Hosts who want to serve an ice lolly to everyone
The number of lollies matters more than the apparent size of the box: Carrefour and Auchan stock packs in different sizes. Count the guests who’ll be having an ice lolly before choosing a pack.
Who are these pack sizes for?
Hosts serving cake as well
A mini lolly can complement dessert, while an assorted pack gives guests a choice of flavour. Magnum, for example, offers a box of six mini lollies in Classic, Almond and White Chocolate flavours.
Hosts who pay close attention to ingredients
If any guests have allergies or dietary restrictions, check each recipe separately. Magnum’s information for Vegan Almond lists almonds and warns that the product may contain milk, soya and other nuts.
What should you check before buying?
For a birthday party, work out how many portions you need, then decide whether the ice lollies will be the main dessert or served alongside the cake. Next, check the flavours and ingredients of the packs you’re considering.
| What to consider | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Number of portions | Count the lollies in each box and compare the total with the number of guests you plan to serve. | If I want to serve an ice lolly to everyone, I need enough individual lollies, regardless of the pack size; around 42% of consumers prioritise having one portion per guest. |
| Flavours and size | Check whether the pack contains a mix of flavours and whether the lollies are mini or standard size. | If cake is already on the menu, I might prefer a smaller ice lolly and a choice of flavours; around 33% of consumers prioritise this combination of variety and portion size. |
| Ingredients and allergens | Read the ingredients list and allergen information on the packaging for each product. | If any guests have allergies or dietary restrictions, I need to check the ingredients before serving; around 25% of consumers prioritise ingredient suitability. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Assuming the box weight tells you how many portions it contains
Packs of different weights don’t necessarily serve different numbers of guests: Carrefour and Auchan stock packs in a range of sizes and formats.
Count the lollies or bars listed on each box, and distinguish mini portions from standard sizes.
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Relying on a recipe name alone when checking for allergens
A plant-based name doesn’t mean an ice lolly is suitable for everyone with allergies. Magnum says Vegan Almond contains almonds and may contain milk, soya and other nuts.
Read the label on the box you buy before serving, and keep the packaging handy so you can identify each flavour.
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Picking up the ice lollies at the start of your shop
A long journey or wait outside the required storage conditions could compromise the cold chain. France’s Directorate-General for Competition Policy, Consumer Affairs and Fraud Control warns that a rise in temperature increases the risks associated with food storage.
Pick up frozen products last, carry them in an insulated bag and put them in the freezer as soon as you get home, following the instructions on the packaging.
Brands and retailers to know
Magnum
The range includes standard ice lollies, mini assortments and a Vegan Almond option.
- Magnum offers an assortment of six mini lollies in Classic, Almond and White Chocolate flavours, giving you several options in one box.
- Vegan Almond contains almonds and may contain milk, soya and other nuts, so don’t skip the label just because of its name.
Carrefour
The retailer stocks ice lollies and frozen bars, including Carrefour Classic’ products.
- Carrefour product listings give the number of lollies, which is useful when planning one portion per guest; one Carrefour Classic’ product is sold in a pack of 12 ice lollies.
- Check the pack size and assortment available at your store before planning the party.
Auchan
The retailer stocks ice lollies, mini lollies and frozen bars in a range of pack sizes.
- Auchan, for example, offers packs of 12 MARS bars and 18 SNICKERS bars. Remember to distinguish these from ice lollies when comparing flavours and portions.
- Check which products are available at your chosen store or for your selected collection option.
Mucci
This Aldi brand is listed in mini and standard sizes on the retailer’s website.
- Aldi offers a pack of 12 Mucci mini lollies as well as a box of four double-coated lollies, with different portion counts to suit different needs.
- Check the product and pack size in the range at the store where you plan to shop.
Ice lollies and individual sorbets on Joybuy
These products offer several ways to serve individual frozen treats at a birthday party: a pack of 12, a mini assortment, a box of eight or a small pack of four. Choose according to the number of guests, the flavours you want and the information on the packaging.
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CAPRI-SUN Orange and Cherry Ice Lollies x12, 444 g
Worth considering if you’re planning to serve one ice lolly to each of up to 12 guests. The box contains 12 lollies, weighing 444 g in total, in orange and cherry flavours.
If any guests have allergies, check the information on the packaging before serving.
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Magnum Mini Classic, Almond & White Chocolate x6, 254 g
The mini size can complement a cake if you’d like to offer a choice of flavours. This box contains six lollies, weighing 254 g in total; you’ll need extra portions if more guests want an ice lolly.
Check the information about milk and nuts on the box you buy.
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Binggrae Melona Melon, 8 x 70 ml
This box suits a group looking for individual melon-flavoured ice lollies. It contains eight lollies, each 70 ml, all in the same flavour.
Before serving, check the packaging for information about milk and the warning associated with the E102 colourant, particularly if children will be having them.
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Maison de la Glace Water Ice Lollies, 5 Flavours x12, 1200 g
This pack lets you serve 12 individual ice lollies, with a choice of five flavours. The box weighs 1200 g; check the size of each portion if these lollies are to be the main dessert.
If anyone has allergies, check the box label before serving rather than assuming what it contains from the name “water ice”.
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POP FRUIT Sorbet Sticks 100% Mango x4, 280 g
This box of four can complement a cake for a small group looking for mango sorbet. It contains four portions, weighing 280 g in total; you’ll need more than one box to serve more than four people.
If anyone has allergies, read the precautions on the exact packaging before serving.
Frequently asked questions
How many ice lollies should I get for a birthday party?
Allow one lolly for each person you plan to serve, then choose one or more boxes with enough for everyone. Carrefour and Auchan stock different pack sizes, so check the number of lollies in the product you choose.
Is a “vegan” ice lolly suitable for someone with a milk or nut allergy?
Not necessarily: Magnum says Vegan Almond contains almonds and may contain milk, soya and other nuts. If a guest has an allergy, follow the information on the exact box rather than relying on the word “vegan”.
What should I check on the packaging before serving ice lollies?
Check the ingredients, allergens and storage instructions on every box. France’s Directorate-General for Competition Policy, Consumer Affairs and Fraud Control states that allergens must be highlighted on food labels.
How should I transport the ice lollies to the party?
Pick them up at the end of your shop, carry them in an insulated bag and put them in the freezer as soon as possible. Then follow the storage instructions on each pack.