Families sharing a tasty treat
If everyone at home likes different things, an assortment lets you offer a choice of flavours. If everyone prefers the same recipe, work out how many lollies you’ll need and check the ingredients.
Who are these ice cream lollies for?
People considering the box size
Whether you’re planning a few treats or catering for several people, the number of lollies and the total quantity can help you choose a suitable box. Don’t assume that every pack size contains the same number of portions.
Households keeping an eye on allergens
Before serving, check the ingredients list and any ‘may contain’ warnings on the exact product. Some of the recipes mentioned here contain milk, wheat or nuts, but this varies by product.
What should you look for before choosing?
For a school-holiday treat, start with the number of people and the flavours you’d like, then compare the recipes in each box. The criteria below can help you identify what matters most for your choice.
| Criteria | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Coating and texture | Type of coating and any inclusions listed for your chosen flavour. | I’m mainly looking for a chocolatey shell, perhaps with crunchy pieces, to make teatime feel like dessert. Around 31% of consumers would put this recipe at the top of their list. |
| Sharing and flavours | Number of lollies, total quantity and flavours in the box. | When several people are tucking in, I want enough portions and flavours that will suit the group. This would be a priority for around 23% of consumers. |
| Allergens and recipe | Ingredients, highlighted allergens, ‘may contain’ warnings and nutritional values per portion. | Before serving, I need to know exactly what each flavour contains, especially if someone has an allergy. Around 31% of consumers would make this their main criterion. |
| Quantity and availability | Whether the quantity suits the treats you have planned and whether the product is available from your chosen retailer. | I’d rather choose a box that suits the number of treats planned than pick a pack just because of how it looks. Around 15% of consumers would prioritise this practical consideration. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Assuming a ‘premium’ recipe is suitable for everyone
Depending on the product, a recipe may contain milk, wheat or nuts, or carry warnings that it may contain other allergens. The flavour name alone doesn’t tell you what’s in it.
Read the ingredients list and any ‘may contain’ warnings on the exact box before serving.
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Choosing a box without counting the portions
An assortment, a box of two lollies and a box of eight aren’t suited to the same occasion. The total quantity also doesn’t tell you how many flavours are included.
Count how many people you’re serving, then check the number of lollies and the flavours in the product you’ve chosen.
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Leaving ice cream out of the freezer
The DGCCRF reminds shoppers that a rise in temperature breaks the cold chain and can increase food-related risks. Carrefour advises storing its frozen ice cream lollies at −18 °C and says not to refreeze a product once it has thawed.
Pick up frozen products at the end of your shop, use an insulated bag if your journey is a long one, and put them in the freezer as soon as you get home. Don’t refreeze lollies that have thawed.
Brands to know
These brands offer examples of different recipes and pack sizes; this doesn’t mean that all their products have the same ingredients.
Magnum
Magnum makes chocolate-coated ice cream lollies. The brand describes its Signature collection as a ‘haute couture’-inspired range; this is part of how the brand positions the collection.
- Products listed include recipes with almonds and white chocolate, as well as assorted flavours.
- Check the ingredients, allergens and nutritional values for each flavour individually.
Carrefour Sensation
This Carrefour range includes lollies combining white chocolate and cookies, as well as chocolate, vanilla, caramel and pecan.
- The recipes mentioned give you a choice of different inclusions and flavours.
- Milk, wheat or nuts may be listed in the ingredients or allergen information, depending on the product. Check the box you choose.
Mucci
ALDI offers, among other products, a box of four Mucci double-coated lollies, available in chocolate, caramel or raspberry flavours.
- The double coating and stated flavour give you clear criteria for choosing the recipe you want.
- Check the ingredients and allergens on the packaging of the variety you buy.
Ice cream lollies for different treats
This Joybuy selection ranges from small boxes of two portions to boxes of eight, with chocolatey and fruity flavours. Choose according to the group’s tastes and how many lollies you need, and always check the ingredients of the product you buy.
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Magnum Double Gold Caramel, 284 g
A good choice if you’re after a caramel lolly. The pack states 284 g; check the number of lollies and the ingredients list on the box before sharing.
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Magnum White Chocolate & Strawberry, 4 lollies, 324 g
For a group that enjoys the combination of white chocolate and strawberry. The box contains four lollies and weighs 324 g; check the allergens in this recipe before serving.
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ERHARD Angel Hair Iced Fingers, 2 lollies, 110 g
For a treat for two, with a recipe that’s different from the usual chocolate and vanilla flavours. The box contains two lollies and weighs 110 g; check the ingredients and allergens before serving.
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Côte D'or vanilla, milk chocolate and hazelnut, 4 lollies, 260 g
For sharing a flavour that combines vanilla, milk chocolate and hazelnuts. The box contains four lollies and weighs 260 g. As it contains hazelnuts, check the label carefully if anyone has an allergy.
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Magnum White Chocolate, 8 lollies, 600 g
A good choice for sharing when portion numbers matter and the group enjoys white chocolate. The box contains eight lollies and weighs 600 g; check the ingredients and any ‘may contain’ warnings before serving.
Frequently asked questions
Which allergens should you check before serving these lollies to children?
Check the ingredients list and any ‘may contain’ warnings for each product you choose. Depending on the recipes mentioned, milk, wheat or nuts may be present. Anses advises that substances that can cause allergies or intolerances must be highlighted in the ingredients list.
Can you refreeze lollies that thaw during the journey home?
Don’t refreeze a product once it has thawed: Carrefour gives this advice for its frozen lollies. The DGCCRF reminds shoppers that a rise in temperature breaks the cold chain and can increase food-related risks.
How should you get ice cream lollies home?
Pick them up at the end of your shop and put them in the freezer as soon as you get home. For a longer journey, use a suitable insulated bag to maintain the cold chain during transport, as the DGCCRF advises.
Is ‘premium’ enough to help you choose a flavour?
No: it doesn’t tell you everything about the recipe or pack size. Compare the coating, inclusions and number of portions, then check the allergens and nutritional information for the product you plan to serve.