Organisers of large egg hunts
If everyone is getting an ice lolly, count how many portions you need before choosing a pack size. The 16- and 20-ice-pop multipacks listed by Carrefour and E.Leclerc offer useful points of comparison for a large group.
Who are these options for?
Families looking for a range of flavours
An assortment or a choice of flavours can make it easier to hand out ice lollies when people have different preferences. Auchan, for example, lists boxes of fruit-flavoured ice pops in packs of 6 and 8. Check the ingredients of the specific product you choose.
Anyone keeping an eye on ingredients and allergens
If you’ve been told about an allergy, check the label on the exact product, including any warnings about possible traces. A fruity recipe or a smaller pack doesn’t mean you can skip this check.
What should you look for?
For an Easter egg hunt, start by allowing one portion per person. Then compare pack sizes based on the group’s tastes, any ingredients to avoid and access to a freezer.
| What to consider | What to check | Who should consider it? |
|---|---|---|
| Number of portions | Count the ice lollies and check the quantity per lolly. | When I’m serving a large group, I want everyone to get a portion, whatever the box looks like. Around 33% of consumers put the number of portions first. |
| Variety | Check the flavours and tell the difference between ice pops, mini ice pops and water ices. | If guests don’t all like the same flavours, I’d rather give them a choice. Variety is the main consideration for around 27% of consumers. |
| Ingredients and allergens | Read the ingredients list, allergen information and any warnings about traces on each pack. | If someone has told me about an allergy, I need to check the exact product before serving it. Around 20% of consumers put ingredients and allergens at the top of their list. |
| Keeping them frozen | Plan for transport, access to a freezer and the storage temperature shown on the packaging. | If the egg hunt is taking place away from a freezer, I need to be able to keep the ice lollies frozen until they’re handed out. This comes first for around 20% of consumers. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Judging by the size of the box alone
The pack sizes listed by retailers range from small boxes to 20-piece assortments. A large box doesn’t tell you how many portions it contains or how big they are.
Work out how many ice lollies your group needs, then check the quantity per lolly before choosing.
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Assuming a fruity or chocolate flavour suits everyone
Ingredients and possible traces vary from one recipe to another. A product’s appearance or flavour won’t tell you whether it’s suitable for someone with an allergy.
Ask which allergies you need to take into account and check the information on every pack you’re considering.
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Planning to hand them out without keeping them frozen
Travel or a wait before serving could affect how well the ice lollies keep.
The DGCCRF recommends picking up frozen foods last, using an insulated bag for transport and keeping the journey as short as possible. Leave the products in the freezer until as close as possible to serving time.
Take an insulated bag or make sure you have access to a freezer if the egg hunt is taking place some distance away.
Brands and retailers to consider
Magnum
The brand offers chocolate-coated ice lollies and mini ice lollies to consider if you’re serving a small group or looking for this type of recipe.
- The Magnum Mini Double Chocolate product listing gives a portion size of 60 ml.
- Ingredients and allergens vary by product. In particular, check for milk and nuts.
Carrefour
The retailer lists several ranges of ice lollies, including SIMPL and Carrefour Classic'.
- The products listed include boxes of 12 or 16 ice lollies.
- Check the ingredients and allergens for each box.
E.Leclerc
The Marque Repère range includes frozen desserts, including a 20-ice-lolly SMICY assortment listed by the retailer.
- The 20-piece pack is worth considering if everyone taking part needs an ice lolly.
- Check the flavours and ingredients of the assortment you choose.
Auchan
The retailer lists fruit-flavoured ice pops, including boxes of 6 and 8.
- These pack sizes let you consider a fruity option for handing out.
- A fruity flavour doesn’t mean a product is sugar-free or allergen-free, so read the label.
MUCCI (ALDI)
ALDI describes MUCCI as its range of ice cream, sorbets and frozen desserts.
- According to ALDI, the range includes cones and ice lollies.
- Check the pack size and ingredients of the product you’re considering.
Lidl
Lidl has an ice cream category among its frozen products.
- Check the catalogue or your local store for available products and their details.
Ice lollies and ice pops available on Joybuy
These products offer portions to hand out after the egg hunt, from assorted flavours and fruit-flavoured ice pops to recipes combining ice cream with chocolate or fruit. Choose based on the number of guests, ingredients and the space available in your freezer.
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Maison de la Glace Water Ice Pops, 12 ice pops, 1 200 g
An assortment to consider if you want to offer a group a choice of flavours: five flavours are listed. Check the label before serving these ice pops to anyone with an allergy.
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CAPRI-SUN Ice Pops orange and cherry, 12 ice pops, 444 g
Two flavours in individual portions. The product listing says to freeze the product, store it at −18 °C and not refreeze it after thawing. It also warns that it may contain traces of gluten, peanuts, soya, milk and nuts.
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ABC JELLY Fruity Jelly Bar, assorted
An option to put in the freezer before the egg hunt if you want to hand out a selection of fruity flavours. Check the net weight on the pack to help you plan portions.
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MAGNUM Vanilla Almond, 8 ice cream bars, 600 g
An eight-portion box for a group of this size, or to add to a selection of other flavours. The recipe contains milk and almonds and may contain other nuts. The product listing warns of a choking risk from small pieces of nuts, so supervise young children while they eat.
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Solero Berry, 4 ice cream bars of 90 ml
Four portions combining vanilla ice cream and red berries, suitable for a small group or to add to another assortment. The listed recipe contains milk.
Frequently asked questions
How can I work out how many boxes to buy for an Easter egg hunt?
First, count how many people will be having an ice lolly, then check how many ice lollies are in each box. If you’re comparing standard and mini ice lollies, check the portion size too.
Is a fruit ice lolly always suitable for someone with an allergy?
No. Check the allergens and any warnings about traces on the exact product before serving it. In France, the DGCCRF says allergens must be highlighted on the labels of prepacked foods.
How should I transport ice lollies to the egg hunt?
Pick up frozen foods last, use an insulated bag and keep the journey as short as possible, in line with the DGCCRF’s advice. Put them in the freezer as soon as you can and follow the storage instructions on each pack.
Where can I find allergen information?
Check the ingredients list and any warnings about traces on the packaging of the product you’re planning to hand out. The DGCCRF says allergens must be highlighted on the labels of prepacked foods.