Hosts welcoming several guests
If you’d like to serve a portion to everyone, start by counting your guests before choosing a pack. Carrefour’s range includes boxes of 4, 6 and 12 ice lollies.
Who are these pack sizes suitable for?
Smaller gatherings looking for a choice of flavours
A selection of mini ice lollies can offer several flavours without leaving you with a large number of the same one. Your choice will also depend on how much freezer space you have.
Organisers keeping an eye on allergens and frozen storage
When serving several people, keep the packaging so you can check the ingredients for each flavour. Depending on the recipe, products featured by Carrefour and Joybuy may contain milk, soya, wheat or nuts, or carry a warning that traces may be present.
What should you look for before choosing?
First, work out how many portions you need, then choose the pack size and flavours. Whatever the size of the pack, remember to check the allergens and storage instructions.
| What to consider | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Number of portions | Count the ice lollies in each box and how many guests you need to serve. | If I’m hosting a group, I want to offer everyone a portion without having to buy lots of boxes. Around 36 % of consumers would make the number of portions their top priority. |
| Sharing size | Choose between mini and standard-size ice lollies, then check whether the flavours are assorted. | For a small gathering, I’d rather offer a choice of flavours than one large format. Pack size and variety would come first for around 29 % of consumers. |
| Flavours and coatings | Check the exact flavour and the ingredients in the coating, particularly for nuts. | If the end of the drinks party is doubling as dessert, I’ll choose flavours my guests will enjoy first. Around 21 % of consumers would prioritise this. |
| Allergens and storage | Check the ingredients and any trace warnings on the packaging, and follow its storage instructions. | When I’m serving guests with allergies, I need to be able to identify the exact recipe and keep the ice lollies frozen until they’re served. Around 14 % of consumers would make these checks a priority. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Confusing box size with the number of portions
The boxes of ice lollies featured by Carrefour don’t all contain the same number of pieces or have the same total weight. A heavier box won’t necessarily serve more guests.
Count how many ice lollies you need before choosing, then check their size if you’re planning to serve a small portion at the end of the drinks party.
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Assuming a chocolate flavour will suit everyone
Depending on the recipe, ice lollies featured by Carrefour and Joybuy may contain milk, soya, wheat or nuts, or carry a warning that traces may be present.
Read the label for each flavour, keep the packaging until serving time and have an alternative ready if a guest needs to avoid an ingredient.
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Forgetting about storage between shopping and serving
The DGCCRF reminds shoppers that they play a part in maintaining the cold chain. Ice lollies that melt on the way home or are left out of the freezer can be difficult to serve.
Check you have room in the freezer, pick up frozen items last and use an insulated bag if your journey calls for one. Follow the packaging instructions if the product has defrosted.
Some brands and retailers to know
Carrefour
Its SIMPL, Classic' and Extra ranges offer different quantities and recipes, so you can find an option to suit the size of your gathering.
- Carrefour features, among others, a box of 6 SIMPL ice lollies, a box of 12 Classic' ice lollies and a box of 4 Extra chocolate and almond ice lollies.
- Ingredients vary between products, so check each pack carefully, especially if anyone has allergies.
Magnum
The range includes vanilla and chocolate ice lollies and an assortment of mini ice lollies in a variety of flavours.
- Carrefour features a box of 4 Classic ice lollies, while the Mini assortment featured on Joybuy contains 6 pieces.
- The Mini assortment contains milk and may contain nuts. Check the label before serving it to guests with allergies.
Auchan
Its frozen dessert range is divided into mini ice lollies, ice lollies and ice cream bars, making it easier to find the format you want.
- These categories make it easier to look for an individual dessert or small portions to serve at the end of a drinks party.
- An ice cream bar and an ice lolly aren’t necessarily the same type of product, so check the exact item you choose.
Ice lollies to finish off your drinks party
These products come in packs of 4 to 12, with a choice of flavours and formats for a sweet treat after your drinks party. Choose based on the number of guests and check the packaging if you need to take allergies into account.
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Magnum Mini Classic, Almond and White Chocolate, 6 pieces, 254 g
An assortment of mini ice lollies gives a small gathering a choice of flavours.
The Joybuy product listing states that these contain milk and may contain traces of nuts. It recommends storage at −18 °C or below.
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CAPRI-SUN Orange and Cherry, 12 ice lollies, 444 g
A box of 12 is worth considering when several guests would like an individual portion.
Check the packaging for allergen information and trace warnings before serving.
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Binggrae Melona Coconut, 8 ice lollies, 70 ml each
The pack of 8 is a good choice if you’d like to offer several guests a coconut flavour.
Check the exact label for ingredients, allergens and storage instructions.
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Maison de la Glace, 12 ice lollies, 5 flavours, 1 200 g
The pack of 12 comes in 5 flavours, giving a group plenty of choice.
If any guests have allergies, check the information on the packaging before serving this product.
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POP FRUIT Sorbet Sticks 100% Coconut, 4 pieces, 280 g
These 4 coconut sorbet sticks are suited to a small gathering; count the portions if you’re expecting more guests.
The product listing states that this product is not suitable for children under 36 months. It also says it is made in a facility that handles milk, nuts, peanuts, soya and sulphites, among other ingredients. Check the packaging before serving.
Frequently asked questions
Are ice lollies suitable for a Christmas drinks party?
Yes, as a sweet treat to finish off the drinks party rather than as a replacement for savoury nibbles. Allow one portion for each person who would like one, then choose between standard and mini ice lollies depending on how much room you want to leave for dessert.
How do you choose between a small assortment and a large box?
A small assortment is a good choice if a range of flavours matters more than the number of pieces, while a large box makes it easier to serve a group. Check the number and size of the ice lollies: Carrefour, for example, features boxes of 6 and 12, with different total weights.
What should you check on the packaging if guests have allergies?
Read the ingredients list and any trace warnings for the exact product, checking each flavour separately. In France, the labelling rules outlined by the ministry responsible for the economy require allergenic ingredients to be highlighted in the ingredients list of prepacked food.
How can you keep ice lollies frozen until serving time?
Pick them up last when you’re shopping, carry them in an insulated bag if necessary and put them in the freezer as soon as you can. The DGCCRF reminds shoppers how important it is to maintain the cold chain. Follow the temperature and defrosting instructions on the packaging.