Hosts serving several people
The number of ice lollies helps you plan one portion per guest. Check their size too: twelve mini ice lollies aren’t necessarily the same as twelve standard-sized ones.
Who are these pack sizes for?
Anyone who needs to check allergens
The exact recipe matters more than the product range name. Carrefour’s ice lolly product information lists different ingredients and possible traces for different products, so read the packaging of the one you choose carefully.
Smaller groups looking for a particular recipe
A smaller box may be enough if you’re mainly looking for a particular flavour or coating. Remember to check the number of ice lollies and allergens for the product you choose.
Quantity, ingredients and size: what to check
For a Candlemas treat, work out how many people you’ll be serving before comparing boxes by portion size and recipe.
| What to consider | What to check | Who is this useful for? |
|---|---|---|
| Number of portions | Count the ice lollies and check the total weight of the box. | I want to serve every guest without running short; around 36% of consumers put the number of portions first. |
| Allergens | Read the ingredients and any ‘may contain’ warnings on the exact product packaging. | If a guest has an allergy, I need to check the exact recipe before offering it to them; this is a priority for around 29% of consumers. |
| Size and leftovers | Check whether the box contains mini or standard-sized ice lollies, and make sure you have room in the freezer. | For a small group, I’d rather choose a box with the right portion size than have lots left over; around 21% of consumers prioritise pack size. |
| Recipe | Compare the flavours, coating and stated size of each ice lolly. | I’m looking for a particular flavour or combination for dessert; around 14% of consumers put the recipe first. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Assuming all ice lollies are the same size
The boxes listed by Carrefour, E.Leclerc and ALDI include mini ice lollies and other sizes. So the number of pieces alone doesn’t tell you how large each portion will be.
Look for the word ‘mini’, check the total weight and, if it’s shown on the packaging, the weight of each ice lolly.
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Judging allergens by flavour
Two chocolate recipes can contain different ingredients and have different trace warnings. The Carrefour product information cited here lists milk and, depending on the product, other allergens.
Before serving someone with an allergy, read the ingredients list and any ‘may contain’ warnings on the exact box.
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Choosing a large box without planning how to store it
Frozen treats need to stay cold during transport and storage. You’ll also need to be able to put a bulky box in the freezer as soon as you get home.
Buy frozen food at the end of your shopping trip, use an insulated bag if needed and follow the storage temperature on the packaging. The DGCCRF states that food that has been defrosted must never be frozen again.
Brands to know when comparing pack sizes
Magnum
The vanilla, chocolate and almond option listed by Carrefour comes in a box of eight ice lollies.
- Carrefour states that this product contains 95 mL per ice lolly.
- The product information lists milk and almonds, and possible traces of pistachios. Check the packaging of the recipe you choose.
CARREFOUR CLASSIC'
Carrefour lists a box of twelve chocolate and chocolate-and-vanilla ice lollies, among other options.
- A box of twelve makes it easier to plan servings for several guests.
- Ingredients and trace warnings vary between products, so check the exact box you’re buying.
SMICY
E.Leclerc lists an assortment of twenty ice lollies, with a total weight of 850 g.
- The number of ice lollies makes this a good choice when you need several portions.
- Check the ingredients in the assortment and make sure you have room to store the box.
MUCCI
ALDI lists a box of twelve MUCCI mini ice lollies, among other options.
- The word ‘mini’ helps you tell these apart from standard-sized ice lollies when planning portions.
- Check the recipe and any relevant information for your guests on the box.
Ice lollies for different-sized gatherings
These Joybuy options come in boxes of three to twelve ice lollies, with different flavours and portion sizes. Choose according to the number of guests, then check the packaging if anyone has specific dietary requirements.
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Maison de la Glace Water Ice Pops, 5 flavours, 12 pieces, 1 200 g
An assortment of twelve ice lollies in a range of flavours, ideal for sharing.
The box lists five flavours and a total weight of 1 200 g. If anyone has an allergy, check the ingredients and information on the exact packaging before serving.
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CAPRI-SUN Orange & Cherry Ice Pops, 12 pieces, 444 g
Twelve individual portions in orange and cherry flavours, perfect for sharing.
Each ice lolly is listed as weighing 37 g. The product information warns of possible traces of gluten, peanuts, soya, milk and nuts; check the exact packaging if a guest has an allergy.
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PEPPA PIG Strawberry Vanilla Ice Cream Sticks, 6 × 60 mL
A box of six strawberry and vanilla ice cream sticks for a smaller gathering.
Each ice lolly is listed as 60 mL. The product contains milk and may contain nuts and peanuts; check the exact label if needed.
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PAW Patrol Vanilla Ice Cream Sticks with Cocoa Sauce, 6 pieces, 270 g
Six vanilla ice cream sticks with cocoa sauce, ideal for serving a small group.
The box lists a total weight of 270 g. The product contains milk and may contain traces of nuts, peanuts, eggs and soya; check the exact packaging for guests with allergies.
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MAGNUM Mint Chocolate Ice Bar, 3 pieces, 234 g
A box of three ice lollies for guests who fancy a mint and chocolate recipe.
The stated total weight is 234 g. The product contains milk and may contain nuts; check the exact label if anyone has an allergy.
Frequently asked questions
How can I quickly compare two boxes of ice lollies?
Compare the number of ice lollies first, then check their size: a box of mini ice lollies and one of standard-sized ones won’t necessarily give you similar portions. Check the total weight and recipe too, if these matter to your gathering.
Is a chocolate ice lolly always suitable for someone with an allergy?
No. The flavour alone doesn’t tell you which allergens are present. Carrefour’s product information for Magnum vanilla, chocolate and almonds lists milk and almonds, with possible traces of pistachios. Read the ingredients and any ‘may contain’ warnings on the exact box you plan to serve.
How should I transport and store ice lollies after shopping?
Keep them cold on the way home, then put them in the freezer promptly and follow the storage temperature on the label. The DGCCRF gives −18 °C as a guideline for this category and states that food that has been defrosted must never be frozen again.