Hosts who prefer a small portion after the buffet
If savoury bites have already made up most of the meal, a mini stick is an easy way to offer a little frozen treat to each guest. Carrefour, for example, lists mini sticks in a 55 mL size.
Who are these sizes suitable for?
Hosts planning an individual dessert
If each guest is having dessert rather than just a small taste, compare standard sticks and their volume per piece. Carrefour, for example, lists a 100 mL Magnum Classic.
Groups where tastes or allergies need to be considered
Offering several flavours can help cater for different preferences, but you’ll need to check each variety separately. If anyone has an allergy, read the ingredients list and check the allergens highlighted on the packaging.
What should you check before buying?
First decide whether the ice lolly will be a little something after the buffet or dessert in its own right. Then check the flavours, number of lollies and serving instructions.
| Criteria | What to check | Who is this for? |
|---|---|---|
| Portion size | Compare the volume or weight per lolly and the number in the box. Carrefour, for example, lists 55 mL mini Magnums and 100 mL Classic sticks. | After a substantial buffet, I’d prefer a small portion rather than a full dessert; around 45% of consumers would make portion size their priority. |
| Flavours and quantity | Check which varieties are in the box and make sure there are enough for the number of guests you’re serving. | When everyone around the table has different tastes, I want enough lollies without having to settle for just one flavour; around 33% of consumers would put this first. |
| Ingredients and storage | Read the ingredients and allergen information for each product. Also plan how you’ll transport the frozen items and make room in the freezer until serving time. | If a guest needs to avoid certain ingredients, I want to be able to check every box and serve the lollies without leaving them on the table; around 22% of consumers would prioritise these checks. |
Mistakes to avoid
-
Counting the lollies without checking their size
Six mini sticks and six standard sticks provide the same number of servings, but they’re not the same size portion for each guest.
Compare the volume or weight per lolly, depending on whether you’re planning a small sweet treat or an individual dessert.
-
Choosing several flavours without checking each label
Ingredients and allergens can vary from one recipe to another. The French Ministry of the Economy reminds shoppers that allergens must be highlighted on the labels of prepacked food.
Check each variety before you buy, and keep the packaging handy when serving in case guests need to check the ingredients.
-
Leaving ice lollies out of the freezer
Keeping food at the right temperature matters from the moment you do your shopping. An Auchan product page for POUCE states that it should be stored at −18 °C and not refrozen after defrosting.
Follow Anses advice: pick up frozen food at the end of your shop, keep transport time to a minimum and use an insulated bag. At dessert time, take the lollies out in small batches.
Brands to know when comparing sizes
Magnum
A brand to consider when comparing mini and standard sticks, including the vanilla and chocolate recipes listed by Carrefour.
- Carrefour lists 55 mL mini sticks and 100 mL Classic sticks.
- Check the flavour, allergens and number of lollies in the box you choose: these details vary by product.
Auchan
The supermarket’s own brand is another place to look for fruity sticks to round out a chocolate selection.
- The range includes a box of eight fruit-flavoured sticks weighing 300 g.
- Check the product and its ingredients in the store or on the website you plan to shop with.
POUCE
Worth considering if you’re looking for several vanilla and chocolate sticks in one box.
- Auchan lists a 12-piece POUCE box weighing 402 g.
- For this product, the listing says to store at −18 °C and not to refreeze after defrosting. Check the packaging for ingredients too.
MUCCI
ALDI’s own brand offers different sizes to compare, depending on the portion you’re after.
- ALDI lists, among other options, boxes of 12 mini sticks and four double-coated sticks.
- Check the recipe and quantity for the specific box rather than assuming the whole range comes in the same size.
NUII
A brand to explore if you’d like to offer flavours such as pistachio or cookies and cream.
- Auchan lists several NUII recipes in boxes of four sticks.
- For recipes with inclusions or nuts, check the allergens for the exact variety before serving.
Individual ice lollies to consider on Joybuy
These boxes include mini sticks and individual ice lollies to compare for the end of a drinks-and-canapés buffet. Portion sizes and flavours vary, so choose according to the role of the dessert and check the label if any guests have allergies.
Image unavailable
Magnum Mini Classic, Almond and White Chocolate, 6 pieces, 254 g
Worth considering if you’d like to offer small portions and a choice of flavours after the buffet.
The box states that it contains six pieces and weighs 254 g. Check the ingredients and allergens for each variety on the packaging before serving.
Image unavailable
CAPRI-SUN orange and cherry ice lollies, 12 pieces, 444 g
An option to consider if you’d like to serve individual ice lollies in orange and cherry flavours.
The box states that it contains 12 pieces and weighs 444 g. Check the allergen information and storage instructions on the packaging before offering them to guests.
Image unavailable
Maison de la Glace water ice lollies, 5 flavours, 12 pieces, 1 200 g
Worth a look if you’d like to offer a choice of individual water ice lollies.
The box states that it contains 12 pieces in five flavours, weighing 1 200 g in total. Check that the size is right for after your buffet; if a guest has an allergy, carefully check the label before choosing this box.
Image unavailable
Magnum Mini Classic, 6 sticks, 55 mL
Worth considering if you’d prefer a small portion in a box of Classic flavour sticks.
The stated size is six sticks of 55 mL. Check the allergens and storage instructions on the packaging before buying.
Frequently asked questions
How many ice lollies should you buy for a drinks-and-canapés buffet?
Allow at least one per guest if everyone is having an ice lolly for dessert. If you’re serving mini sticks as a small treat after the buffet, check how many are in each box and decide whether you’d like guests to be able to have another.
Can you put the ice lollies out on the table before dessert?
It’s best to keep them in the freezer and take them out in small batches when you’re ready to serve. Anses recommends keeping the transport time for frozen food to a minimum; also follow the storage and do-not-refreeze instructions on each box.
How can you check for allergens when offering several flavours?
Read the label for each variety rather than relying on the name of the assortment. For prepacked food in France, the Ministry of the Economy says allergens must be listed and highlighted; keep the boxes available for guests who need to check the ingredients.