Hotelier planning portions
You’re planning several services and want the pack size to match the number of guests. The products listed by Carrefour and E.Leclerc include packs of 12 and 20 sticks respectively.
Who is this guide for?
Buffet manager mindful of allergens
You need to be able to match ingredient and allergen information to each product served, particularly if guests can help themselves to several flavours.
Hotel with low frozen-food turnover
You serve ice cream infrequently, so you need to choose a quantity that suits the freezer space available and your expected rate of service.
What should you look for?
For an occasional buffet, work out how many portions you need, then check the ingredients in each recipe and the storage instructions before choosing a pack size.
| Criteria | What to check | Consumers concerned |
|---|---|---|
| Number of portions | Count the sticks in each pack and compare this with the number of services planned. Also check whether each portion is individually wrapped. | When I’m planning several covers, I want to avoid leaving a large, opened pack for too long. Around 36% of consumers might prioritise buying only the number of portions they actually need. |
| Allergens at the buffet | Check the label for the product being served, including highlighted allergens and any ‘may contain’ warnings. Keep the packaging clearly identifiable. | If I’m offering several recipes, I need to be able to answer questions without mixing up the ingredients. Access to accurate information would be a priority for around 29% of consumers. |
| Pack size and flavours | Compare the number of sticks, the quantity per stick and the exact recipes. Don’t assume you know what’s in a product from the brand name alone. | For this occasional service, I’d prefer smaller portions or a choice of flavours, without assuming that every recipe is suitable for the same guests. Around 21% of consumers would prioritise pack size and flavour choice. |
| Storage and turnover | Check the space and temperature in your freezer, the packaging instructions and how many portions you’ll be able to serve. | At a hotel where ice cream is rarely served, I want to be able to store the pack as instructed and limit leftovers. This would be the main consideration for around 14% of consumers. |
Buffet buying mistakes to avoid
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Choosing a large selection without planning how you’ll use it
A pack of 20 sticks, such as the SMICY selection listed by E.Leclerc, means storing more portions than a box of 12.
Estimate how many portions you’ll serve during the relevant period and check the space available before choosing a pack size.
Any sticks you don’t serve will continue to take up valuable freezer space.
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Assuming all chocolate recipes have the same allergens
Ingredients and ‘may contain’ warnings depend on the exact product. Information for Magnum Mini Classic doesn’t necessarily apply to other Magnum products.
Keep the packaging for each product served and check its ingredient and allergen information before putting it out on the buffet.
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Planning the quantity without checking freezer conditions
The Ministry of Agriculture says a three-star freezer compartment at −18 °C can store frozen food until the date shown, provided you follow the product instructions. You also need to be able to store a pack that suits the number of guests under these conditions.
Check the temperature and available space. Do not refreeze a product that has thawed, as advised by the Ministry.
Brands and retailers to consider
Carrefour Classic'
Carrefour lists a 12-stick Classic' chocolate and vanilla box weighing 450 g: a pack size to compare with the number of portions you expect to serve.
- The number of sticks and the pack weight make it easy to distinguish this product from larger selections.
- Check the ingredients on the exact box before serving it at the buffet.
E.Leclerc / SMICY
E.Leclerc lists a SMICY selection of 20 sticks weighing 850 g, which may be worth considering if you’ll be serving several portions.
- The pack contains 20 sticks in one selection.
- Check the flavours, ingredients, individual wrapping and freezer space required.
Auchan
Auchan lists vanilla sticks in a box of 12 weighing 450 g, as well as other ice cream stick recipes.
- The product listing for the x12 vanilla sticks specifies storage at −18 °C.
- According to Auchan’s listing, this x12 vanilla recipe contains roasted hazelnuts. Check each recipe separately.
MUCCI® / Aldi
Aldi lists a pack of 12 MUCCI® mini sticks weighing 429 g in total.
- The mini size and number of sticks are clear, making it easier to choose a quantity for service.
- Check the product available in store, its ingredients and its storage instructions.
Lidl
Lidl lists ice cream in its frozen-food range. For your buffet, check the specific product available at your chosen store.
- The retailer may be worth including when comparing pack sizes, once you know what’s available locally.
- Check the number of portions, the ingredients and the instructions on the pack you choose.
Magnum
According to Magnum, Mini Classic x6 combines vanilla ice cream with a milk chocolate coating, with 55 ml in each stick.
- The pack of six mini sticks is suited to a service looking for small vanilla and chocolate portions.
- Check allergens on the packaging for the batch being served rather than assuming that information for one recipe applies to the whole brand.
Ice cream sticks available on Joybuy
This selection includes packs of six to twelve ice cream sticks or ice lollies for serving as individual portions. Choose according to the number of guests, the recipe you plan to serve and the information on the packaging for the product being served.
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PAW Patrol, vanilla and cocoa sauce ice cream sticks x6, 270 g
This pack of six is a good option if you’re planning to serve a vanilla and cocoa recipe in several portions.
The product description specifies storage at −18 °C and says not to refreeze after thawing. The product contains milk and may contain traces of nuts, peanuts, egg and soya. Check the packaging for the batch being served.
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CAPRI-SUN, orange and cherry ice lollies x12, 444 g
The 12 individually wrapped portions are ideal if you’re handing out ice lollies one at a time.
Each portion weighs 37 g. The product description specifies storage at −18 °C or below and notes that it may contain traces of gluten, peanuts, soya, milk and nuts. Check the labelling on the batch being served.
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Binggrae Melona Melon, ice cream sticks 8 × 70 ml
This pack of eight lets you serve a melon-flavoured recipe in 70 ml portions.
The listed ingredients include milk powder and cream. Check the packaging for full allergen information. Store at −18 °C or below and do not refreeze after thawing.
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Maison de la Glace, ice lollies, 5 flavours x12, 1 200 g
This selection of 12 portions in five flavours is suited to a service offering a choice and with enough room to store the pack.
Before serving these to guests, check the allergens directly on the packaging for the batch: the available information for this product is contradictory. Store at −18 °C and do not refreeze products that have thawed.
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Magnum Mini Classic, ice cream sticks 6 × 55 ml
The six 55 ml portions are ideal for a service looking for mini vanilla ice creams coated in milk chocolate.
The product contains milk and may contain almonds. Check the packaging for the batch’s allergen information and storage instructions before serving.
Frequently asked questions
What temperature should hotel ice cream sticks be stored at?
Follow the instructions on each pack. The Ministry of Agriculture says a three-star freezer compartment at −18 °C can store frozen food until the date shown. Also check that you have enough room in your freezer.
Can you refreeze ice cream sticks that have thawed?
No. The Ministry of Agriculture advises against refreezing products that have thawed. Auchan’s listing for its x12 vanilla sticks gives the same instruction.
How can you make allergen information available at the buffet?
Keep the packaging or a clearly identifiable information sheet for each product served, and check its ingredients and any ‘may contain’ warnings. The DGCCRF states that allergens must be highlighted on the labels of prepacked foods. The decree of 17 April 2015 also covers allergen information for non-prepacked food served by establishments offering meals to eat on the premises. Make sure the information suits the way your buffet is set up.
Is a large pack always better for a hotel buffet?
No. A large pack is only suitable if the number of portions matches the service you’re planning and the hotel can store the sticks as instructed. For an occasional offering, also check the space available and the ingredients in each recipe in the selection.