Anyone serving the whole group
If everyone is to have a portion during or after the match, the number of ice lollies matters more than the box’s total weight. Carrefour and ALDI, for example, offer packs of 12 ice lollies or mini ice lollies.
Who are these pack sizes suitable for?
Anyone looking to offer a range of flavours
An assortment of mini ice lollies, such as those listed by Carrefour and Auchan, lets you offer several recipes without giving everyone the same flavour. Be sure to check how many are in the box.
Households keeping an eye on ingredients
When several people are sharing the ice lollies, it’s worth checking each recipe. The Carrefour Extra and Auchan assortments mentioned in their product listings include milk, soya and almonds.
What should you check before buying?
Decide how many portions you need, then compare pack sizes based on your guests’ flavour preferences, ingredients to check and how the ice lollies will be transported.
| Criteria | What to check | Who is this for? |
|---|---|---|
| Number of portions | Count the portions you plan to serve and check the number of ice lollies on the box. Don’t try to work it out from the weight. | I want to serve every guest without running short; around 36 % of consumers would prioritise the number of portions. |
| Variety of recipes | Check which flavours are included in the assortment and how many of each type there are. | If guests don’t all like the same flavours, I’d rather give them a choice; variety would come first for around 29 % of consumers. |
| Ingredients and allergens | Read the ingredients, highlighted allergens and any ‘may contain’ warnings on the exact packaging. | Before sharing the box, I need to know which recipes are suitable for the people attending; around 21 % of consumers would put this check first. |
| Keeping them cold in transit | Use an insulated bag to transport frozen products and check the storage instructions for the product you choose. | If the ice lollies need to be stored before the match or carried in a lunchbox, I need to be able to keep them at the required temperature; this would be the top priority for around 14 % of consumers. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Assuming the box’s weight tells you how many guests it will serve
Two boxes of different weights won’t necessarily contain the same number of individual ice lollies.
Compare the number of ice lollies shown on each pack with the portions you plan to hand out.
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Assuming every recipe in an assortment has the same ingredients
The Carrefour Extra and Auchan assortments listed include milk, soya and almonds; ingredients can vary from one recipe to another.
Ask your guests about any dietary requirements, then check the label on the exact box before serving.
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Picking up frozen products too early while shopping
Make sure the journey and the time before the match allow you to follow the storage instructions for your chosen ice lollies.
Anses advises buying frozen products at the end of your shopping trip and using an insulated bag to transport them.
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Planning dessert around a product without checking it’s available
A product listed in a catalogue may not be available at your chosen shop or at the time you plan to visit.
Check with your chosen retailer that the product is available before deciding how many boxes you need.
Brands to consider
These brands and retailers offer useful comparisons of pack sizes and recipes. Check each product individually before adding it to your group’s dessert menu.
Magnum
Magnum offers packs of four ice lollies and assortments of eight, among other options, with recipes varying by product.
- A pack of four can add to an assortment for a small group.
- Some recipes list hazelnuts, almonds or pistachios, so check the ingredients for the variety you choose.
Carrefour
Carrefour products listed include a Carrefour Classic’ box of 12 ice lollies and a Carrefour Extra assortment of eight mini ice lollies.
- The 12-piece pack makes it easier to plan one portion per person for a group.
- The Carrefour Extra assortment mentioned contains milk, soya and almonds.
Auchan
Auchan lists its own-brand ice lollies and other brands, including packs of 12 and assorted mini ice lollies.
- These pack sizes let you compare a box for serving a group with an assortment of different recipes.
- The listed Auchan assortment of eight mini ice lollies contains milk, soya and almonds.
MUCCI® / ALDI
MUCCI® is ALDI’s ice cream and sorbet brand. The retailer offers, among other products, a pack of 12 mini ice lollies.
- The number of ice lollies makes it easier to plan individual portions to share.
- Check the assortment and availability of the product at your chosen shop.
Multipacks of individual ice lollies on Joybuy
These multipacks include individual ice lollies and ice pops, making it easy to prepare portions to share during the evening. Compare pack sizes, flavours and preparation instructions for each product.
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ABC JELLY Fruity Jelly Bar Assorted, 850 g
If you’d like to offer a choice of flavours, check the flavours and number of portions shown on the box. The weight information is inconsistent, so also check the net weight on the packaging.
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CAPRI-SUN Orange & Cherry Ice Pops, x12, 444 g
This pack of 12 orange and cherry portions could suit a group that would like a choice of two flavours. The product listing warns that it may contain traces of cereals containing gluten, peanuts, soya, milk and nuts. Check the label if any of these ingredients are a concern for your guests.
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Maison de la Glace Water Ice Pops, 5 flavours, 12 pieces, 1200 g
This pack of 12 ice pops lets you plan individual portions and offer several flavours. The product listing advises against it for people at risk of allergies. Check the label on the exact packaging before offering it to any guests this applies to.
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Binggrae Melona Melon Ice Bar, 8 × 70 ml
The pack of eight is a good fit if that’s enough portions and everyone likes melon, the only flavour. The product contains milk. If children are attending, also check the warning about the E102 colourant on the label.
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MR FREEZE Mister Freeze Ice Pop, 64 × 105 ml
This pack of 64 portions could suit a large group, or give you some to keep for later. The storage and preparation instructions provided for this product differ, so check the packaging to see whether it needs to be frozen before serving.
Frequently asked questions
How many ice lollies should I plan for a match-night gathering?
Count the individual portions you want to serve, then compare that number with the number of ice lollies shown on each box. The total weight isn’t a substitute for this check: Carrefour, Auchan and ALDI, for example, offer packs of between 8 and 12, depending on the product.
Where can I find allergen information on a box of packaged ice lollies?
Check the ingredients list on the exact box. For prepacked food sold in France, the Directorate-General for Competition Policy, Consumer Affairs and Fraud Control says allergenic ingredients must be highlighted in the list. Check every recipe in an assortment, as well as any ‘may contain’ warnings.
Can I take ice lollies in a lunchbox before the match?
Only if your transport solution lets you follow the storage instructions for the product until it’s time to serve it. For frozen products, Anses recommends buying them at the end of your shopping trip and using an insulated bag for the journey. Don’t assume an ordinary lunchbox will be enough.
Is an assortment automatically suitable for all guests?
No. A range of flavours gives people a choice, but you still need to check the ingredients of each one separately. The Carrefour Extra and Auchan assortments listed include milk, soya and almonds; check the packaging of the product you plan to serve.