Who is this choice for?

People looking for a “sugar-free” label

If this exact wording is what you need, check the packaging of the ice cream lolly you choose. The claim “no added sugar” is not enough to confirm that it meets the same requirement.

Hosts planning individual desserts

If you’re serving a lolly alongside pancakes, compare the sugars per portion, the number of lollies in the box and what your chosen store has available.

Hosts keeping an eye on dessert ingredients

If any of your guests have dietary requirements, check the ingredients list, allergens and “may contain” warnings for each variety, even if it’s described as plant-based.

What should you check first?

Decide which claim you’re looking for before comparing portions and pack sizes. A shelf filter, a plant-based recipe and the size of a lolly each answer a different question.

Criteria What to check Who is this for?
Claim on the packaging The exact wording, “sugar-free” or “no added sugar”, followed by the “of which sugars” line in the nutrition information. If I’m specifically looking for a “sugar-free” ice cream lolly, I won’t choose a product based solely on a “no added sugar” filter. This distinction would be the top priority for around 33% of consumers.
Sugars and portion size The sugars per 100 g and per portion, as well as the size of the lolly being served. With pancakes already planned for dessert, I want to know how much sugar is in the lolly I’ll actually serve. Around 27% of consumers would put this comparison first.
Ingredients and allergens The ingredients list, declared allergens and “may contain” warnings for the exact variety. If my guests have dietary requirements, I need to check each recipe rather than relying on the “plant-based” label alone. This would be the main concern for around 20% of consumers.
Pack size and collection The number of lollies in the box and what’s available once you’ve selected your store or delivery area. To serve all my guests, I mainly need a box with enough portions that’s available from my chosen store. Around 20% of consumers would prioritise this.

Common misconceptions to avoid

  • Confusing “no added sugar” with “sugar-free”

    An ice cream lolly found using a “no added sugar” filter won’t necessarily meet a search for the stricter “sugar-free” claim.

    The DGCCRF reminds shoppers that nutrition claims are governed by European Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006. Check the wording on the exact product and its nutrition information.

  • Assuming the sugar content or allergens from the word “plant-based”

    The product page for Magnum Vegan Almond x3 lists 18 g of sugars per 72 g portion. This variety contains almonds and may contain milk, soya and other nuts.

    Check the sugars per portion, ingredients and allergen warnings separately for the product you choose.

  • Choosing a box without counting the portions

    The pack size needs to suit the number of people you’re serving. What’s available to view may also depend on the store or delivery area.

    Count how many lollies you need, then select your collection point or delivery area before making your choice.

Brands and retailers to check

Carrefour

Carrefour’s search results for ice cream lollies include a “No added sugar” filter.

  • This filter is a useful starting point when browsing frozen lollies.
  • Check the claim and sugar content on each product you shortlist: the filter is not the same as a “sugar-free” label.

Auchan

The retailer has a range of ice cream lollies and mini lollies.

  • You can compare pack sizes based on the number of portions you need.
  • Check the nutrition claim on the product you choose rather than assuming it from its category.

E.Leclerc

To view local products for drive-through, pedestrian collection or delivery, E.Leclerc asks you to select a store.

  • This lets you plan your shopping for the evening around your preferred collection point or delivery option.
  • Check which products your store offers before choosing a pack size or nutrition claim.

Magnum

The product page for Magnum Vegan Almond x3 lets you check the details of this specific plant-based variety, without assuming the same applies to other Magnum lollies.

  • The Magnum product page lists 25 g of sugars per 100 g and 18 g per 72 g portion.
  • This variety contains almonds and may contain milk, soya and other nuts; it does not meet a strict “sugar-free” requirement.

Joybuy products related to this topic

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

Do “sugar-free” and “no added sugar” mean the same thing?

No, these claims are not interchangeable when choosing an ice cream lolly. The DGCCRF reminds shoppers that nutrition claims are governed by European Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006. Check the exact wording on the product and its nutrition declaration.

Does a “No added sugar” filter guarantee a sugar-free ice cream lolly?

No. The filter shown in Carrefour’s search results can help you find products, but it doesn’t replace the claim on the packaging of the ice cream lolly you choose.

Is Magnum Vegan Almond x3 suitable if I’m looking for a “sugar-free” option?

Not if that’s a strict requirement: the Magnum product page lists 25 g of sugars per 100 g and 18 g per 72 g portion. The fact that this variety is plant-based doesn’t, on its own, tell you how much sugar it contains.

Which allergens should I check before serving several guests?

Check the ingredients and “may contain” warnings for every ice cream lolly you choose. Magnum Vegan Almond x3 contains almonds and may contain milk, soya and other nuts. These details apply to this variety, not to all plant-based ice creams.

How do I choose the right pack size for pancake night?

Count how many people you’d like to serve a lolly to, then compare the number of lollies in each box. If you’re shopping online, select your store or delivery area first to see the products available to you.