Households planning to serve several portions
You’re looking for a pack that suits the number of people you’ll be serving. Checking both the number of ice lollies and the net weight helps you compare packs that look similar.
Who are these selection criteria for?
The shoppers described below are looking to buy ice lollies, not a chocolate gift box.
Shoppers who pay close attention to ingredients
You need to check the ingredients, allergens, any possible traces and the nutritional information for the exact recipe before choosing it.
Shoppers looking for a particular flavour
You might prefer a caramel recipe or a white chocolate coating over a particular number of portions. If so, check the ingredients for that specific flavour.
What should you look for in ice lollies?
When choosing ice lollies, start with how you plan to use them: serving several people, checking a particular ingredient list or finding a specific flavour. A chocolate gift box calls for a different choice; the freezer transport criteria below don’t apply to it.
| Criteria | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Quantity and pack size | Compare the number of ice lollies and the net weight, then check that you have room to store the pack in your freezer. | If I’m serving several people, I want enough portions without choosing a pack that’s too large for my needs. Around 50% of shoppers might put getting the right quantity first. |
| Ingredients and allergens | Check the ingredients, allergens and any possible traces on the exact pack you’re buying; compare the nutritional values per 100 g. | If certain ingredients matter to me, I need to check the recipe I’m buying, not a different flavour from the same brand. This check could be a priority for around 30% of shoppers. |
| Flavour and coating | Check the flavour and type of coating, then confirm how many ice lollies are in the pack you’ve chosen. | For an occasional frozen treat, I’m mainly looking for a particular flavour combination. This recipe choice could come first for around 20% of shoppers. |
What should you avoid when buying?
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Judging the pack by its appearance alone
Two packs may contain different numbers of ice lollies and have different net weights. The packaging alone won’t tell you how many portions you’ll get.
Check both the net weight and the number of pieces, then choose a pack that suits your needs and the space available in your freezer.
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Assuming the information for one flavour applies to the whole range
Ingredients and allergen warnings can vary from one recipe to another. The Carrefour Classic’ listing for chocolate and chocolate-and-vanilla ice lollies, for example, mentions several possible traces.
Check the ingredients list and any trace warnings on the packaging of the product you’re planning to buy.
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Forgetting about the journey home and freezer space
A large pack of ice lollies needs to be kept cold on the way home and put away as soon as you arrive.
Pick up frozen food towards the end of your shop and follow the storage instructions on the pack. For its Pouce vanilla and chocolate ice lollies, Auchan recommends storage at −18 °C and says not to refreeze the product once thawed.
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Counting on a particular flavour without checking with the store
The range can vary from one shop to another. Magnum notes that product availability depends on the store, while E.Leclerc advises customers to check with their local centre about the Trium product mentioned.
If you’re buying for a particular recipe, check that it’s available at the store or for the online shop where you plan to shop.
Ice lolly brands to know
These brands offer examples of ice lolly pack sizes and recipes. Their inclusion here doesn’t mean that a particular product is available on Joybuy or in every shop.
Carrefour Classic’ / Carrefour Extra
Carrefour sells own-brand ice lollies, including boxes of twelve in its Classic’ range.
- The number of ice lollies helps you identify packs designed to serve several people.
- Ingredients and possible traces depend on the recipe, so check every pack, even within the same range.
Pouce / Auchan
Auchan lists a box of twelve Pouce vanilla and chocolate ice lollies, with a net weight of 402 g.
- The number of pieces and net weight help you decide whether the pack suits the portions you have in mind.
- The listing includes milk and soya, as well as possible traces of nuts. It also recommends storage at −18 °C.
Magnum
Magnum offers ice lollies with recipes that combine vanilla ice cream and chocolate coatings.
- For Double Caramel, the brand describes vanilla ice cream, caramel sauce and a cocoa coating.
- The ingredients for one recipe shouldn’t be assumed to apply to other products. Availability can also vary by store.
Trium / Marque Repère
E.Leclerc lists a Trium product containing four vanilla ice lollies with a white chocolate coating.
- A four-piece pack is worth considering if a larger pack doesn’t suit the number of portions you need.
- For this product, E.Leclerc advises contacting the relevant centre to check availability.
Mucci / Aldi
Aldi lists Mucci frozen desserts in a range of pack sizes, including mini ice lollies.
- Mini ice lollies are a different size from standard ones; check the number of pieces and the weight of the pack you choose.
- Don’t assume that Aldi stocks the same range in every shop.
Joybuy products related to this topic
Products related to this topic will be featured here soon.
Frequently asked questions
How do I choose between a box of ice lollies and a chocolate gift box?
Choose ice lollies if you’re looking for a frozen dessert to keep in the freezer. If you’re buying chocolates as a gift, look for a chocolate gift box. Then compare pack sizes, ingredients and storage instructions within the category you’ve chosen.
How do I compare two boxes of ice lollies?
Check the net weight and number of ice lollies in each box, then see whether the recipes and portion sizes suit your needs. A four-piece box and a twelve-piece box won’t necessarily meet the same needs.
Where can I check the allergens in a pre-packed ice cream?
Read the ingredients list and any trace warnings on the pack for the exact recipe. The DGCCRF states that allergenic ingredients must be highlighted on the labels of pre-packed foods, so don’t rely on the ingredients list for a different flavour.
How do I compare the sugar and fat content of two recipes?
Compare the nutritional information on the same basis, particularly per 100 g. The DGCCRF says that nutrition declarations are given per 100 g or 100 ml, so comparing the size of an individual ice lolly isn’t a substitute for this like-for-like check.
How should I store ice lollies after shopping?
Keep them out of the freezer for as little time as possible and follow the temperature shown on the packaging. Auchan’s listing for its Pouce vanilla and chocolate ice lollies recommends −18 °C and says never to refreeze a thawed product. Check the instructions on your own pack.