People hosting a group film night
You want to plan for one ice lolly per guest without having to open an extra box. The number of lollies and their size matter just as much as the box size.
Who is this guide for?
Small groups with different tastes
You’re looking for a box with several flavours, possibly in mini portions, so everyone can choose their favourite.
People checking for dietary requirements
Before serving, check the ingredients, allergens and any ‘may contain’ warnings for the exact product. A ‘vegan’ label alone doesn’t answer questions about allergies.
What should you look for?
First decide how many ice lollies you’ll need, then choose between standard and mini portions based on your group’s tastes. Check the labels before choosing a product for anyone with dietary requirements.
| What to consider | What to check | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Number of portions | Count the ice lollies in each box. If you’re choosing between mini and standard sizes, check the quantity per lolly too. | When I’m serving several guests, I want everyone to have a portion without opening another box. Around 45% of consumers are said to prioritise the number of portions. |
| Variety and size | Check which flavours are in the box and the size of the lollies. Magnum, for example, offers a selection of six mini ice lollies in three flavours. | If people in a small group have different preferences, I’d rather offer several flavours without buying multiple boxes. Variety is said to be the main priority for around 33% of consumers. |
| Ingredients and allergens | Read the ingredients list and any ‘may contain’ warnings on the packaging of the product you’re serving, rather than relying on its flavour or brand. | Before serving a guest with dietary requirements, I need to know exactly what their ice lolly contains. This is said to be the top priority for around 22% of consumers. |
What should you avoid?
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Counting boxes instead of portions
A box of twelve mini ice lollies and a box of twelve standard ice lollies can serve the same number of people, but not necessarily the same amount per person.
Count how many you need, then compare the weight or volume shown if the sizes differ.
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Assuming you can tell the allergens from the flavour
For its Classic’ chocolate and vanilla product, Carrefour lists milk and possible traces of other allergens, including peanuts and tree nuts.
Before serving anyone with an allergy, check the ingredients and any ‘may contain’ warnings on the box you’ve bought.
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Assuming ‘vegan’ means ‘allergen-free’
According to Magnum, its Vegan Almond x3 product contains almonds and may contain milk, soya and other tree nuts.
If someone has an allergy, check the allergens for the exact product, even if it’s labelled vegan.
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Letting the ice lollies thaw on the way home
Carrefour says its frozen products should be stored at −18 °C and that thawed products must not be refrozen.
Use an insulated bag for the journey home and put the boxes in the freezer as soon as you arrive, following the instructions on the packaging.
Brands to consider
Carrefour Classic’ / Carrefour Extra
Carrefour offers, among other options, a Classic’ box of twelve chocolate and vanilla ice lollies, as well as smaller selections from its Extra range. Compare the number and size of the lollies with the group you’re serving in mind.
- The Classic’ box of twelve makes it easy to plan portions for a group.
- For the Classic’ chocolate and vanilla product, check the milk information and any ‘may contain’ warnings on the exact packaging.
MUCCI
ALDI France offers, among other options, a box of twelve MUCCI mini ice lollies, which could be a good choice if you’re serving smaller individual portions.
- The pack of twelve makes it easy to count portions.
- As they’re labelled ‘mini’, check the amount per lolly before comparing them with standard sizes.
Magnum
The brand offers a selection of six mini ice lollies in Classic, Almond and White Chocolate flavours, as well as a separate Vegan Almond x3 product.
- The mini selection brings three flavours together in one box.
- According to Magnum, its Vegan Almond x3 product contains almonds and may contain milk, soya and other tree nuts. Check each product separately.
Ice lollies on Joybuy
These boxes let you choose based on the number of portions, the size of the ice lollies or the flavours on offer for your film night. Before serving, check the ingredients and allergens on the packaging of your chosen product.
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Maison de la Glace Water Ice Pops, 12 units, 1 200 g
A box to consider if you need twelve portions and want to offer a choice of flavours. It includes five flavours. If anyone has an allergy, check the information on the packaging before serving them one.
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CAPRI-SUN Orange & Cherry Ice Pops, 12 units, 444 g
Twelve orange- and cherry-flavoured water ice lollies, ideal for planning individual portions. If a guest has an allergy, check the ‘may contain’ warnings on the packaging.
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Magnum Mini Classic, Almond and White Chocolate, 6 units, 254 g
A selection of mini ice lollies for a small group who want a choice of three flavours. If anyone is concerned about milk or tree nuts, check the ingredients for each flavour.
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Binggrae Melona Melon, 8 × 70 ml
Eight melon-flavoured ice lollies for a group of up to eight people, with one per person. The product information lists milk and includes a warning relating to the E102 colourant. Check the label before serving.
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Binggrae Melona Coconut, 8 × 70 ml
Eight coconut-flavoured ice lollies, if that’s a flavour your group will enjoy. Check the ingredients list and allergens on the packaging before serving one to anyone with dietary requirements.
Frequently asked questions
Should you check the allergens on a box of pre-packed ice lollies?
Yes. Read the information on the exact box you’re going to serve, including any ‘may contain’ warnings. In France, the public service guidance states that allergens must be listed for the relevant processed foods. The flavour or brand is no substitute for checking the label.
Is a vegan ice lolly always suitable for someone with an allergy?
No. According to Magnum, its Vegan Almond x3 product contains almonds and may contain milk, soya and other tree nuts. Check the label on the exact product in light of the allergy in question.
How should you keep ice lollies frozen until your film night?
Keep them in the freezer as directed on the packaging and limit the time they spend out of the cold during transport. Carrefour says its frozen products should be stored at −18 °C and that thawed products must not be refrozen.