For a chocolate dessert
You’d like to round off the evening with an individual chocolate dessert, perhaps with a sauce or a double coating. Magnum France, for example, describes a Double Chocolate lolly that combines these elements.
Who are these options for?
For a group with varied tastes
You’d rather offer a choice of recipes or smaller portions than give everyone the same large lolly. Carrefour France lists a range of ice lolly recipes, while Magnum France also offers a Mini Double Caramel format.
For easy serving
You need to count the portions, make room in the freezer and transport the ice lollies to the venue. The formats listed by E.Leclerc and ALDI France show why it’s worth comparing the contents of each box.
What should you look for?
First, decide whether everyone will have a full dessert or just a small portion. Then compare the flavours and number of lollies, and make sure you consider allergens and keeping them cold, too.
| What to consider | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Chocolate recipe | Ice cream flavour, type of coating and whether it includes a sauce. | If dessert is the highlight at the end of the meal, I’m looking for a rich chocolate flavour rather than just a little sweetness. Around 33% of consumers would put chocolate indulgence first. |
| Variety and portions | Mini or standard size, number of lollies and the flavours actually included in the box. | After a hearty appetiser spread, I want to give everyone a choice of portion and avoid making the whole group have the same flavour. Around 27% of consumers would prioritise variety or a smaller format. |
| Number of portions | Number of ice lollies, total weight or volume, and portion size. | To serve everyone at the table, I mainly need to know how many desserts are in the box. This would be the top priority for around 20% of consumers. |
| Allergens and keeping them cold | Ingredients and allergens in the chosen box; storage temperature and transport in an insulated bag. | If a guest has an allergy or the journey is a long one, I need to be able to choose a suitable product and keep it cold. Around 20% of consumers would prioritise these precautions. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Choosing a large lolly after an already hearty meal
A standard-sized lolly may be more dessert than your guests fancy after the appetisers. Magnum France also offers Mini Double Caramel lollies in a box of six, each 55 ml.
Think about whether the ice cream will be the main dessert or just a little sweet treat to finish, then work out how many portions you need.
The wrong size can leave you with unserved portions or mean you have to open another box.
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Assuming one flavour will suit everyone
Chocolate, caramel and nut-based recipes may contain ingredients that are unsuitable for some guests. The Carrefour Sensation Double Caramel Beurre Salé Chocolat listing, for example, mentions milk and salted butter.
Ask about allergies before you buy and read the label on the exact product, rather than relying on the flavour name alone.
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Overlooking the journey home with frozen products
Ice cream must be stored according to the instructions on its packaging. The DGCCRF recommends using an insulated bag and keeping transport time as short as possible for frozen products.
Pick up the ice lollies last while shopping, carry them in an insulated bag and put them in the freezer as soon as you get home.
Brands to know
Magnum
Magnum France offers ice lollies with chocolate-based recipes, as well as mini and standard sizes.
- According to Magnum France, Double Chocolate combines chocolate ice cream, chocolate sauce and two coatings.
- Check the size and ingredients of each product: a range description doesn’t tell you the composition of every product from the brand.
Carrefour Sensation
Carrefour France lists several ice lolly recipes in this range, including double chocolate and salted butter caramel.
- A choice of flavours makes it easier to cater for a group with different tastes.
- Check the number of lollies and ingredients list on each box separately.
TRIUM
E.Leclerc lists a TRIUM vanilla lolly coated in milk chocolate and almonds, sold in a box of four.
- The box of four is a clearly defined option for a small group.
- This recipe contains almonds and milk, so check the label carefully if any guests have allergies.
MUCCI
ALDI France offers mini ice lollies and double-coated lollies under the MUCCI brand.
- The formats listed include an assortment of mini ice lollies and a box of four double-coated lollies.
- Check the recipe and availability at your chosen store before deciding on dessert for the group.
Ice lollies on Joybuy
These boxes contain individual ice lollies to round off the evening, with a choice of flavours and portion counts. Start by choosing a recipe that suits your guests, then check the ingredients and storage instructions on the box.
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MAGNUM Double Chocolate, 4 ice cream bars, 284 g
For a small group who enjoy a rich chocolate dessert. The box contains four ice cream bars, with a stated total weight of 284 g. Check the ingredients if anyone has allergies.
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Mars Caramel Ice Bars, 7 ice cream bars, 280 g
For serving a caramel flavour to several guests. The box contains seven ice cream bars, with a stated total weight of 280 g. Check the label before serving to anyone with allergies.
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POPELINO Sicilian Pistache Ice Sticks, white chocolate, 4 pieces, 312 g
A pistachio and white chocolate recipe for anyone looking for something other than a chocolate-only ice lolly. The box lists four pieces weighing 312 g; check the label if nuts or other allergens are a concern.
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MAGNUM Salted Caramel & Almond, 3 ice cream bars, 222 g
For a small group who like the combination of salted caramel and almonds. The box contains three ice cream bars weighing 222 g; as it contains almonds, check the ingredients for any guests with allergies.
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MAGNUM Vanilla Almond, 8 ice cream bars, 600 g
For a group looking for several vanilla and almond portions. The box contains eight ice cream bars weighing 600 g; check the ingredients if anyone has allergies.
Frequently asked questions
What size should you serve after a hearty charcuterie evening?
A mini ice lolly is a good choice if you want to offer a small portion after a substantial spread of appetisers. If the ice cream is to be dessert in its own right, a standard size may be more suitable. Either way, count the lollies before choosing a box.
How do you choose an ice lolly if a guest has an allergy?
Read the ingredients and allergen information on the box you plan to serve. Don’t rely on the flavour name alone to tell you what’s in it: recipes and warnings about possible traces can vary from one product to another.
How should you transport ice lollies to the venue?
Carry them in an insulated bag, keep the journey as short as possible and put them in the freezer promptly, following the DGCCRF’s advice for frozen products. Then follow the storage temperature shown on the packaging.
Should you take ice lollies out of the freezer before serving?
For some Magnum products, the brand recommends waiting a few minutes before eating. However, keep the boxes in the freezer until you’re ready to serve, rather than leaving the lollies out on a buffet.
Does the word ‘luxury’ describe a particular recipe?
No. On its own, it doesn’t tell you the flavour, size or ingredients of the ice lolly. Compare the details on each box, including the coating, number of pieces, ingredients and allergens.