When serving a group, count the children before choosing a box: a selection of 12 or 20 ice lollies is easier to share out than a box of four, while mini versions are ideal for smaller portions. Check the allergens in each recipe, then plan how you’ll transport them and make room in the freezer before the party.
Allow one portion for each child, plus a few extra depending on how many guests you’re expecting. The 12-ice-lolly boxes from Carrefour and ALDI, and the 20-stick selection from E.Leclerc, give you a useful starting point when planning how many to serve.
Check how many pieces are in the box rather than judging it by its size alone. A small box and a large selection won’t serve the same number of guests. Also check that your chosen product will be available in time for the party.
Ask families for the information you need before buying, and check the label on the exact box you plan to buy. The Auchan x12 vanilla and chocolate selection, for example, lists milk, hazelnuts and soya, and may contain traces of other tree nuts.
For a birthday party, start with portion numbers and your guests’ needs. Then choose the flavours and plan how to keep the frozen treats frozen.
| Criteria | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Number of portions | Count the children and allow a few extra, then check how many ice lollies are in each box. | If I’m having lots of children over, I want to serve everyone without running out; around 36% of consumers put the number of portions first. |
| Allergens | Ask about guests’ needs and check the ingredients and allergen information on every box. | If a guest has an allergy, I need to choose a recipe that suits the information provided by their family. Ingredient suitability comes first for around 29% of consumers. |
| Portions and flavours | Compare the size of the ice lollies, the number of pieces and the flavours available. | When children have different preferences, I’d rather have the option of smaller portions or a choice of flavours; around 21% of consumers prioritise this. |
| Storage | Plan for a cool bag, space in the freezer and taking the ice lollies out just before serving. | If it’s a long journey to the party, I need to keep the products frozen until it’s time for a treat; around 14% of consumers prioritise this planning. |
A box of four Magnum Classic ice lollies sold by Auchan and a selection of 20 sticks sold by E.Leclerc won’t serve the same number of children.
Count your guests and check the number of pieces before deciding how many boxes to buy.
Recipes vary between products. The Auchan x12 selection lists milk, hazelnuts and soya, and may contain traces of other tree nuts.
Ask families about their needs, then check the ingredients and allergen information on every pack you buy.
Anses recommends buying frozen foods last, transporting them in a cool bag and keeping the journey as short as possible. The Auchan x12 selection should be stored at −18 °C.
Make room in the freezer and only take out the portions you’re ready to serve. If a product has defrosted, follow the instructions on its packaging.
When checked, the Magnum Classic x8 product page on Joybuy showed that it was out of stock. A product you’ve spotted in advance may not be available on the day.
Check availability before planning what to serve, and have another option ready with a suitable pack size and allergen information for your guests.
Carrefour offers a Classic' box of 12 chocolate and vanilla ice lollies, a pack size worth considering when serving several children.
E.Leclerc offers a Smicy selection of 20 sticks, worth considering if the number of guests is your main priority.
ALDI offers a box of 12 MUCCI mini ice lollies for shoppers looking for smaller portions.
Auchan offers a selection of 12 vanilla and chocolate ice lollies, with details of the ingredients and storage instructions.
Auchan offers Magnum Classic in a box of four ice lollies. That quantity is better suited to a small gathering than serving a large group from a single box.
This editorial comparison brings together five products featured by their respective retailers. The order takes account of the number of pieces, portion size, stated allergens and availability at the time of checking. It is not a ranking published by those retailers.
| Rank | Product | Features | What to note | Retailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | SMICY Assortment stick x20, 850 g | 20 sticks; 850 g | Of these five products, E.Leclerc offers the largest number of pieces. Check the ingredients on the box before serving it to guests. | E.Leclerc |
| 2 | Carrefour Classic' chocolate and vanilla ice lollies x12 | 12 ice lollies; chocolate and vanilla | Carrefour offers a box of 12 for serving a group; check the allergens on the pack you choose. | Carrefour |
| 3 | MUCCI mini ice lollies x12, 429 g | 12 mini ice lollies; 429 g | ALDI offers mini portions, worth considering if the size of the ice lollies matters more than the number in the box. | ALDI |
| 4 | Auchan vanilla and chocolate selection x12, 450 g | 12 ice lollies; 450 g; vanilla and chocolate | Auchan lists milk, hazelnuts and soya in this recipe, which may also contain traces of other tree nuts. Check that it’s suitable for your guests’ needs. | Auchan |
| 5 | Magnum Classic x8, 600 g | 8 ice lollies; 600 g | When checked, the Joybuy product page for this box of eight showed that it was out of stock. Check availability and the allergens in this variety before adding it to your party menu. | Joybuy |
These boxes offer between six and twelve individual portions, in a range of flavours and sizes. Choose according to the number of children, their confirmed preferences and the information on the exact packaging. The Magnum vanilla and almond product below is different from the Magnum Classic in the previous table.
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A box of 12 orange and cherry ice lollies to consider if those flavours will suit your guests. The product information warns that it may contain traces of gluten, peanuts, soya, milk and tree nuts. Check the packaging before serving.
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Eight melon ice lollies for a group who enjoy this flavour. The product contains milk, and its product information also carries a warning about the effect of the colour E102 on children’s activity and attention. Read the label before serving.
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Six vanilla ice lollies with cocoa sauce for a small group, or to add to another box. The product information lists milk and warns that it may contain traces of tree nuts, peanuts, egg and soya. Check the packaging with the families concerned.
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Twelve ice lollies in five flavours, giving guests a choice. Don’t assume they’re suitable for people with allergies: check the information on the exact packaging with the seller before serving.
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Eight vanilla and almond ice lollies for a group whose guests can eat this recipe. It contains milk and almonds, may contain other tree nuts, and carries a warning about nut fragments for young children. Check the label and supervise children while they’re eating.
No. Ingredients vary between products. The DGCCRF says that allergens must be highlighted in the ingredients list on prepacked foods. The Auchan x12 selection lists milk, hazelnuts and soya, and may contain traces of other tree nuts. Read the label on every box you buy.
Buy frozen foods last and transport them in a cool bag, keeping the journey as short as possible, as recommended by Anses. Put them in the freezer as soon as you arrive and follow the storage instructions on the packaging. The Auchan x12 selection says to store at −18 °C and not to refreeze after defrosting.
It can be, provided you have enough boxes for all the guests and the recipe is suitable for them. The Magnum Classic sold by Auchan contains four ice lollies per box, so work out how many portions you need and check the allergens before choosing this size for a group.
No. That label doesn’t answer every question about allergens, taste or labelling. The product information for the FOCO durian ice lolly lists the colours E102 and E129, and includes a warning about their effect on children’s activity and attention. Check the exact packaging and the information provided by families.