Those with a freezer on site
If the ice cream lollies are being served at a set time during a break, keeping them cold in transit and in storage is essential. The DGCCRF points out that the cold chain must also be maintained during transport.
Who are they for?
Those who want to offer a choice of flavours
Boxes of individually portioned ice creams can make serving easier. Magnum France offers an assortment of three flavours in a box of six mini ice cream lollies; Auchan France also lists an assorted box of eight.
Those who need to communicate allergen information
Check the ingredients for every product and variety you plan to serve. Product details from Carrefour France and Auchan France list milk and, depending on the product or recipe, almonds, possible traces of pistachios or soya.
What should you check?
Before comparing boxes of ice cream lollies for a conference, make sure the venue can keep them frozen. Then consider the pack size and the ingredients in the portions you’ll actually be serving.
| Criteria | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Keeping them frozen | Check that you have suitable transport, enough freezer space and the right temperature, as stated on the box. | If the journey or wait before the break could affect storage, keeping the ice creams frozen matters more than choosing flavours. Around 31% of consumers would put this first. |
| Portions and flavours | Compare the number of ice cream lollies, their size and the flavours actually included in each box. | For a serve-yourself break, an assortment offers a choice without the need to plate up. This would be the main consideration for around 25% of consumers. |
| Ingredients and allergens | Read the ingredients list and any “may contain” warnings for the product you’re buying, checking each variety separately. | If participants have told me about allergies, I need to know exactly what they’ll be offered. Around 25% of consumers would prioritise this information. |
| Number of boxes | Count the portions you need and check that all the boxes will fit in the freezer. | For a large group, I want to make sure there are enough ice cream lollies without exceeding the venue’s storage capacity. Around 19% of consumers would put this calculation first. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Confusing ice cream lollies with a box of chocolates
Chocolate-coated ice cream lollies need to be kept frozen. A box of chocolates for a gift serves a different purpose, so you shouldn’t choose one based on the number of lollies in a box.
Decide whether the products will be handed out during the break or given as gifts, then check the freezer capacity before choosing ice creams.
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Assuming every variety has the same ingredients
In the assortments listed by Carrefour France and Auchan France, information about milk, nuts and soya varies by product and recipe.
Keep the packaging to hand and check the details for each ice cream lolly before sharing them with participants.
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Buying more boxes than the venue can store
Extra portions are only useful if they can be kept frozen until they’re served. The DGCCRF stresses the importance of maintaining the cold chain during transport and storage.
Check the available space and arrange for the products to arrive at a time that suits the serving schedule.
Brands to know for these pack sizes
Magnum
Magnum France offers a Mini Classic, Almond & White Chocolate box, with six 55 mL ice cream lollies across three flavours.
- The number of portions and the flavours are clearly listed, making it easier to plan serving.
- Carrefour France’s product details list milk and a “may contain” warning for almonds and pistachios; check the box you buy.
Auchan
Auchan France lists an assortment of eight mini ice cream lollies, with milk chocolate, almond, dark chocolate and white chocolate varieties.
- The box gives you eight portions and a choice of varieties.
- Recipes include milk, almonds or soya, depending on the variety, so check each one.
SMICY
E.Leclerc lists a box of 12 SMICY chocolate ice cream lollies, with a stated weight of 456 g.
- A 12-piece pack makes it easy to count the portions.
- Before serving, check the ingredients and allergen information on the packaging for the product you’ve chosen.
MUCCI
Aldi France includes a 12-piece pack of MUCCI mini ice cream lollies in its frozen food range, with a stated weight of 429 g.
- A 12-piece pack gives you a useful starting point for working out how many boxes you need.
- Before choosing this pack size, check which product is available and read the information on its packaging.
Joybuy products
Related products coming soon.
Frequently asked questions
Is an ordinary bag enough to transport ice cream lollies to the conference?
Don’t rely on an ordinary bag to keep ice cream lollies frozen. The DGCCRF points out that transport is part of the cold chain: use a suitable insulated bag, keep the journey short and put the products in a freezer as soon as you arrive, following the packaging instructions.
How should I share allergen information with participants?
Keep the packaging for every product you serve and make the allergen information available before handing out the ice creams. Check each variety in an assortment separately too, as their ingredients may differ.
Is a chocolate assortment automatically suitable for everyone in the group?
No: having several flavours doesn’t mean that every variety is suitable for every participant. Carrefour France’s product details for Magnum Mini list milk and possible traces of almonds and pistachios; the recipes in Auchan France’s assortment include milk, almonds or soya, depending on the variety. Always check the information on the box you’re actually serving.
How do I work out how many boxes I’ll need for the break?
Start with the number of portions you need, divide it by the number of ice cream lollies in your chosen box, then round up to the next whole number. Magnum France lists six mini ice cream lollies for the product mentioned, Auchan France lists eight, while E.Leclerc and Aldi France offer 12-piece packs. Then make sure you can keep all the boxes frozen.