Hosts counting out portions
If you know how many guests are coming, check the number of ice lollies in each box before choosing a pack size. A box of mini ice lollies and a box of standard-sized ones may not provide the same number of servings.
Who are these pack sizes for?
Hosts catering for different tastes
An assortment can offer several flavours in one box. Check which flavours are included and how many pieces you can hand out, rather than relying on the assortment’s name alone.
Hosts who pay close attention to ingredients
If a guest needs to avoid certain ingredients, check the ingredients list and allergens for the exact product before serving it. The flavour on the front of the pack isn’t enough to tell you what it contains.
What should you check first?
Start by working out how many portions you need, then compare the pack sizes based on the flavours on offer and the ingredients listed on the packaging.
| What to consider | What to check | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Number of portions | Count the pieces listed on each box and compare the total with your number of guests. | If I’m having more guests than there are ice lollies in the box, I’ll need to buy several boxes; around 42% of consumers put the number of portions first. |
| Variety of flavours | Check which flavours are included and distinguish mini versions from standard-sized ice lollies. | When catering for a group with different tastes, I want to offer several flavours without making serving complicated; variety is the top priority for around 33% of consumers. |
| Ingredients and allergens | Read the ingredients list and allergen information on the packaging of the product you choose. | If a guest needs to avoid certain ingredients, I want to know exactly what the dessert contains; this check comes first for around 25% of consumers. |
Mistakes to avoid before the party
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Choosing a box without counting the pieces
Not all pack sizes contain the same number of ice lollies. A box may not have enough for every guest to have one.
Count your guests and check how many pieces are listed per box before deciding how many boxes to buy.
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Guessing allergens from the flavour
Two chocolate recipes can contain different ingredients, especially if one has a coating or pieces of nuts.
Check the ingredients and allergens on every pack, particularly if a guest needs to avoid milk, almonds or other nuts.
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Relying on an offer for a later date
An offer advertised for a particular period may no longer be available on the day of the birthday party. Lidl also states that products cannot be reserved in its supermarkets.
Check the offer dates and the participating store before deciding which desserts to buy.
Brands to consider for different pack sizes
Carrefour Classic'
A supermarket own-brand option to consider if you’re looking for a family-sized box of chocolate and chocolate-and-vanilla ice lollies.
- Carrefour offers a box of 12 ice lollies, making it easy to plan how many to serve.
- Check which product is available at your local store or for collection before relying on this pack size.
TRIUM
Part of E.Leclerc’s Marque Repère range, TRIUM offers chocolate-coated ice lollies as well as cones.
- E.Leclerc offers a box of four vanilla ice lollies coated in milk chocolate and almonds.
- A cone isn’t an ice lolly on a stick, so check the type of dessert and the number of pieces before choosing.
MUCCI
An ALDI brand to consider for mini ice lollies and coated varieties.
- ALDI offers MUCCI mini ice lollies in packs of 12, as well as double-coated ice lollies in packs of four.
- These two boxes don’t provide the same number of portions, so check which product is available for the date of your party.
Magnum
A brand to consider if you’d like a small assortment of mini ice lollies in different flavours.
- Magnum describes an assortment of six 55 ml mini ice lollies, including Classic, Almond and White Chocolate.
- If a guest needs to avoid certain ingredients, check the allergens on the packaging of the assortment you buy.
Joybuy products for serving individual portions
This selection includes ice lollies and other frozen treats on sticks. For a birthday party, compare the number of pieces, flavours and type of recipe before choosing.
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Magnum Mini Classic, Almond and White Chocolate, x6, 254 g
For serving a choice of mini treats: the box contains six ice lollies, with a mix of Classic, Almond and White Chocolate.
This product contains milk and may contain nuts. Check the packaging if this is relevant to any of your guests.
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CAPRI-SUN Orange & Cherry Ice Pops, x12, 444 g
For serving 12 frozen treats on sticks, with a choice of orange or cherry.
If anyone has an allergy, check the ‘may contain’ information on the packaging before serving.
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ABC JELLY Fruity Jelly Bar Assorted
For a bit of variety: the description lists 12 pieces and five flavours.
Check the net weight and allergens on the packaging of the product you buy before comparing pack sizes or serving your guests.
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Maison de la Glace Water Ice Pops, 5 flavours, 12 pieces, 1200 g
For serving an assortment of 12 frozen treats on sticks, with five advertised flavours.
Check the allergens and storage instructions on the packaging before serving.
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Côte D'or, vanilla, milk chocolate and hazelnut ice lollies, x4, 260 g
For serving four individual ice lollies with the same vanilla, milk chocolate and hazelnut recipe; buy enough boxes for your guests.
This product contains milk, hazelnuts and soya. Check the packaging for any other allergens listed.
Frequently asked questions
How many boxes of ice lollies should I buy for a birthday party?
Start with the number of pieces in each box and the number of guests you’re serving. If you’d like to offer a second option, or if ice lollies are the only dessert, factor this in before deciding how many boxes to buy.
Can an assortment replace a box of standard-sized ice lollies?
An assortment is a good choice if you’d like to offer several flavours, but check how many pieces it contains and the portion size. Mini ice lollies, standard-sized ice lollies, cones and other frozen treats on sticks are not the same format.
What should I check on the packaging before serving ice lollies?
Read the ingredients list and allergen information for every product, especially if a guest needs to avoid certain ingredients. France’s Directorate General for Competition Policy, Consumer Affairs and Fraud Control (DGCCRF) states that allergenic ingredients must be highlighted on food labels.
How should I store ice lollies until the party?
Follow the temperature and storage instructions on the packaging of the product you buy. For the Magnum almond assortment described on Joybuy, the stated storage instruction is to keep the product at −18 °C; check the instructions separately for other products.
Can I reserve a product advertised by Lidl in store?
Lidl states that products cannot be reserved in its supermarkets. If you’re counting on an offer for the birthday party, check its validity period and the participating store.