Parents planning dessert for several children
The number of cones in a box matters just as much as the product size. Check how many portions you need before choosing a flavour.
Who is this choice for?
Adults checking allergens for a group
Check the exact recipe and any ‘may contain’ warnings before sharing. Depending on the product, the ice cream and wafer cone may contain different ingredients.
Families organising a toppings activity
Empty cones let children add their own toppings. They can be stored in a dry place, while pre-filled ice cream cones need to be kept in the freezer.
What should you check?
For a children’s tea party or activity, first decide whether you’ll serve dessert as it is or add toppings together. Then check the contents of each box and, for frozen products, make sure you can transport and store them properly.
| What to check | Look out for | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Allergens | Read the ingredients and ‘may contain’ warnings on the box for your chosen flavour, including if it’s a sorbet. | If children need to avoid certain allergens, you’ll need to check the exact recipe before serving. Around 36% of consumers put this check first. |
| How many to serve | Count the cones in each box and compare this with the number of portions you need. Check the different pack sizes. | For a group, I want to make sure there are enough cones without choosing a box that’s too small. This is the main priority for around 29% of consumers. |
| Getting children involved | Choose between pre-filled ice cream cones and empty cones. If you choose empty cones, provide toppings separately. | If the children are going to make their own desserts, an empty cone gives them the chance to get involved. Around 21% of consumers prioritise letting children add their own toppings. |
| Keeping them frozen | For ice cream cones, plan the journey and follow the storage and defrosting instructions on the box. | If the journey or wait before the tea party is a long one, I need to be able to keep the ice creams frozen. Around 14% of consumers put transport and storage first. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Assuming a sorbet cone is allergen-free
Auchan Exotic Fruit cones combine sorbet with a wafer cone and warn that they may contain traces of milk, egg and nuts. So a fruity flavour alone doesn’t tell you everything about the whole product.
Read the ingredients and any trace warnings on the exact pack before offering it to children who need to avoid certain allergens.
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Choosing a box without counting the portions
The products featured are available in boxes of four, six or eight cones, among other sizes. One box may not be enough for the whole group.
Count the children and adults you need to serve, then check the number of cones stated on each pack.
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Planning a toppings activity with pre-filled cones
An ice cream cone is ready to serve, while an empty wafer cone lets children choose their own toppings.
If making the dessert is part of the activity, choose empty cones and provide the toppings separately. Remember to check the allergens in both.
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Letting the ice cream defrost on the way home
Anses recommends buying frozen food at the end of your shop, keeping transport time to a minimum and using an insulated bag. The product information for Auchan Exotic Fruit cones says not to refreeze once defrosted.
Plan your journey home before you buy and put the ice cream cones in the freezer as soon as possible, following the instructions on the packaging.
Brands to know when comparing recipes and pack sizes
Eco+ (E.Leclerc)
The range includes boxes of eight vanilla and vanilla-strawberry cones, which are worth considering for a group dessert.
- The eight-piece pack makes it easy to plan portions.
- Check the ingredients and whether your chosen flavour is available at your store.
Trium / Marque Repère (E.Leclerc)
The range includes vanilla and vanilla-strawberry cones in boxes of six.
- A choice of flavours lets you pick one to suit the group.
- Check the size and ingredients of the exact product rather than relying on the range name alone.
Carrefour Extra
The range of ice cream cones comes in several flavours, in boxes of six.
- The pack size makes it easier to work out how many boxes you’ll need.
- Recipes vary by flavour, so read the ingredients before serving.
Auchan
The Exotic Fruit cones pair mango and passion fruit sorbets with a wafer cone, in a box of six.
- This product is a good option if you prefer fruity flavours.
- The wafer cone contains wheat and soya. The product information also warns of possible traces of milk, egg and nuts.
Cornetto
The Vanilla-Strawberry product featured is a pre-filled frozen dessert, sold in a pack of four.
- The flavour and pack size may suit you if you need to serve four portions without a toppings activity.
- This recipe contains milk and wheat, and may contain hazelnuts, pistachios and soya.
Magnum
Waffle Caramel & Almond cones are sold in packs of four pre-filled frozen desserts.
- The number of cones is clearly stated, making this a handy option for a small group.
- Joybuy’s product information lists milk, wheat and almonds, as well as several possible trace warnings. Check the packaging before serving.
Ice cream cones available on Joybuy
These are pre-filled ice cream cones, ready to serve as dessert, rather than empty cones to fill during an activity. Compare the number of portions and check the ingredients in each box before choosing for your group.
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Magnum Waffle Caramel & Almond, 4 cones, 380 ml
For serving a ready-made frozen dessert to up to four people. The pack contains four 95 ml cones. Joybuy’s product information lists milk, wheat and almonds, as well as possible traces of other ingredients. Check the packaging before serving.
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Extrême Strawberry-Vanilla, 6 cones, 426 g
For serving six pre-filled ice cream desserts, with no toppings to prepare. Check the ingredients, allergens and any trace warnings on the box before offering them to children.
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Extrême Raspberry-Lemon, 6 cones, 438 g
A fruity frozen dessert to serve straight from the box to a group of up to six people. Even though it contains sorbet, be sure to read the wafer cone ingredients and allergen information on the packaging.
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Extrême Chocolate, 6 cones, 426 g
For serving several children a ready-made chocolate ice cream dessert. The box contains six cones. Check the ingredients list and allergen information before sharing.
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Extrême Red Berry Sorbet, 6 cones, 438 g
For serving six red berry-flavoured ice cream cones without a toppings activity. Even with sorbet, check the ingredients for the whole cone and look out for any trace warnings.
Frequently asked questions
Is a sorbet cone always suitable for a child who avoids milk?
No. The word ‘sorbet’ doesn’t tell you everything about the whole cone. The product information for Auchan Exotic Fruit cones warns of possible traces of milk. Read the ingredients and trace warnings on the exact box before serving.
How do you choose the right number of boxes for a group?
First count how many portions you need, then check the number of cones in each box. The pack sizes featured include four, six and eight cones. Also consider which flavours and ingredients will suit the people you’re serving.
How should you transport ice cream cones after buying them?
Buy them at the end of your shop and get them into the freezer as soon as possible. Anses recommends using an insulated bag to transport frozen food. Then follow the instructions on the box, especially those about defrosting.
Should you buy pre-filled ice cream cones if the children are going to add their own toppings?
No. Choose empty wafer cones if the children are going to add their own toppings. Torino cones are sold empty and should be stored in a cool, dry place. Provide the toppings separately and check the allergens in each item.