Anyone organising a get-together
If everyone should be able to take a stick without opening several boxes, count your guests before you choose. Carrefour and ALDI, for example, offer packs of 12.
Who are these formats for?
Anyone catering for different tastes
A selection lets you offer several recipes in one box. Auchan, for example, offers a Magnum selection of eight ice creams across four recipes. Check that each one suits your group.
Anyone keeping an eye on ingredients and allergens
Ingredients can vary by flavour and format. Check the packaging of each product before sharing it; the DGCCRF reminds shoppers that allergens must be highlighted on prepacked foods.
How do you choose for a get-together?
Large pack, one flavour
Choose this: if everyone is happy with the same flavour and there are enough sticks for the group.
Bear in mind: you may need another box if people have different preferences.
Selection of flavours
Choose this: if you want to offer a few different flavours in one box, such as the selection of eight Magnum ice creams offered by Auchan.
Bear in mind: variety is no substitute for checking the ingredients in each recipe.
Mini sticks
Choose these: if you’d like to serve smaller portions. ALDI, for example, offers a pack of 12 MUCCI mini sticks.
Bear in mind: 12 mini sticks won’t necessarily contain the same amount as 12 sticks in a different format.
| Criterion | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Number of portions | Count your guests and compare the number of sticks in each box with the number of portions you need. | If I’m serving several people, I want everyone to have a stick without opening a second box; around 33% of the consumers concerned would make this their top priority. |
| Flavours and ingredients | Check the flavours on offer, then look at the ingredients and allergens on the exact box. | When tastes differ or an ingredient needs to be avoided, I need recipes that work for the group; this would be the top priority for around 27% of the consumers concerned. |
| Portion size | Compare the net weight and the amount per stick, especially between mini sticks and regular formats. | I’d rather have smaller portions than choose a pack just because the number of pieces looks generous; around 27% of the consumers concerned would prioritise this. |
| Storage | Read the instructions on the pack and plan your journey and freezer space. | If the get-together is after the food shop, I need to be able to transport and store the ice lollies quickly; around 13% of the consumers concerned would put this first. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Judging by the number of sticks alone
Two boxes with the same number of pieces can have different net weights and portion sizes.
Compare both the number of pieces and the net weight, then choose a portion size that suits your guests.
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Assuming which allergens are present from the flavour or brand
Ingredients can vary between recipes and formats. A selection may include several ingredients that you’ll need to check.
Read the ingredients list and allergen information on the exact packaging before serving.
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Relying on a product without checking with the retailer
An offer featured in a catalogue or online may depend on the date, store and collection method.
Check the product with your chosen store or collection service before planning your get-together around it.
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Leaving frozen food out after your food shop
According to the DGCCRF, a rise in temperature can affect how well food keeps.
Pick up the ice lollies at the end of your shop, use an insulated bag if needed and put them in the freezer promptly, following the instructions on the pack.
Retailers and brands to explore
Magnum
The brand offers ice lolly sticks in multipacks; Auchan, for example, offers a selection of eight ice creams.
- The selection offered by Auchan includes four recipes to suit different tastes.
- This selection contains milk and almonds and may contain other allergens. Check the label.
Carrefour
The retailer offers ice lolly sticks under its own brands, including packs of 8 and 12.
- These formats make it easier to choose the right number of pieces for your group.
- Check the product and its availability at your chosen store or for your selected collection service.
Auchan
The retailer offers, among other products, a selection of eight Magnum ice creams and packs of eight fruit ice lollies.
- These products let you compare different flavours and ingredients for a get-together.
- The product information for the fruit ice lollies warns that traces of several allergens may be present. Check the packaging of the product you choose.
E.Leclerc
E.Leclerc DRIVE offers a range of ice creams and frozen desserts, depending on the services available in your chosen area.
- The drive catalogue can help you plan your collection of frozen products.
- Check the exact format and collection arrangements with your chosen drive.
ALDI
The retailer offers, among other products, a box of 12 MUCCI mini sticks with a net weight of 429 g.
- The mini format is worth considering if you’d like to serve smaller portions to a group.
- Check which product is available at your local store before you shop.
Lidl
The retailer’s catalogues may feature boxes of ice lolly sticks, including a dated offer of eight strawberry and white chocolate pieces.
- The catalogue lets you check the format and flavours advertised for a particular offer.
- A dated offer doesn’t guarantee that the product will be available when you shop.
Ice lolly sticks and frozen treats to share on Joybuy
This range includes multipacks of ice lolly sticks and water ice lollies. Depending on your group’s tastes, you can look at a selection, a single flavour or ice lollies to freeze before your get-together.
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Maison de la Glace Water Ice Pops, 5 flavours, 12 pieces, 1,200 g
Worth considering if you’d like to offer a group a choice of flavours. Check the ingredients and allergens on the packaging before sharing.
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Binggrae Melona Coconut, 8 × 70 ml
This coconut-flavoured pack is a good fit for a group that wants the same flavour. Check the exact label for ingredients and allergens before serving.
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CAPRI-SUN Orange & Cherry Ice Pops, 12 pieces, 444 g
These individually portioned water ice lollies are worth considering for a group. Freeze them before serving and don’t refreeze them after thawing. Check the label if anyone has an allergy.
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MAGNUM Classic, 8 ice lolly sticks, 600 g
This single-recipe box is worth considering if everyone wants the same ice lolly. Check the ingredients and allergens listed on the exact packaging.
Frequently asked questions
How can I tell if one box will be enough?
Count the people you’re serving, then compare that number with the number of sticks in the box. Also consider the portion size, and only plan on another box if the number of guests or their preferences call for it.
Should I choose a selection rather than a single flavour?
A selection makes sense if your guests want different flavours, as long as the recipes suit them. The selection of eight Magnum ice creams offered by Auchan includes four recipes, but contains milk and almonds, among other ingredients. Read the label before sharing.
Where can I check the allergens in a box of ice creams?
Check the ingredients list and allergen information on the packaging of the box you’ve chosen, including the details for each recipe in a selection. The DGCCRF says that allergens must be highlighted on prepacked foods.
How should I transport ice lolly sticks after shopping?
Pick them up at the end of your shop, keep the journey as short as possible and use an insulated bag if needed. Put them in the freezer promptly, following the storage instructions on the pack; don’t refreeze a thawed product.