be labelled ‘no added sugar’.
Keep the two choices separate and check the label on each product before offering it to your guests.
-
Forgetting portions and allergens
The Auchan fruit ice lolly boxes mentioned here each contain 4 lollies, while the box of Magnum Almond described by Auchan contains 8. Anyone with an allergy or intolerance should also check the label carefully, as the recipe contains milk chocolate and almonds.
Count the ice lollies according to the number of guests, and keep the packaging handy so you can check the ingredients and allergens.
-
Letting ice lollies warm up on the way home
The DGCCRF says that a rise in temperature encourages microbial growth and can make food unsafe.
Pick up frozen food at the end of your shop, carry it in an insulated bag and put it in the freezer as soon as possible, following the instructions on the packaging.
Brands and retailers to consider
Auchan
A good place to look for fruity ice lollies labelled ‘no added sugar’.
- Auchan offers 100% fruit strawberry and mango-passion fruit recipes, each in a box of 4 ice lollies weighing 240 g.
- The claim alone doesn’t tell you the total amount of sugar. Check the ingredients and nutritional information on the box you choose.
Magnum
Magnum Almond is a good match for anyone in the mood for vanilla ice cream coated in milk chocolate and almond pieces.
- The box of Magnum Almond described by Auchan contains 8 ice lollies weighing 600 g.
- Check the allergens, and only describe this product as ‘no added sugar’ if that claim actually appears on its label.
Carrefour
This retailer’s online range lets you search for products using the ‘No added sugar’ filter.
- The filter can help you find products to look into among the ice lollies.
- Check the product listing and label for the item you choose. The filter alone doesn’t tell you whether every ice lolly in the range meets your needs.
A chocolate and almond option on Joybuy
This product is for guests who prefer a vanilla and almond ice lolly. If you’re choosing based on a ‘no added sugar’ claim, check the label of the product you’re considering separately.
Image unavailable
MAGNUM Vanilla Almond, 8 ice lollies, 600 g
A vanilla and almond option for guests who enjoy this flavour at a party.
Box of 8 ice lollies, 600 g. Check the packaging for ingredients and allergens, and don’t assume this product is ‘no added sugar’.
Frequently asked questions
Does ‘no added sugar’ mean ‘sugar-free’?
No, these claims don’t mean the same thing: a fruit product labelled ‘no added sugar’ can still contain sugar. The DGCCRF explains, in particular, that this claim can’t be used if an ingredient is added for its sweetening properties. When choosing an ice lolly, also check the ingredients list and the ‘of which sugars’ line.
What should you check on a chocolate and almond ice lolly?
Check the ingredients and allergens on the packaging of the product you buy. Auchan describes Magnum Almond as vanilla ice cream with milk chocolate and almond pieces. Anyone with an allergy or intolerance should take particular care to check for milk and almonds.
How should you transport ice lollies to the party?
Buy frozen food at the end of your shop, carry it in an insulated bag if possible and put it in the freezer as soon as you can, following the instructions on the packaging. The DGCCRF reminds shoppers that a rise in temperature encourages microbial growth.
Is a fruit ice lolly always a sorbet?
No, the fruity appearance of an ice lolly doesn’t tell you which category it belongs to. The DGCCRF distinguishes between sorbets, fruit ice cream and ice cream, among other products. Check the product description and ingredients for the one you choose.