Who is this choice for?

Organisers asked to provide ‘sugar-free’ options

If the specification says ‘sugar-free’ or ‘sans sucres’, a ‘no added sugar’ claim is not enough. You need to check the total sugar content of the product you’re considering.

People organising a fruity break

A ‘no added sugar’ fruit ice lolly could suit your offering if the sugars naturally present in the product are acceptable. Check the nutritional values and portion size before serving it.

People in charge of conference catering

You need to be able to serve the portions while keeping the products frozen, and make allergen information accessible to attendees.

What should you check?

First, clarify what the requirement means when it comes to sugars, then check the recipe for each product. Packaging and serving conditions matter just as much as your choice of flavour.

Criteria What to check Who it matters to
‘Sugar-free’ requirement Compare the exact claim and ingredients, then check the ‘of which sugars’ figure per 100 g and per serving. To meet a ‘sugar-free’ requirement, I want to know the total sugar content before ordering; around 31% of consumers would prioritise this requirement.
No added sugar option Check the number of ice lollies in the pack and the sugars per portion. The Auchan mango and passion fruit ice lolly declares 19 g of sugars per 100 g. If I’m offering a fruity break, I’m happy with sugars that are present in the product, but not with a misleading claim; around 25% of consumers would favour this option.
Allergens Check the ingredients and any ‘may contain’ warnings for each product, and make this information available when serving. With attendees who have different dietary requirements, I need to be able to identify what’s in each ice lolly; this would be a priority for around 19% of consumers.
Serving and keeping products frozen Confirm that you have enough freezer space on site and follow the storage instructions for each product. The Ministry of Agriculture gives −18 °C as the reference temperature for frozen storage. If lots of people are attending the breaks, I want to serve portions without leaving them out on the buffet; around 25% of consumers would put serving and keeping products frozen first.

Mistakes to avoid

  • Assuming ‘no added sugar’ means ‘sugar-free’

    The Auchan mango and passion fruit ice lolly carries the first claim, but declares 19 g of sugars per 100 g. On that basis alone, it does not meet a requirement for a ‘sugar-free’ product.

    Ask the organiser to clarify the requirement and keep the nutritional information for the product you choose.

  • Removing the packaging without making allergen information available

    Recipes and declared traces vary from one product to another. The European Commission reminds food businesses that consumers must be given information about the presence of allergens, including for non-prepacked foods.

    Keep the packaging so the information can be read, or make the details for each product being served available.

  • Setting up the buffet without a way to keep products frozen

    Serving arrangements must take the storage instructions into account. Auchan states that its mango and passion fruit ice lolly should be stored at −18 °C and that a thawed product must not be refrozen.

    Check that you have enough freezer space on site and take the ice lollies out as they’re needed.

    Taking them out too early could mean having to discard thawed portions.

Brands and retailers to explore

Auchan

A pack of fruit-based mango and passion fruit ice lollies labelled ‘no added sugar’ offers a portion-sized fruity option to consider.

  • Auchan’s product page lists four ice lollies in a 240 g pack, along with nutritional values and storage instructions.
  • With 19 g of sugars per 100 g, this product should not be described as sugar-free.

Carrefour

The ice lolly and frozen bar range lets you browse different formats and use a ‘no added sugar’ filter.

  • You can check the pack size for each product to work out how many portions to prepare.
  • A filter in the range does not confirm the sugar content or ingredients of a specific product. Check its product page and packaging.

Magnum

Mini formats are worth considering when the specification does not call for reduced sugar.

  • Magnum lists a 50 g portion for Mini Double Chocolate, making it easier to count how many to serve.
  • This product declares 32 g of sugars per 100 g. It contains milk and may contain soya and almonds. It does not meet a ‘sugar-free’ requirement.

Joybuy products

Products related to this topic will be available soon.

Frequently asked questions

Does ‘no added sugar’ mean ‘sugar-free’?

No. The Auchan mango and passion fruit ice lolly is labelled ‘no added sugar’, but still declares 19 g of sugars per 100 g. If the requirement concerns total sugars, check the ‘of which sugars’ figure for the exact product.

Can an ice lolly containing sweeteners be presented as a healthy option?

No. The presence of sweeteners does not justify this claim. Anses has not demonstrated that high-intensity sweeteners benefit weight management. Instead, share the ingredients and nutritional values of the product you choose, without suggesting it has any health benefits.

How can you tell attendees about allergens if the packaging is removed?

Make allergen information available for every product you serve. For example, keep the packaging or display the information next to the freezer. The European Commission states that consumers must be given this information even for non-prepacked foods.

How cold should ice lollies be kept for a conference?

Store products according to their instructions and serve them in a way that limits the time they spend out of the freezer. The Ministry of Agriculture gives −18 °C as the reference temperature for frozen storage. Auchan also specifies −18 °C for its mango and passion fruit ice lolly and says that a thawed product must not be refrozen.