Hosts serving a group
You want to work out how many portions you need before you buy. Products listed by Carrefour and Auchan include boxes of 6, 8, 10 or 12 mini ice lollies, depending on the product.
Who is this choice for?
Hosts looking to offer a choice of flavours
If you don’t know what your guests like, a selection means you don’t have to pick just one flavour for everyone. For example, Auchan lists a Magnum box with Classic, Almond and White Chocolate recipes.
Hosts mindful of allergens
If a guest has mentioned an allergy or intolerance, check the label on the exact box you’re buying. The products listed by Carrefour and Auchan differ, particularly in whether they contain milk, almonds or soya, or carry warnings about traces.
What should you look for before you buy?
First, work out how many portions you need, then choose between a mix of recipes and a familiar flavour the group enjoys. Next, check the labels and transport requirements before making your choice.
| What to consider | What to check | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Number of portions | How many pieces are in each box and how many boxes you’ll need for the way you plan to serve them. | When I’m hosting a group, I want to be able to offer everyone an ice lolly without relying on the box’s weight alone. Around 36% of consumers would put the number of portions at the top of their list. |
| Choice of flavours | Which recipes are included in the selection and, if stated, how many there are of each. | If I don’t know my guests’ preferences, I’d rather give them a few options. Variety would be the priority for around 29% of consumers. |
| Ingredients and allergens | The ingredients list and any warnings about traces on the exact product you’re buying. | If a guest has an allergy or intolerance, I need to check what each recipe contains before serving it. This would be the top priority for around 21% of consumers. |
| Storage | Instructions on the packaging, an insulated bag and whether you can put the products in the freezer as soon as you get home. | If I’m shopping before the party, I need to plan how to get the ice lollies home and store them before my guests arrive. Around 14% of consumers would prioritise this. |
Mistakes to avoid for the party
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Confusing the box’s weight with the number of portions
A heavier box doesn’t necessarily contain more ice lollies: products listed by Carrefour and Auchan contain 6, 8, 10 or 12 pieces, depending on the product.
Start with the number of people you’re serving and how many ice lollies you’d like to offer each of them, then add up the number of pieces shown on the boxes.
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Assuming a selection will suit everyone
Recipes can vary within the same box. The Carrefour product information we reviewed mentions milk or almonds, depending on the product, as well as some warnings about traces.
Ask guests with allergies or intolerances which ingredients they need to avoid, read the label on every box you buy and have an alternative ready if needed.
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Buying ice lollies without planning how to transport them
The DGCCRF recommends limiting the time frozen products spend in transit and preferably using an insulated bag.
Pick up the ice lollies at the end of your shop, carry them in an insulated bag and put them in the freezer as soon as possible, following the instructions on the packaging.
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Relying on a product you saw in a catalogue
A product listed online may not be available at the shop you’ve chosen. E.Leclerc notes, for example, that its independently run stores manage their own local stock.
Check that the exact product is available at your chosen shop or for your planned collection or delivery slot before you finish shopping for the party.
Brands and products to consider
Magnum
Auchan lists a Magnum selection of 10 mini ice lollies, 423 g, with Classic, Almond and White Chocolate recipes.
- Three recipes in one box give guests a choice.
- The Almond recipe contains almonds, so check the ingredients on the exact box before serving.
Carrefour Extra
Carrefour lists a selection of 8 mini ice lollies, each weighing 32 g.
- The number of pieces is clearly stated, making it easier to plan how to serve them.
- Carrefour’s product information lists milk, soya and almonds, as well as possible traces of eggs and other nuts.
SIMPL
Carrefour lists a SIMPL box of 8 assorted mini ice lollies, 284 g, with different coatings.
- Several recipes in one box.
- The product information lists milk and, for some varieties, almonds, as well as possible traces of other nuts.
Auchan
The range listed by Auchan includes an 8-piece selection from its own brand and a 12-piece Pouce product.
- Compare two different pack sizes to suit the number of guests.
- Check the ingredients and availability of the exact product at your chosen shop.
Ice lollies and individual frozen treats on Joybuy
These multipacks include water ice lollies, sorbet lollies and individual frozen treats to share at a party. Compare the number of pieces and the recipe: not all of these products are assortments of coated mini ice lollies.
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Maison de la Glace Water Ice Pops, 5 flavours, 12 pieces, 1200 g
This pack is a good choice if you want to count out 12 individual portions and offer a choice of flavours.
Before serving guests with allergies or intolerances, check the ingredients and allergens on the exact packaging, as well as the storage instructions.
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ABC JELLY Fruity Jelly Bar Assorted, fruity ice lollies to freeze
This is a good option if you can freeze the ice lollies before serving and would like to offer fruit flavours.
Check the net quantity, freezing instructions and allergens on the exact packaging before buying.
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Pop Fruit Mini Sicilian Lemon & Sicilian Blood Orange, x8, 280 g
These eight mini sorbet lollies let you offer the group two flavours.
If anyone has an allergy, check the warnings about traces on the exact packaging. Follow the storage instructions and do not refreeze after thawing.
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CAPRI-SUN Orange & Cherry Ice Pops, x12, 444 g
This pack of 12 individual ice lollies makes it easy to count portions if the group likes orange and cherry; it doesn’t offer a choice of different flavours.
Check the warnings about traces on the packaging if a guest has an allergy. Do not refreeze after thawing.
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PopFruit Mini Sorbet Sticks Mango, Passion Fruit & Dark Chocolate, x6, 282 g
This pack of six mini sorbet lollies can top up other boxes when you’re working out how many portions you need.
The product description mentions soya and advises that it is not suitable for children under 36 months. Check the exact label if anyone has an allergy, and do not refreeze after thawing.
Frequently asked questions
How many boxes of mini ice lollies should I get for a birthday party?
Count the guests you’d like to offer an ice lolly to, then divide that number by the number of pieces in each box and round up to the next whole box. Carrefour and Auchan list packs of 6, 8, 10 and 12 pieces, for example. Only add extra portions if you plan to offer some guests a second ice lolly.
Is a selection suitable if a guest has an allergy?
Not automatically: check the label on the exact product and each of the recipes in it. Anses reminds consumers that substances that can cause allergies or intolerances must be highlighted in the ingredients list. The Carrefour product information we reviewed lists milk, almonds, soya or traces of other allergens, depending on the product.
How should I transport ice lollies before the party?
The DGCCRF recommends using an insulated bag where possible, keeping transport time to a minimum and putting frozen products in the freezer as soon as you get home. Follow the storage temperature shown on each pack, too.
Will a product listed online be available at my local shop?
Check availability at your chosen shop and for your preferred time slot before relying on it for the party. E.Leclerc notes, for example, that its independently run stores manage their own local stock.