For a frozen dessert after pancakes, choose a box of chocolate-coated ice lollies to suit the number of guests, then check the ingredients of your chosen recipe and its storage instructions. A box of chocolates is for a different kind of gift; it isn’t a substitute for a frozen dessert to serve during the evening.
If several guests would like ice cream after their pancakes, check how many ice lollies are in the box and the portion size of each one. Magnum France, for example, lists four 88 ml portions for its Double Caramel product.
If any guests need to avoid certain ingredients, check each recipe carefully. Depending on the product, listings from Magnum France, Carrefour, Auchan and E.Leclerc mention milk, wheat, soya or nuts.
If you’re choosing between several boxes, compare their net weight and the number of ice lollies. E.Leclerc lists different pack sizes for different products, so choose an amount that suits the guests who’d like an ice lolly.
For a frozen dessert after pancakes, first work out how many portions you’ll need. Then check the recipe and whether you can keep the ice lollies frozen until you’re ready to serve them.
| Criteria | What to check | Who is this for ? |
|---|---|---|
| Individual portions | The number of ice lollies and the volume or weight listed per portion. | I want to be able to serve an ice lolly to every guest who’d like one after their pancakes, without running short. Around 40 % of consumers would put this first. |
| Ingredients and allergens | The ingredient list and any ‘may contain’ warnings for the exact product. | If a guest needs to avoid an ingredient, I need to choose a suitable recipe before offering them one. This would be the top priority for around 30 % of consumers. |
| Quantity per box | The net weight and pack size; don’t work out the number of pieces from the weight alone. | When planning the evening, I prefer to choose an amount of ice cream that suits the group. Around 20 % of consumers would prioritise this. |
| Transport and storage | The storage instructions on the packaging and the journey to the freezer. | If I’m shopping before guests arrive, I need to be able to keep the ice lollies frozen until they’re served. Around 10 % of consumers would put this first. |
Ice lollies are served as a dessert and need to be kept in the freezer. A box of chocolates is a different purchase if you’re looking for a gift.
First decide whether you want ice lollies to serve during the evening or chocolates to give as a gift, then shop in the relevant category.
Products featuring speculoos, almonds or hazelnuts may have different ingredients and ‘may contain’ warnings.
Check the label of the product you buy, and have an alternative ready for guests whose dietary restrictions aren’t compatible with that recipe.
Net weight alone doesn’t tell you how many ice lollies you can serve. E.Leclerc, for example, lists products with different numbers of pieces.
Compare the number of ice lollies and the portion size listed before choosing a pack for your group.
The DGCCRF reminds shoppers that transport is part of maintaining the cold chain for frozen food.
Pick up the ice lollies at the end of your shop, keep the journey short and use an insulated bag if needed. Put them in the freezer as soon as possible, and don’t refreeze a product once it has defrosted.
A brand to consider if you’re looking for individual chocolate-coated ice lollies.
A range to compare if you’d like a chocolate recipe with speculoos pieces.
An option to consider if you’re looking for a box of four white chocolate ice lollies.
Products to compare based on the number of ice lollies you want and the recipe you choose.
A white chocolate and hazelnut recipe to consider if the ingredients are suitable for your guests.
Allow one portion for every guest who’d like a frozen dessert after their pancakes, then check how many ice lollies are actually in the box. Magnum France lists four 88 ml portions for its Double Caramel; E.Leclerc also lists boxes of 12 or 16 ice lollies, depending on the product.
No. Check the ingredients list and any ‘may contain’ warnings for the exact product. Listings from Magnum France, Carrefour, Auchan and E.Leclerc show that milk, wheat, soya and nuts vary by recipe. Check the label on the product you buy before serving it.
Buy the ice lollies at the end of your shop, keep the journey short and put them in the freezer as soon as possible, using an insulated bag if needed. The DGCCRF specifies −18 °C for frozen ice cream and says never to refreeze food once it has defrosted; always follow the instructions on the packaging too.