Hosts serving dessert after coffee
If each guest would like a full portion, look for ice lollies that combine several flavours, coatings or inclusions. The number of lollies in the box is still key when you’re serving a group.
Who are these formats for?
Groups who prefer smaller portions
Mini ice lollies are a great way to serve a lighter dessert after coffee. An assortment can also offer a choice of recipes, as long as there’s something suitable for everyone.
Anyone checking the ingredients
Coatings and inclusions may contain ingredients such as milk or nuts. If a guest needs to avoid an ingredient, check the ingredients list and any ‘may contain’ warnings on the box you plan to serve.
What should you look for before choosing?
First decide whether you’re serving a little something after coffee or an individual dessert. Then compare the number of lollies with the group’s tastes and any ingredient requirements.
| What to consider | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Portions and sharing | Number of ice lollies and choice of flavours in the box. | When several friends only want a small portion, I want to be able to serve everyone without making them all have the same flavour. Around 36% of consumers would put sharing at the top of their list. |
| Recipe and flavours | Flavours, coatings and inclusions listed for the specific recipe. | If the ice lolly is taking the place of dessert, I’m looking for a combination of flavours that guests will enjoy, rather than just a range name. The recipe would be the top consideration for around 29% of consumers. |
| Quantity and in-store choice | Net weight, number of lollies and the product available at your chosen store. | I want to find enough portions for the group and compare boxes of different sizes. Around 21% of consumers would put quantity and in-store choice first. |
| Ingredients and allergens | Ingredients list and any ‘may contain’ warnings on the packaging. | If a guest needs to avoid certain ingredients, I check the exact recipe before serving it. This would be the top priority for around 14% of consumers. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Assuming a gourmet box will be enough for everyone
An indulgent recipe doesn’t tell you how many portions are inside. A box of four ice lollies won’t meet the same need as an assortment of ten mini lollies.
Count how many guests would like an ice lolly, then choose between a full-size portion and a mini after coffee.
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Comparing boxes without checking what’s inside
The number of lollies and net weight vary from one product to another. For example, Carrefour lists 237 g for six mini ice lollies, while Auchan lists an assortment of ten Magnum mini ice lollies weighing 423 g.
Check the number of portions and net weight together, taking the portion size you want into account.
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Guessing allergens from the flavour name alone
A coating or inclusion can affect which ingredients you need to look out for. For example, Magnum Vegan Almond contains almonds, and ‘may contain’ warnings also vary between Nuii recipes.
Check the ingredients list and any ‘may contain’ warnings on the packaging of the product you buy, especially if a guest needs to avoid an allergen.
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Leaving ice lollies waiting while you travel home
Getting them home is part of keeping them frozen until you can put them in the freezer.
The DGCCRF advises keeping transport time to a minimum and preferably using an insulated bag. Make room in your freezer before you buy.
Brands to know
These ranges offer useful points of comparison for formats and recipes. Check which product your store stocks before choosing.
Magnum
The brand offers individual ice lollies, mini formats and the Vegan Almond recipe. Its Signature and Deluxe ranges focus on coatings and flavour combinations.
- Formats to consider depending on whether the ice lolly is a little extra with coffee or a replacement for dessert.
- Ingredients vary by recipe; Vegan Almond contains almonds.
Nuii
Nuii offers flavour combinations such as Java vanilla and almond, or white chocolate, caramel and pecan, to bring variety to your serving.
- Recipes to compare if your guests enjoy less familiar flavour combinations.
- Some recipes may contain nuts and other allergens. Nuii advises checking the packaging, particularly as recipes can change.
Carrefour Extra
Carrefour offers vanilla, chocolate and almond ice lollies in a box of four, as well as a mini version in a box of six.
- The two formats let you choose between individual portions and smaller portions to share.
- The mini recipe lists ingredients including milk and almonds; check the label on the box you choose.
MUCCI
ALDI offers MUCCI ice lollies with a double coating, including a box of four.
- Another type of recipe to consider if you’d like to serve individual ice lollies.
- Check that the product you want is available in the range at your chosen store.
Marque Repère / Trium
E.Leclerc lists Trium vanilla ice lollies with a milk chocolate coating and almonds, in a box of four.
- The number of lollies and net weight shown make it easy to compare this format with other boxes you’re considering.
- Check which product is available at your chosen store.
Individual ice lollies to enjoy with coffee
These boxes of two or four ice lollies are suited to individual servings. Choose the number of boxes based on how many guests would like dessert, then check that the flavours and ingredients are suitable for your group.
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MAGNUM Double Sunlover Mango & Coconut, 4 ice lollies, 300 g
Worth considering if four guests each want an ice lolly with mango and coconut flavours.
If you have any dietary restrictions, check the information on the box you buy.
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MAGNUM Double Red Fruits, 4 ice lollies, 284 g
A box of four individual portions to consider if your group prefers a red fruit flavour.
Check the ingredients of the product you buy before serving it to anyone who needs to avoid certain allergens.
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NUII Caramel White Chocolate & Texan Pecan, 4 × 66 g
Worth considering for four individual portions if your guests enjoy the combination of caramel, white chocolate and pecan.
Nuii notes that this recipe may contain other allergens, so check the packaging before serving.
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MAGNUM Double Hazelnut, 4 ice lollies, 276 g
An option for four individual portions if your guests enjoy hazelnut flavour.
As this recipe contains hazelnut, check the ingredients carefully if anyone needs to avoid nuts.
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ERHARD Angel Hair Iced Fingers, 2 ice lollies, 110 g
This box of two ice lollies is best suited to a very small gathering; plan for extra portions if more friends would like dessert.
Check the ingredients on the box, especially if a guest needs to avoid pistachio or other allergens.
Frequently asked questions
How many ice lollies should I buy for coffee with friends?
Start by allowing one portion for everyone who would like dessert. A box of six mini ice lollies could provide six small portions, while a box of four full-size lollies serves four people, one each. Choose the number of boxes and flavours to suit your group.
Is a plant-based ice lolly suitable for someone with an allergy?
Not necessarily: ‘plant-based’ doesn’t tell you whether the product contains all possible allergens. Magnum Vegan Almond contains almonds, so always check the ingredients and any ‘may contain’ warnings on the box in question.
Can I buy ice lollies before the day I’m hosting?
Yes, as long as you can transport and store them at the right temperature, following the instructions on the packaging. The DGCCRF advises keeping transport time to a minimum, preferably using an insulated bag, and putting the products in the freezer as soon as possible.
Will every store stock a product I’ve seen online?
No, don’t assume every store has the same frozen food range. Check the product and format with the store or collection service you plan to use.