Organisers keeping a close eye on portion numbers
If you know how many people are attending, boxes of 12 ice lollies make it easier to plan how many to hand out. Carrefour and E.Leclerc both list products in this format.
Who are these formats for?
Organisers planning a break with a choice of flavours
A mini assortment can work well for a standing break, giving everyone the option of a smaller portion. Check the ingredients in each flavour before serving.
Organisers who prefer a particular branded recipe
A box of Magnum may be a good choice if the recipe matters more than the size of the pack. You’ll also need to make room in the freezer and check the allergens in the variety you choose.
What should you look for?
First, work out how many attendees will have an ice lolly, then choose a serving format. Next, check the food information and storage instructions for each product.
| What to consider | What to check | Who is this for? |
|---|---|---|
| Number of portions | Count the ice lollies in each box and compare the total with the number of people you need to serve. | When I know how many people I need to serve, I want to plan enough individual portions without opening more boxes than necessary. Around 42% of consumers would make this their priority. |
| Format and variety | Check the portion size and the flavours included in each assortment. | For a standing break, I prefer to offer smaller portions or a choice of flavours. Around 33% of consumers would put this flexibility first. |
| Allergens and storage | Read the label for each variety and plan transport and storage according to the instructions on the packaging. | If dietary requirements need to be considered, I need to be able to identify each recipe and keep the ice lollies cold until they’re served. This would be the main concern for around 25% of consumers. |
Mistakes to avoid
-
Looking only at the number of boxes
The products listed by Carrefour, E.Leclerc and Magnum include boxes of 8 or 12 ice lollies. So the same number of boxes won’t necessarily give you the same number of portions.
Before deciding how many boxes to buy, calculate the total number of ice lollies you’ll need for the number of people you plan to serve.
-
Assuming an assortment suits everyone
Two flavours in the same box may contain different ingredients and allergen information. Carrefour, for example, notes that one Classic’ product may contain traces of several allergens.
Read the label for each variety and keep the packaging to hand during the break so you can answer attendees’ questions.
-
Relying on a product without checking it’s available
An Aldi listing for MUCCI ice lollies stated that the product was unavailable. So don’t base your menu on a specific product until you’ve checked with your chosen store.
Confirm which products are available and in what quantities before planning the service.
-
Planning the ice lollies but not how to store them
The cold chain matters on the way to the conference and while you’re waiting to hand out the ice lollies. The DGCCRF warns that a rise in temperature can make food unsafe.
Before deciding how many to buy, check the packaging instructions, freezer space and transport conditions.
Ice lolly brands to consider
Magnum
The range includes standard ice lollies and mini formats to consider if the recipe and branded format are important to you.
- Carrefour lists Magnum Classic boxes containing 8 ice lollies, among other options.
- Check the allergens in the variety you choose, particularly recipes containing milk or nuts.
Carrefour Classic’ et Carrefour Extra
These own-brand ranges include boxes with different numbers of ice lollies, so choose one that suits the number of people you expect.
- Carrefour lists Classic’ boxes containing 12 ice lollies, among other options.
- The Classic’ listing notes that the product contains milk and may contain traces of other allergens. Check the packaging for the product you’re serving.
Marque Repère, SMICY et TRIUM
E.Leclerc lists multipacks of ice lollies, including SMICY vanilla and chocolate in a pack of 12.
- A pack of 12 SMICY ice lollies gives you a set number of portions to plan your serving.
- Check which products are available locally and read the allergen information.
Auchan et POUCE
Mini ice lolly assortments are worth considering if smaller portions and a choice of flavours are important for your break.
- Auchan lists an assortment of 8 mini ice lollies, among other options.
- Check the ingredients in each flavour: an assortment won’t necessarily suit everyone’s dietary requirements.
MUCCI (Aldi)
The MUCCI range includes ice creams and sorbets. Choose a specific format from the products available at your store.
- It gives you other recipes to consider when shopping locally.
- Check that the product you choose is available before including it in your plans.
Ice lollies available on Joybuy
These multipacks of individual ice lollies offer different portion counts and flavours for a conference break. Choose a recipe after checking attendees’ needs and the information on the packaging.
Image unavailable
CAPRI-SUN Orange & Cherry Ice Pops, 12 pieces, 444 g
Worth considering if you want to serve individual portions in orange and cherry flavours.
The pack contains 12 pieces and weighs 444 g in total. Check the allergen information and storage instructions on the packaging before serving.
Image unavailable
Maison de la Glace Water Ice Pops, 5 flavours, 12 pieces, 1 200 g
Worth considering if a choice of flavours is important during the break.
The pack contains 12 ice lollies and weighs 1 200 g. Check the ingredients and allergens for each flavour on the packaging before serving.
Image unavailable
Binggrae Melona Melon Ice Bar, 8 × 70 ml
For a break where a melon-flavoured ice lolly fits the flavours you’re looking for.
The pack contains eight 70 ml portions. Read the ingredients list for the product you’re serving, especially if any attendees need to avoid milk.
Image unavailable
MAGNUM Classic, 8 ice lollies, 600 g
Worth considering if vanilla ice cream coated in milk chocolate suits your conference menu.
The box contains eight ice lollies and weighs 600 g in total. Check the allergens for this variety on the packaging before serving.
Image unavailable
Binggrae Melona Coconut Ice Cream Bar, 8 × 70 ml
A way to offer individual portions of coconut-flavoured ice lolly.
The pack contains eight 70 ml portions. Check the ingredients and allergens on the exact product packaging before serving.
Frequently asked questions
How do I work out how many boxes I need for a conference?
Start with the number of people you plan to offer an ice lolly to, then divide it by the number of ice lollies in each box and round up to the next whole number. Check the count for each product: the packs featured in this article contain either 8 or 12 pieces.
When should I choose mini ice lollies?
Choose them if smaller portions or a choice of flavours better suits the break you’re planning. Check the number of pieces and the ingredients in each variety before choosing an assortment.
How can I tell attendees about allergens?
Keep the packaging for each product you’re serving to hand so you can check the ingredients and allergen information. The DGCCRF notes that allergens must be highlighted on the labels of relevant foods. Check each flavour rather than relying on the name of the assortment alone.
Can I take the ice lollies out of the freezer well before the break?
No. Take them out when you’re ready to serve and follow the storage instructions on the packaging during transport and storage. The DGCCRF warns that a rise in temperature can increase food safety risks.