When choosing an ice lolly if you have a food allergy, start by identifying the specific allergen you need to avoid. Then check the ingredients and any ‘may contain’ warnings for the product you’re considering. A water-based or plant-based recipe isn’t automatically suitable: warnings vary between products and sometimes between flavours in the same multipack. If you’re looking for a single portion, also check whether it’s sold individually or as part of a box.
You can compare your needs with the ingredients list and precautionary warnings for the exact product. The DGCCRF reminds consumers that allergens in prepacked foods must be clearly highlighted in the ingredients list.
A plant-based or fruit-based recipe may be worth considering, but check separately for any other ingredients linked to your allergy and for ‘may contain’ warnings. Magnum France, for example, warns that its Vegan Almond product may contain milk.
An ice lolly is an individual portion, but that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s sold individually. Before choosing a multipack, check how many lollies it contains and the storage instructions.
When shopping with a food allergy, first check the ingredients and precautionary warnings for the flavour you’ve chosen. Then look at the packaging: an ‘individual portion’ isn’t the same as a ‘single-item sale’.
| What to consider | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Known allergen | Read the full ingredients list for the exact product and flavour, paying particular attention to highlighted allergens. | When I know which allergen to avoid, I want to rule out recipes that contain it. Around 31% of consumers put this compatibility first. |
| Milk, egg, soya or wheat | Check for these ingredients in the ice cream base, coating and added pieces. Don’t rely on the recipe being described as plant-based or fruit-based. | If I need to avoid one of these ingredients, the recipe name alone isn’t enough to help me choose. Around 25% of consumers prioritise avoiding them. |
| Tree nuts, peanuts and traces | Look for the ingredients concerned and any ‘may contain’ warnings, in line with the advice that applies to you. | If I’m allergic to tree nuts or peanuts, I also need to take account of any relevant warnings about possible presence. Around 31% of consumers put this check first. |
| Portion and packaging | Check how many ice lollies are in the box and read the product’s storage instructions. | If I want an ice lolly to enjoy on my own, I’m also looking for packaging that suits me. Around 13% of consumers prioritise this format. |
Magnum’s Vegan Almond product contains almonds and, according to Magnum France, carries a warning that it may contain milk, soya and other tree nuts.
Check the ingredients and precautionary warnings rather than assuming a product is suitable just because it’s labelled ‘vegan’.
Carrefour France warns that products in the Pirulo assortment may contain milk, tree nuts and soya.
If you’re choosing from an assortment, check the information for the specific flavour you plan to eat.
Chocolate, biscuits or tree nuts in a product can add allergens that aren’t obvious from the name of its ice cream base.
Check the exact product’s ingredients list for the coating and any added pieces too.
The products reviewed include boxes with several ice lollies: each one is a portion to enjoy on its own, but there are several portions in the box.
Check the number of items on the packaging before you buy.
A box containing several items also means you’ll need to store the remaining portions according to the instructions on the packaging.
Magnum France features its plant-based Vegan Almond ice lolly, available in a box of 3 × 90 ml.
Carrefour France’s range includes ice lollies from its Classic’, Sensation and Extra ranges, as well as products from other brands.
Auchan stocks a 70 g vanilla, milk chocolate and macadamia ice lolly.
Auchan also offers vanilla ice lollies under its own brand, in a box of 12.
Check the ingredients list: the DGCCRF states that allergens must be clearly highlighted. Also read the precautionary warnings for the exact product before deciding whether it’s suitable for you.
No. The label ‘vegan’ alone doesn’t tell you whether a product is suitable. Magnum France says its Vegan Almond product contains almonds and may contain milk, soya and other tree nuts. Check the warnings for the product you’re considering.
No. Carrefour France warns that products in the Pirulo assortment may contain milk. Check the information for the flavour you’ve chosen.
Follow the storage instructions on the packaging for the product you’ve bought. Check them before choosing a box with several portions if you won’t be eating them all at once.