An older person who would like a small, refreshing snack
Individual portions mean you don’t have to serve dessert from a tub. To choose between a mini lolly and a larger one, check the volume of each lolly rather than just the number in the box.
Who is this choice for?
Someone caring for a person who needs to follow dietary advice
If they have an allergy, diabetes or individual dietary advice to follow, the ingredients, allergens and nutritional information for the exact product matter more than the range name.
Someone caring for a person whose appetite is decreasing
A dessert they enjoy can still be part of their snack time. If their appetite remains low or they lose weight, ask a healthcare professional for advice rather than relying on an ice lolly to meet their nutritional needs.
What should you check before buying?
Start by comparing portion sizes: “individual” can mean anything from a mini lolly to a larger one. Then choose a box you can store and use, and check the label for the recipe you’ve picked.
| Criteria | What to check | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Portion size and box size | Compare the volume or weight of each lolly, then check the number of lollies against how often they’ll be served and how much freezer space you have. | If I want to offer a small portion without opening a large dessert, the size of each lolly matters more than the size of the box. This would be the priority for around 40% of the people concerned. |
| Recipe and dietary advice | Read the ingredients, allergens and nutritional information for the exact product, including the sugars per portion if that information is needed. | To follow dietary advice or avoid an allergen, I need to know what’s in the ice lolly I’m serving. Around 30% of the people concerned would make this their priority. |
| Appetite and the role of snack time | Take the person’s preferences into account. If their appetite stays low or they lose weight, seek medical or dietetic advice. | When someone is eating less, I want to offer them a snack they enjoy without treating it as a solution to their loss of appetite. This would be a priority for around 30% of the people concerned. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Assuming “individual” means “small portion”
The Magnum formats listed by Carrefour include 55 ml mini lollies and a box of 85 ml lollies. Both are individual portions, but the amount served is different.
Check the volume or weight of each lolly before choosing a size to suit the person’s appetite.
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Assuming allergens are the same across different recipes
A change in flavour or coating can mean a different recipe. The lolly products described by Carrefour contain milk, and some recipes also contain other allergens.
Check the label on the box you choose, especially if it’s a mixed selection or the person has a known allergy.
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Relying on an ice lolly to make up for a loss of appetite
Manger Bouger points out that nutritional needs don’t automatically decrease after the age of 75. A frozen dessert someone enjoys doesn’t, on its own, address a sustained reduction in food intake.
If they’re losing weight, have a persistently low appetite or are known to be malnourished, ask their doctor, dietitian or care team for advice.
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Choosing a large box without planning how to store it
The more lollies there are, the more important it is to be able to transport them and store them in the cold. The DGCCRF warns that a rise in temperature can increase food-related risks.
Pick up the lollies at the end of your shop, go straight home and follow the storage instructions on the packaging.
Lollies that melt on the way home may also go to waste.
Brands to compare by product
Magnum
Carrefour lists mini lollies as well as larger individual Magnum formats. The size and recipe depend on the box you choose.
- The Magnum Mini Classic listed by Carrefour contains six 55 ml lollies; another Magnum box mentioned contains four 85 ml lollies.
- Check the ingredients for each recipe, especially in mixed selections containing almonds.
Carrefour Classic’ / Carrefour Extra
These supermarket own-brand ranges offer boxes of lollies to compare. Check the packaging and ingredients for each product.
- The Carrefour Classic’ box described in the product information contains twelve lollies and weighs 450 g.
- The Classic’ recipe mentioned contains milk. Don’t assume the ingredients are the same for another Carrefour product.
Häagen-Dazs
The box of three strawberry lollies listed by Carrefour is an option to compare with larger multipacks.
- The number of lollies is shown on the box, making it easier to plan how many snacks you can serve.
- The product information for this recipe lists milk, soya and egg, among other ingredients. The label on the box you buy is the one that matters.
Trium / Marque Repère E.Leclerc
E.Leclerc’s own-brand ranges include boxes with different numbers of lollies. Choose one to suit how often they’ll be eaten and the storage space available.
- The products described include a mixed selection of 20 sticks weighing 850 g, and packs of four coated Trium lollies.
- If there’s an allergy or dietary advice to follow, check the recipe on the box you choose rather than relying on the range name alone.
Individual lollies available on Joybuy
These products give you a chance to compare individually portioned frozen lollies. Check the size of each box and make sure the recipe suits the person’s tastes and dietary needs.
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CAPRI-SUN Orange & Cherry, 12 ice lollies, 444 g
Worth considering if you’d like several individually portioned snacks on hand. The box contains 12 ice lollies with a stated total weight of 444 g. Check the ingredients and nutritional information on the box before serving.
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POP FRUIT lemon sorbet lollies, 4, 280 g
A box of four to consider if you’d rather buy fewer lollies at a time. These are lemon sorbet lollies with a stated total weight of 280 g. Check the label if the person has any dietary restrictions.
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POP POLO water ice lollies, 5 flavours, 10, 700 g
This box offers several flavours for individually served snacks. It contains 10 lollies with a stated total weight of 700 g. If you need to keep track of sugars per portion, check the nutritional information for the flavour you choose.
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Binggrae Melona melon, 8 lollies, 70 ml each
The volume of each lolly is shown, so you can compare portion sizes before buying. The box contains eight 70 ml lollies. Check the ingredients in this recipe if the person has an allergy or needs to follow dietary advice.
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Magnum Mini Classic, 6 lollies, 55 ml each
The mini size is worth comparing if the person prefers to start with a smaller portion. The box contains six 55 ml lollies. If they have an allergy or need to watch their sugar intake, check the label for this exact recipe.
Frequently asked questions
Is an individual ice lolly always a small portion?
No. “Individual” describes the packaging, not a standard size. For example, Carrefour lists a Magnum Mini at 55 ml and another Magnum product at 85 ml. Compare the volume or weight of the lolly with the person’s appetite.
What should I check if the older person has diabetes?
Check the nutritional information and sugar content for the product and portion being served, and follow the person’s individual dietary advice. Assurance Maladie points out that diet is part of diabetes care, so the name of an ice lolly alone isn’t enough to tell you whether it’s suitable.
Can I choose a coated ice lolly for someone with an allergy?
Only after checking the allergens on the exact box and the person’s dietary advice. The Carrefour lolly product information mentioned here lists milk in several recipes and, depending on the product, other allergens such as soya or egg. Another flavour may have different ingredients.
Can an ice lolly replace a planned snack if someone is malnourished?
Not without approval from the professional caring for them. Manger Bouger points out that nutritional needs don’t automatically decrease with age. An ice lolly may be enjoyable, but it can’t replace individualised nutritional care.
How should I transport and store ice lollies after shopping?
Pick them up at the end of your shop, keep the journey time to a minimum and put them in the freezer as soon as you can, following the packaging instructions. The DGCCRF warns that a rise in temperature can increase food-related risks, so check you have room to store the whole box before choosing a large pack.