Organisers keeping track of portions
You want to plan an individual dessert for each guest without buying more boxes than you need. The number of lollies in each pack is a good place to start.
Who are these formats for?
Hosts who prefer a variety of smaller portions
You’re looking for mini lollies with a choice of coatings, so guests can pick a favourite without everyone having to have a full-sized ice cream.
Families mindful of allergens
You’ll need to check the ingredients for each product, particularly for milk, soya, almonds, other nuts and possible traces of allergens.
What should you look for?
First decide how many individual desserts you want to serve, then choose between a multipack of standard lollies and an assortment of mini versions. Remember to check the allergens and cold storage requirements for each box.
| What to consider | What to check | Who is this for? |
|---|---|---|
| Number of portions | Count the lollies in each box and work out how many portions you want for the buffet. Check the size of each one, too. | If every guest should be able to have an ice lolly, I want to know how many boxes to buy so I don’t run short. Around 50% of consumers put the number of portions first. |
| Size and variety | Compare the size of the mini lollies and check which flavours or coatings are actually included in the assortment. | To offer a choice without serving a full-sized ice cream, I prefer smaller portions and a few different recipes. This is the main priority for around 30% of consumers. |
| Allergens and keeping cool | Read the ingredients and any precautionary allergen statements on each box. Plan to use a cool bag and make room in your freezer. | If a guest has an allergy, or the ice lollies need to travel before serving, I want to choose and store the products accordingly. Managing allergens and keeping products cold is the priority for around 20% of consumers. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Choosing a box without counting the lollies
Carrefour’s range includes both a SIMPL pack of 16 lollies and a box of 6 Magnum mini lollies, so one box doesn’t always mean the same number of desserts.
Decide how many portions you need before working out how many boxes to buy.
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Assuming chocolate-coated recipes contain the same allergens
The SIMPL, Carrefour Extra and Magnum products featured by Carrefour have different ingredients, particularly when it comes to soya, almonds and possible traces of other allergens.
Check every pack you buy and keep it to hand during the buffet so you can refer to the ingredients if needed.
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Leaving frozen food until the end of your shopping trip
Keeping products frozen also matters on the journey to the buffet venue. The DGCCRF advises transporting frozen products in an insulated bag and keeping the journey as short as possible.
Pick up the ice lollies at the end of your shop and put them in the freezer as soon as you get home.
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Relying on one product with no back-up plan
A shop’s range can vary by location and season. Another box may contain a different number of lollies or different allergens.
Find a second multipack in a suitable format and check its ingredients before adding it to the buffet.
Brands and ranges to consider
SIMPL
The vanilla and chocolate lolly featured by Carrefour is a handy option when you need to count out lots of portions.
- The pack featured contains 16 lollies weighing 33.5 g each.
- The recipe contains milk, lactose and soya, and may contain traces of nuts. Check the pack you buy.
Carrefour Extra
The mini assortment featured by Carrefour is a good fit if you’re looking for smaller portions with a choice of coatings.
- The box contains 8 lollies weighing 32 g each.
- It contains milk, soya and almonds, and may contain traces of eggs and other nuts.
Magnum
The Mini Vanilla Chocolate and Almond product featured by Carrefour is an individually portioned option containing almonds.
- This box contains 6 mini lollies, each 55 mL.
- The recipe contains milk and almonds and may contain other nuts. Check it carefully if any guests have allergies.
MUCCI
This range featured by ALDI includes a pack of mini lollies worth considering if you shop there.
- The product featured contains 12 mini lollies, weighing 429 g in total.
- Check the size and ingredients of the box available at your local shop before relying on this product.
Auchan Bio
The fruity mix ice lolly listed in Auchan’s range offers a different selection of flavours to consider for your buffet.
- The pack featured contains 6 lollies, weighing 350 g.
- Check the ingredients and allergens on the box you choose before serving it to your guests.
Ice lollies available on Joybuy
These packs of ice lollies and sorbet sticks make it easy to compare portion counts and flavours for your buffet. Check the ingredients for each product and make sure you have enough freezer space before choosing.
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Maison de la Glace Water Ice Pops, 5 flavours, 12 pieces, 1200 g
Worth considering if you want to serve up to 12 portions and offer a choice of flavours.
The box contains 12 lollies, weighing 1200 g in total. Check the label on the pack you buy if any guests have allergies.
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Magnum Mini Classic, Almond et White Chocolate, x6, 254 g
An assortment of mini lollies for offering a choice of coatings in individual portions.
The box contains 6 pieces, weighing 254 g in total. It contains milk and may contain nuts, so check the label on the pack you buy.
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CAPRI-SUN Orange & Cherry Ice Pops, x12, 444 g
A pack of water ice pops to consider if you want to serve up to 12 portions in orange and cherry flavours.
The box contains 12 pieces, weighing 444 g in total. It carries a warning that it may contain traces of gluten, peanuts, soya, milk and nuts. Check the label.
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Binggrae Melona Melon Ice Bar, 8 x 70 ml
This pack is a good choice if you want to plan for eight individual melon portions.
It contains milk. The product listing also warns that the colour E102 may have an adverse effect on children’s activity and attention. Read the label before serving.
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POP FRUIT Sorbet Sticks 100% Coconut, x4, 280 g
These sorbet sticks provide four portions if you’d like to add a coconut option to your buffet.
The box contains 4 pieces, weighing 280 g. The product listing says it is not suitable for children under 36 months and warns of possible allergen traces. Check the label.
Frequently asked questions
How many boxes of ice lollies should I buy for a christening?
If you’re planning one ice lolly per guest, divide the number of guests by the number of lollies in each box and round up to the next whole number. A pack of 16 provides up to 16 individual portions. Adjust the quantity if you’re serving other desserts or want guests to be able to have a second one.
Are assorted mini lollies suitable for guests with allergies?
Check each recipe separately. The Carrefour Extra mini assortment featured by Carrefour contains milk, soya and almonds, and may contain traces of eggs and other nuts. Magnum’s Mini Vanilla Chocolate and Almond product contains milk and almonds and may contain other nuts. Always check the packaging of the product you actually buy.
How should I transport ice lollies to the buffet venue?
Pick up frozen products at the end of your shop, transport them in an insulated bag if possible and put them in the freezer as soon as you can. The DGCCRF reminds shoppers that the cold chain needs to be maintained during transport, too.
Can you refreeze ice lollies that have thawed?
No. The listing for the SIMPL product featured by Carrefour says not to refreeze a thawed product. Follow the storage instructions on the box you’ve bought, too.