A small group looking to limit leftovers
If only a few people will be having some, compare a 450 to 500 g tub with a larger size. E.Leclerc and ALDI offer products in this range; check the quantity of the tub you choose.
Which size is right for you?
A group planning a long study session
If there are bowls, spoons and freezer space for everyone, a 900 ml to 1 l tub lets you serve portions during breaks. The amount you need depends on how much everyone wants.
People who pay attention to ingredients
Before sharing a tub, read the ingredients, allergen information and nutritional details for the exact product. These can vary by recipe and flavour.
What should you check?
Sharing tub
Choose this: when several people want to serve themselves different-sized portions.
Bear in mind: you’ll need bowls and spoons, and should put the tub back in the freezer promptly after serving.
Individual ice lollies
Choose these: if everyone wants a ready-portioned treat without sharing a serving tub.
The trade-off: you can’t adjust the portion size as you can when serving from a tub.
| What to consider | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Sharing size | Check the net quantity, how many people are sharing and how much freezer space you have. | If several people plan to help themselves during the same session, I want an amount that suits the group. Around 36% of consumers prioritise this need to share. |
| How much to open | Compare the quantities in each tub and consider whether any leftovers can be stored according to the pack instructions. | For a short break, I’d rather open a smaller amount of ice cream than leave a large tub open. Around 29% of consumers put this consideration first. |
| Ingredients | Check the ingredients, allergens and nutritional values per 100 g or 100 ml for the exact product. | If I’m sharing with people who need to check certain ingredients, I start with the label for the chosen flavour. Ingredients are the top priority for around 21% of consumers. |
| Recipe and flavour | Check whether it’s ice cream, sorbet or a frozen dessert, then look at the flavour and any added pieces. | I want to choose something the group will enjoy sharing, without assuming everyone likes the same texture. Around 14% of consumers put this preference at the heart of their choice. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Looking only for ice lollies for a shared dessert
Individual ice lollies and tubs are designed for different ways of serving. Carrefour lists them in separate categories, alongside pots.
If you’re serving several people, look for an ice cream or sorbet tub. Keep ice lollies as an option if individual portions matter more.
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Assuming the ingredients from the flavour name alone
A fruity flavour doesn’t tell you everything about a recipe’s ingredients or allergens. The Carte d’Or peach sorbet listing, for example, mentions possible traces of several allergens.
Check the ingredients, allergens and any ‘may contain’ information for the exact product before sharing it.
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Leaving the tub out for the whole session
If you’re serving from a tub more than once, plan to put it back in the freezer rather than leaving it on the table between breaks.
The DGCCRF advises keeping transport time to a minimum and preferably using an insulated bag. Serve the portions, then return the tub to the freezer promptly, following the pack instructions.
Brands and retailers to consider
Magnum
Worth considering if your group would rather serve from pots than a traditional large tub.
- Magnum France describes pots with a chocolate shell to crack.
- A pot and an ice lolly are different formats. Check the quantity of the product you choose before planning to share it.
Carrefour
A retailer where you can compare tubs, pots and ice lollies before choosing how to serve.
- Carrefour lists these formats separately in its ice cream and sorbet range.
- Check which products are available at your store or for your chosen collection option.
E.Leclerc / ESKISS
Own-brand tubs to consider, depending on the quantity and flavour you’re looking for.
- E.Leclerc lists, among other products, a 500 g ESKISS vanilla tub, 650 g sorbets and a 1 l coffee tub.
- Always check the format and availability of the product you choose.
Auchan
A retailer with a range of tub ice creams and sorbets to explore.
- The range shown by Auchan includes 450 to 500 g sizes and some 900 ml products.
- Compare the ingredients and allergens for the specific flavour you plan to serve.
ALDI / MUCCI
MUCCI tubs to consider for a break when you’d rather open a more modest amount.
- ALDI lists MUCCI products in 468 g and 500 g sizes.
- Check which flavour and product are available at your chosen store.
Sharing tubs on Joybuy
These frozen desserts come in tubs that you can serve in portions. Some are 900 ml, while others come in smaller sizes. First choose based on how many people you’re serving, then check the recipe and label.
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Carte d’Or, peach sorbet tub, 900 ml
With 900 ml of peach sorbet, this tub is a good option for serving several people during a planned break.
The listing mentions possible traces of wheat, eggs, milk and nuts. Check the label on the product you receive before sharing it.
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Carte d’Or, vanilla and pecan frozen dessert, 470 g
For a small group or a more modest amount to open, this 470 g tub combines vanilla, caramel and pieces of pecan.
The listing mentions milk and pecans, as well as possible traces of other allergens. It says to store at −18 °C or below and not to refreeze after defrosting.
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Carte d’Or Colombia Arabica Coffee, 900 ml tub
This 900 ml tub is a good choice for a planned get-together if your group would enjoy Arabica coffee ice cream with coffee-flavoured chocolate pieces.
The listing mentions possible traces of wheat, eggs and several types of nuts. Check the label on the product you receive.
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Carte d’Or salted butter caramel, 900 ml tub
This 900 ml tub is made for sharing, with salted butter caramel ice cream and pieces of milk caramel.
The listing mentions possible traces of hazelnuts, pistachios and soya. Check the label before serving.
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MON PANIER D’ASIE, lychee frozen dessert tub, 500 ml
This 500 ml tub lets you serve lychee portions. Compare its volume with other tubs measured in millilitres, rather than treating it as equivalent to a size given in grams.
The listed ingredients include milk, so check the ingredients and allergens before sharing. The listing says to store at −18 °C and not to refreeze after defrosting.
Frequently asked questions
Is a tub better than ice lollies for a study session?
A tub works well if several people can help themselves to bowls and want to adjust their portions. Ice lollies are a better fit if everyone prefers an individual portion with no shared serving. Carrefour lists these formats separately in its ice cream range.
How do you compare tubs with different capacities?
First compare quantities given in the same unit: two volumes in millilitres, or two weights in grams. For nutritional information, the DGCCRF says figures should be given per 100 g or per 100 ml. Check which basis is used before comparing two products.
What should you check before sharing ice cream with people who need to watch for allergens?
Read the ingredients, highlighted allergens and any ‘may contain’ information on the label for the exact product. The DGCCRF reminds shoppers that allergenic ingredients must be highlighted. The flavour name alone won’t tell you what’s in it.
How should you transport and serve a tub of ice cream?
Keep transport time to a minimum, use an insulated bag if possible and put the tub in the freezer promptly, as advised by the DGCCRF. For several breaks, serve the portions you need and follow the storage instructions on the packaging.