To put together an Advent calendar with ice lollies, plan for portions that stay in the freezer until it’s time to serve them: the compartments in a standard calendar kept at room temperature aren’t suitable. Mini ice lollies can make frequent treats easier, while larger formats are ideal for a few selected dates. Then compare the number of lollies, portion sizes and the label for each recipe.
You might want to set aside a portion for certain dates, or even for every day. In that case, freezer space and the number of lollies in each box matter just as much as the flavours. The DGCCRF stresses the importance of maintaining the cold chain; Magnum’s boxes of six Mini Classic lollies are an example of a format you can divide between dates.
You might save a few dates for a chocolate recipe rather than looking for 24 identical portions. For example, Auchan offers Magnum Intense Dark in a box of three, with a coating advertised as containing 70% cocoa dark chocolate. Match the number of lollies to the treats you have planned.
You might choose a recipe based on allergens or a specific dietary requirement. Magnum’s product information shows that ingredients vary by flavour, so check the label on the product you buy, including any allergen information.
First decide how you’ll keep the ice lollies in the freezer and how many portions you’ll serve. Then compare the recipes with the people who’ll be eating them in mind.
| Criteria | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Storage and organisation | The temperature stated on the packaging and the space available in your freezer; keep track of the dates so you can leave the portions there until serving. | If you’re planning several treats, you’ll want to find the right portion without leaving the ice lollies in a calendar at room temperature. Around 42% of consumers are said to make this their top priority. |
| Format and portions | The number of lollies and the quantity per portion, matched to the dates and people you have in mind. | Whether you’re planning a few chocolate treats or small portions to share, look for a box that suits the number of servings. This is said to be the main priority for around 33% of consumers. |
| Ingredients and allergens | The ingredients list, highlighted allergens and, where necessary, the dietary information given for the exact flavour. | If an allergy or dietary preference guides your choice, you’ll need to check each recipe before putting together your selection. Around 25% of consumers are said to put this first. |
A calendar kept at room temperature won’t keep ice lollies frozen. The DGCCRF warns that rising temperatures can make food unsafe; Auchan’s product information for Magnum Intense Dark says it should be stored at −18 °C.
Keep the portions in the freezer and number them, or keep a separate schedule of your treats. Take out only the portion you’re serving.
The formats mentioned don’t all contain the same number of ice lollies: Magnum offers six Mini Classic lollies per box, Auchan offers three Intense Dark lollies, and Carrefour offers some Sensation products in boxes of four.
Before choosing your boxes, count the portions you need based on the dates you’re covering and the number of people you’re serving. You could also save the ice lollies for a few days rather than every opening.
Words such as ‘indulgent’, ‘premium’ or ‘vegan’ don’t tell you all the ingredients or allergens. Magnum’s product information shows that ingredients vary between products.
Read the label for your chosen flavour, particularly the ingredients, allergens and any ‘may contain’ warnings. The DGCCRF states that allergens must be highlighted in the ingredients list on pre-packed foods.
The brand offers chocolate-coated ice lollies in different formats: Mini Classic for more portions to spread across your calendar, and recipes such as Intense Dark for a few chosen treats.
This Carrefour range gives you the option of choosing several ice lolly flavours for a calendar made up from separate boxes.
Auchan’s range brings together ice lollies from various brands as well as its own brand, giving you different formats and recipes to choose from.
ALDI’s MUCCI range includes double-coated ice lollies that could add a few different recipes to selected dates in your calendar.
E.Leclerc offers ice cream bars and cones in this range. Compare these separately with ice lollies when choosing the shape and portion you want to serve.
These products are suited to treats spread across a few dates: each box contains two to four portions, which need to be kept in the freezer. If you’re planning more treats, count the portions you’ll need and check the label for each recipe you choose.
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A dark chocolate option to enjoy on a few dates; you’ll need extra portions if you’re planning more treats. If you need to avoid milk or soya, check the label before choosing this recipe.
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This vanilla and white chocolate recipe could be set aside for a few chosen dates rather than used for a whole calendar from one box. If you have an allergy, check the exact packaging, particularly for information about milk, nuts and gluten.
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This red fruit flavour lets you vary the recipes across a few dates, without assuming one box will cover every treat. If allergens affect your choice, check the label on the product you receive.
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Set these ice lollies aside for four chosen treats; each portion is listed as 100 ml. The recipe contains almonds, so check the full allergen information on the packaging if this affects your purchase.
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These two frozen desserts are suited to two chosen treats, rather than a long run of daily openings. Each piece is listed as weighing 55 g; check the ingredients and allergens for this recipe before adding it to your selection.
No, not in compartments kept at room temperature. Store the ice lollies in the freezer at the temperature stated on the packaging, and take out that day’s portion when you’re ready to serve it. The DGCCRF stresses the importance of maintaining the cold chain.
Mini ice lollies or boxes containing several pieces make it easier to spread them across different dates, as long as the number matches the dates and people you have in mind. Magnum offers Mini Classic in boxes of 6 × 55 ml; Carrefour and ALDI also offer some products in boxes of four.
Read the label for each product and flavour you choose. The DGCCRF says that allergens must be highlighted in the ingredients list on pre-packed foods. For example, the product information for Magnum Mini Almond lists milk and almonds, and says that it may contain other nuts.
No. A vegan label doesn’t mean you can skip checking the allergens in the specific product. Magnum describes Vegan Almond as vegan and soy-based; check the packaging, particularly the information about soya and nuts, if these ingredients are a concern.