People entertaining a group
For an afternoon tea or buffet, the number of ice lollies and the portion size can help you choose a box that suits the occasion.
Who are these options for?
People making dessert from scratch
If you want to choose the fruit, flavours or decorations, ice lolly moulds let you make your own frozen treats.
People who pay close attention to ingredients
If you’re serving guests with allergies, check the packaging for the product you’ve chosen: ingredients can vary from one flavour to another.
What should you look for?
For a frozen dessert at home, first decide whether you want portions that are ready to serve or would rather make your own recipe. Then compare the formats and ingredients to find the right option.
Ready-to-serve multipack
Choose this if: you need to serve several portions without making each ice lolly yourself.
Bear in mind: you’ll need enough freezer space to store the multipack.
Mini ice lollies
Choose these if: you prefer smaller individual portions, especially for a buffet. For example, Magnum lists its Mini Double Chocolat as 60 ml per lolly.
Bear in mind: you may need several per person if one small portion isn’t enough for the occasion.
Homemade ice lollies
Choose these if: you want to decide on the ingredients and flavour yourself.
Bear in mind: you’ll need moulds, sticks and time for the lollies to freeze; Lidl’s melon ice lolly recipe specifies three hours in the freezer.
| What to consider | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Number of portions | Compare the number of lollies, the total weight and the size of each one. | If I’m entertaining several people, I want a box that covers the planned serving without judging by its size alone. Around 35% of consumers would prioritise the number of portions. |
| Quick serving | Check the individual format and how much freezer space you have. | For a dessert I can serve without any last-minute preparation, I prefer individually portioned lollies. Ease of serving would be the priority for around 25% of consumers. |
| Ingredients and allergens | Read the ingredients list and allergen information on the packaging for your chosen flavour. | When I’m making dessert for guests with dietary requirements, ingredients matter more than the format. Around 25% of consumers would put this first. |
| Custom recipe | Allow for the moulds, sticks and freezing time specified in your recipe. | If I want to choose the fruit and measure out the ingredients myself, I prefer to make my own ice lollies. This freedom to create a recipe would be the main consideration for around 15% of consumers. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Judging by the apparent size of the box
Two boxes can contain different numbers of lollies, different total weights and different portion sizes.
Check all three before choosing a multipack for your guests.
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Assuming allergens from the recipe name
According to Magnum’s product information, Vegan Amande contains almonds and may contain milk, soya and other nuts; Mini Double Chocolat contains milk and may contain soya and almonds.
Read the ingredients and any ‘may contain’ warnings on the packaging of the product you’re serving.
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Letting the ice lollies warm up on the way home
Getting frozen products home safely is part of keeping them properly stored. The DGCCRF recommends keeping the journey as short as possible and using an insulated bag where possible.
Pick up frozen products last and put them away promptly, following the storage instructions on the packaging.
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Buying a ready-made product when you need to customise the recipe
A ready-to-serve ice lolly saves you the preparation, but you can’t choose the ingredients as you can when making your own at home.
If choosing the ingredients is important, make the recipe ahead of time rather than relying on the name or flavour of a ready-made product.
Brands and retailers to know
Magnum
The range includes mini ice lollies and the Vegan Amande product.
- Magnum lists a 60 ml portion for Mini Double Chocolat.
- Ingredients and allergens vary by product, so check each pack separately.
Carrefour Classic' et Carrefour Sensation
Carrefour offers multipacks of Classic' ice lollies and smaller boxes in its Sensation range.
- Carrefour’s website lists a 12-lolly box of Classic' chocolate and vanilla chocolate ice lollies, among other products.
- The number of lollies alone doesn’t tell you the portion size or ingredients.
Trium
E.Leclerc offers Trium vanilla ice lollies coated in milk chocolate and almonds, among other products.
- The product listed by E.Leclerc comes in a box of four.
- Check the packaging for the ingredients and allergens in the flavour you buy.
Mucci
ALDI offers Mucci frozen desserts in different formats, including mini ice lollies.
- ALDI’s range includes a pack of 12 mini ice lollies and a box of four double-coated lollies.
- These formats aren’t interchangeable when planning portion sizes, so check the box you choose.
Auchan
The retailer’s range includes ice lollies, mini lollies and frozen bars from various brands.
- The variety makes it easier to look for a format that suits the number of guests.
- Check the details of the product you choose rather than assuming these categories are interchangeable.
Lidl
Lidl has a melon ice lolly recipe to make in moulds.
- The recipe lists the ingredients, calls for wooden sticks and specifies three hours in the freezer.
- You’ll need equipment and should make these ahead of serving.
Ice lollies available on Joybuy
These products are ready-to-serve frozen treats to accompany a homemade dessert. Choose the number of lollies and flavour to suit your occasion, then check the storage and allergen information for the product you select.
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Maison de la Glace Water Ice Pops, 5 flavours, 12 lollies, 1 200 g
A pack of 12 water ice lollies for serving several people, with five listed flavours. If any of your guests have allergies, check the packaging before serving.
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CAPRI-SUN Orange & Cherry Ice Pops, 12 lollies, 444 g
Individual orange and cherry portions to serve once frozen. The product information mentions possible traces of allergens, so check the packaging if you’re serving anyone with allergies.
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Binggrae Melona Melon Ice Bar, 8 × 70 ml
Eight individual melon ice lollies, ready to serve without portioning. The recipe contains milk; also check the packaging information about the E102 colourant, especially if serving this product to children.
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PEPPA PIG Strawberry Vanilla Ice Cream Sticks, 6 × 60 ml
Six strawberry and vanilla ice lollies to serve individually. The recipe contains milk and may contain nuts and peanuts; check the packaging before offering them to guests with allergies.
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POP FRUIT Sorbet Sticks 100% Mango, 4 lollies, 280 g
Four mango sorbet lollies, ideal for a small group; the product name is no substitute for checking the ingredients. Check the allergen information on the packaging. The product information states that this product is not suitable for children under 36 months.
Frequently asked questions
How do you compare two boxes with different numbers of ice lollies?
Compare the number of lollies, the total weight and the size of each portion before you choose. A pack of smaller lollies might suit a buffet, while larger ones may work better for another occasion. Compare the ingredients too if the recipes differ.
Is an ice lolly labelled ‘vegan’ suitable for someone with a nut allergy?
No, the label alone doesn’t mean it’s free from nuts. Magnum’s Vegan Amande product information lists almonds and possible traces of other nuts, milk and soya, so check the packaging of the product you buy.
How should you get ice lollies home?
Pick them up last, carry them in an insulated bag if possible and put them away promptly. These precautions follow the DGCCRF’s advice on transporting frozen products; once home, follow the storage instructions on the packaging.
What do you need to make ice lollies at home?
You’ll need a recipe, moulds, sticks and time in the freezer. Lidl’s melon ice lolly recipe uses melon, sugar and lemon and specifies three hours in the freezer; plan ahead according to the recipe you’re making.