When choosing a multipack of ice lollies for children’s snacks, first compare the ingredients and allergen information for each product, then check the number of lollies and the quantity per portion. A water ice lolly is not necessarily suitable for someone with a milk allergy: the Auchan fruit product mentioned below warns that it may contain traces of milk. If you’re away from home, only plan an iced snack if you can keep the product cold until it’s time to serve.
If your child has an allergy, or you’re catering for several children with different dietary needs, the packaging for each product matters more than its flavour or category name. For example, the product information for Auchan fruit ice lollies warns that they may contain traces of milk, peanuts and nuts.
If you’re serving several children or planning snacks for more than one occasion, check how many lollies are in the box and the total quantity. The formats shown by Carrefour and Auchan demonstrate that the number of lollies varies from product to product.
For an outing or a snack on the go, the key question is whether you can keep the lollies frozen until serving. Anses recommends buying frozen foods at the end of your shopping and using an insulated bag to transport them.
For a snack to share, check the recipe for each product before counting the portions. Then decide whether you’ll be able to keep frozen products cold until serving.
| Criteria | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Ingredients and allergens | Read the ingredients, highlighted allergens and any ‘may contain’ information for the product you choose. Don’t assume that a product is suitable for someone with an allergy just because it’s called a ‘water ice’. | When the children getting together have different dietary needs, I want to be able to check each recipe before serving it; around 40% of consumers would put this compatibility first. |
| Portions to share | Compare the number of lollies and the net quantity, then check the quantity per portion if it’s shown on the label. | For several snacks, I want enough lollies to share without assuming that two boxes contain the same number of portions; around 30% of consumers would make sharing their top priority. |
| Keeping them cold away from home | Check the storage instructions and whether you can transport and store the lollies at a suitably cold temperature until serving. | When we’re out, I can only choose a frozen product if I can keep it cold until snack time; this would be the priority for around 30% of consumers. |
Milk is not listed among the ingredients of Auchan fruit ice lollies, but the product information warns that they may contain traces of milk, peanuts and nuts.
If someone has an allergy, check the ingredients and any ‘may contain’ information on the packaging of the product you buy, whatever its flavour.
The number of lollies doesn’t tell you how much is in each portion. The Auchan products mentioned here each contain eight lollies, but their net weights differ.
Work out how many portions you need, then compare the net quantity and the size of the lollies shown for each box.
Individual wrapping won’t keep a frozen product frozen while you’re travelling. Anses recommends transporting frozen foods in an insulated bag; the product information for Auchan fruit ice lollies says to store them at −18 °C and not to refreeze them after thawing.
Save ice lollies for snacks where you can transport and store them properly until serving. Otherwise, choose a different kind of snack.
A smaller size doesn’t change the ingredients: the Auchan mini lolly assortment contains milk and soya, and one variety contains almonds.
Consider the portion size and the ingredients of each flavour in the box separately.
These products show a range of formats and recipes to compare. A brand or retailer appearing here doesn’t tell you what another of its products contains.
Auchan offers, among other products, a box of eight fruit ice lollies and an assortment of eight mini dairy and chocolate lollies.
Carrefour’s ‘Kids’ Ice Cream’ range includes several pack sizes, including Carrefour Classic’ water ice tubes in boxes of eight or twenty.
Magnum’s Mini Double Caramel comes in a box of 6 × 55 ml, making it worth considering if you’re looking for smaller chocolate-coated portions.
ALDI’s French catalogue features a MUCCI pack of twelve mini lollies, with a stated weight of 429 g.
These multipacks contain individually wrapped ice lollies or tubes to share across several snacks. They include water ice recipes and a melon lolly containing milk, so check each pack against the children’s needs and the storage conditions.
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The ten lollies make it easy to plan individual portions for several snacks.
If a child has an allergy, check the packaging for the ingredients and any ‘may contain’ information. The product must remain frozen until serving.
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This pack of twelve can be shared between several children or across several snacks.
The product information warns that it may contain traces of gluten, peanuts, soya, milk and nuts. Check the label on the product you receive before serving it to a child with an allergy. You’ll also need to keep it suitably cold if you’re taking it out with you.
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This pack could suit families planning several snacks or a group get-together.
The description says there are four boxes of twenty-four tubes, but the title and description give different information about the total weight. Confirm the exact contents of the pack before planning portions. Also check the labelling if any of the children have dietary restrictions.
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The twelve lollies can be shared across several snacks.
The product information includes a warning for people at risk of an allergic reaction. Don’t assume the product is suitable just because it’s called a ‘water ice’; check the packaging. The stated storage temperature is −18 °C or below.
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The eight lollies are individual portions that you can divide up according to the number of children and snacks you’re planning for.
The recipe contains milk. The product information also mentions the colour E102 and includes a warning about children’s activity and attention. Read the label before choosing this product for a snack. It should be stored at −18 °C or below.
No. Milk not being listed among the ingredients doesn’t guarantee that there are no traces. Auchan fruit ice lollies carry a warning that they may contain traces of milk. If someone has an allergy, also check the ‘may contain’ information on the packaging of the product you choose.
Only if you can keep them cold until snack time. Anses recommends limiting the transport of frozen foods and using an insulated bag; an ordinary lunchbox on its own won’t keep an ice lolly frozen.
First work out how many portions you need, then compare the net quantity and the quantity per lolly if it’s given. When comparing the nutritional information of different products, the DGCCRF notes that nutrition information is given per 100 g or 100 ml. Also consider the size of the portion you’ll actually serve.
Check the ingredients list and any ‘may contain’ information on the packaging. For prepacked foods sold in France, the DGCCRF states that allergenic ingredients must be highlighted in the ingredients list.