Hosts keeping count of every portion
You’re having several guests over and want a box with enough ice lollies, without buying more than you need.
Who are these sizes for?
Hosts who want to offer a range of frozen desserts
You’d like to serve creamy, chocolatey or assorted mini lollies, either on their own or alongside a larger pack for more guests.
Hosts mindful of their guests and food storage
You need to check the ingredients for guests with dietary restrictions, then plan how to transport the lollies and make room in the freezer.
What should you look for first?
Large assortment of ice lollies
Worth considering: if you want to serve lots of individual portions and ice lollies are suitable for your guests.
Bear in mind: these sticks aren’t a substitute for a creamy or chocolate ice lolly. Also check that your chosen product is available.
Multi-pack of vanilla-and-chocolate ice creams
Worth considering: if you’d prefer a creamy frozen dessert and want to serve several guests from one box.
Bear in mind: pack sizes vary from one product to another, and you should check what’s in each box.
Assorted mini lollies
Worth considering: if small portions and a choice of flavours are more important for your party.
Bear in mind: a small box may not be enough for all your guests, and ingredients vary between recipes.
| What to consider | What to check | Who is this for? |
|---|---|---|
| Number of portions | Count the lollies in each box and compare the total with the number of guests who’ll want one. | If I’m serving a group, I want enough lollies without buying lots of unnecessary boxes. Around 33% of consumers would put the number of portions first. |
| Variety and size | Check the advertised flavours and distinguish between ice lollies, creamy lollies and mini sizes. | After a drink, I’d rather offer a choice of flavours or a smaller portion. Variety would be the top priority for around 20% of consumers. |
| Ingredients and allergens | Read the ingredients list and any ‘may contain’ warnings on each box you’re considering. | If guests have dietary restrictions, I need to check the exact recipe before serving. This would be the main concern for around 27% of consumers. |
| Transport and availability | Have a cool bag and freezer space ready, and check availability at your chosen shop. | If I’m shopping before the party, I want to be able to transport and store the lollies quickly. Around 20% of consumers would put this ahead of other considerations. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Choosing a box without counting the lollies
The packs shown by Carrefour and E.Leclerc range from 6 to 20 pieces, so two boxes won’t necessarily cater for the same number of guests.
First estimate how many people will want an ice lolly, then check the number of pieces shown on each box.
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Assuming one assortment will suit everyone
Depending on the recipe, the lollies listed may contain milk, soya or almonds, and may also warn that they contain traces of other allergens.
Ask guests with dietary restrictions what you need to take into account, and read the label on every product you plan to serve.
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Picking up frozen food too early while shopping
A long wait makes it harder to keep frozen products frozen while you’re travelling home.
The DGCCRF recommends keeping transport time to a minimum and using an insulated bag where possible. Pick up the lollies last and put them in the freezer as soon as you get home.
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Planning around a product without checking it’s available
E.Leclerc advises customers to check with the relevant store about its SMICY assortment, so the range on offer may vary by shop.
Check availability before settling on quantities, and have another suitable size in mind.
Brands to compare
Carrefour Classic’ / Simpl
These ranges include vanilla-and-chocolate ice creams in different pack sizes, which you can compare based on the number of guests.
- Carrefour offers, among other options, a 12-lolly Classic’ box and a 6-piece Simpl product.
- For the Simpl product listed, check the packaging for ingredients and allergen information before serving.
SMICY
The assortment of ice lollies offered by E.Leclerc is a good option if you want several portions in one box.
- The product shown contains 20 sticks in assorted flavours.
- E.Leclerc advises customers to check availability with the relevant store.
Magnum
The brand’s mini lollies and assortments offer the option of smaller portions or a choice of recipes for your party.
- The products shown by Carrefour and Auchan include mini boxes and an assortment of eight lollies.
- Ingredients vary by recipe. Check the box you choose for information about milk and nuts in particular.
MUCCI
The range offered by ALDI includes mini lollies and other frozen treats.
- ALDI offers, among other options, boxes of 12 mini lollies and 4 double-coated lollies.
- These pack sizes won’t serve the same number of people, so check what’s available at your local shop.
Joybuy products for your party
These ice lollies, mini lollies, frozen desserts and creamy lollies come in a range of sizes for a birthday party. Compare the number of pieces, recipe and storage instructions before choosing.
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Maison de la Glace Water Ice Pops, 5 flavours, 12 pieces, 1200 g
Worth considering if you’d like to serve individual ice lollies in a range of flavours.
Check the ingredients on the packaging for guests with dietary restrictions.
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Magnum Mini Classic, Almond and White Chocolate, 6 pieces, 254 g
The mini size may suit you if you’d like to serve a smaller portion after drinks.
The box contains six lollies. Check the ingredients in the exact assortment before serving it to guests with dietary restrictions.
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ABC JELLY Fruity Jelly Bar Assorted, frozen desserts
An option to prepare ahead if you’d like to serve frozen fruit desserts at your party.
Allow enough time and freezer space, and check the net weight on the packaging if this information matters to you.
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CAPRI-SUN Orange & Cherry Ice Pops, 12 pieces, 444 g
The 12 individual pieces are handy when several guests would like an ice lolly.
Orange and cherry describe the flavour profile of this product, not separate flavours in the box. Check the packaging for allergen information.
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Binggrae Melona Melon Ice Bar, 8 × 70 ml
This box is for hosts who’d like to offer melon lollies rather than an assortment of flavours.
It contains eight 70 ml pieces. Check the full ingredients and allergen information on the packaging before serving to guests with dietary restrictions.
Frequently asked questions
How many ice lollies should I get for a birthday party?
Count the guests who’d like an ice lolly, then choose a suitable number of pieces. The products shown by E.Leclerc and Carrefour include boxes of 20, 12 or 6 lollies, so check the size of the one you choose.
Should I check the allergens in a brand I already know?
Yes, check the exact product before serving it. The DGCCRF states that allergenic ingredients must be highlighted on the labels of prepacked foods. Also read any ‘may contain’ warnings if your guests’ dietary restrictions make them relevant.
How should I transport ice lollies to the party?
Pick up frozen food last, keep the journey short and put the lollies in the freezer as soon as you get home. The DGCCRF recommends using an insulated bag where possible. Follow the storage instructions on the packaging, too.
Can you refreeze ice lollies once they’ve thawed?
Follow the instructions on the packaging for the product in question. The product pages for Carrefour Simpl and Magnum lollies available on Joybuy say not to refreeze the product once it has thawed.
How can I avoid planning for an assortment that’s unavailable on the day?
Check availability with the shop where you plan to buy it before deciding on quantities. E.Leclerc advises customers to contact the relevant store about the SMICY assortment, so have another size in mind that would suit your guests.