For a small treat after drinks
If drinks and nibbles have already filled the evening, compare mini ice cream sticks and the volume of each piece. A box of smaller portions also makes it easy to cater for guests with different tastes.
Which format is right for you?
For a chocolatey frozen dessert
If you’re after a proper ice cream dessert, check the recipe for the stick or bar. Vanilla coating, chocolate, caramel and nuts all offer different flavours and ingredients.
For guests who keep an eye on ingredients
Before choosing an ice cream to share, check the allergens on its packaging. Depending on the product, ingredients or ‘may contain’ warnings may relate to milk, almonds, other nuts or wheat.
What should you check before choosing?
Decide whether you’re after a little treat after drinks or a dessert, then compare the recipes and labels of products in the right format.
| What to consider | What to check | Who is this for? |
|---|---|---|
| Portion and format | Count the pieces and compare the volume or weight per portion, if stated. ‘Individual’ doesn’t mean ‘sold separately’. | If I only want a small ice cream after drinks, the size of each piece matters more than the size of the box; around 40% of consumers would prioritise portion size and format. |
| Flavour and recipe | Check the ice cream, coating and inclusions listed in the product description and ingredients. | If I’m serving ice cream as dessert, I want to choose between a vanilla and chocolate, fruit or chocolate and caramel recipe; around 30% of consumers would put flavour and recipe first. |
| Ingredients and storage | Check the allergens and ‘may contain’ warnings on the specific pack, then follow its storage instructions. | When I’m serving guests with dietary requirements, ingredients come before flavour; around 30% of consumers would prioritise ingredients and storage. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Assuming ‘individual’ means ‘sold separately’
An ice cream stick can be an individual portion and still be sold in a box containing several pieces. The number you need will depend on whether you’re serving one person or a group.
Count your guests and check the number of pieces before choosing between mini sticks and regular sizes.
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Assuming one recipe suits everyone
Two ice cream sticks that look similar can have different ingredients. Carrefour’s listed products include an almond recipe and a White Chocolate Cookies recipe containing milk and wheat flour.
For every flavour you’re considering, check the allergens and ‘may contain’ warnings on the packaging you buy.
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Buying ice cream too early in your shop
A long journey or extended shopping trip can make it harder to keep products frozen. Storage instructions can also vary between products.
ANSES recommends buying frozen food at the end of your shop. Take an insulated bag and follow the instructions on the pack; the product page for an Auchan ice cream stick says not to refreeze once thawed.
Brands and ranges to consider
Magnum
Worth a look if you’re choosing between a mini vanilla and chocolate stick and an almond ice cream stick.
- Magnum lists its Mini Classic in a box of 6 × 55 ml, with vanilla ice cream and a milk chocolate coating.
- The Almond product described by Carrefour is a different variety, sold in a box of 8 × 100 ml. Check the ingredients and allergens on the box you choose.
Carrefour Sensation
A range to explore if you’re looking for ice cream sticks or bars in different flavours.
- Carrefour’s range includes boxes of several ice cream sticks, including chocolate varieties.
- Carrefour’s product page for its White Chocolate Cookies ice cream stick lists milk and wheat flour among its ingredients. Check the exact recipe before serving.
Auchan
A range of ice cream sticks and mini sticks to compare based on the number of guests and portion size you want.
- Auchan’s listed products come in a range of box sizes.
- The product page for its vanilla and almond ice cream sticks lists almonds and possible traces of other allergens. Check the label for each product.
TRIUM / Marque Repère E.Leclerc
An option to consider if you prefer mint and dark chocolate to a vanilla and chocolate recipe.
- E.Leclerc lists a box of four TRIUM sticks combining mint ice cream, dark chocolate and cocoa beans.
- E.Leclerc’s product page says this product isn’t sold on its website and recommends checking availability with the relevant store.
MUCCI / ALDI
A range to browse if you want to compare ice cream sticks and mini sticks in multipacks.
- ALDI lists MUCCI boxes containing, among other options, four double-coated sticks or twelve mini sticks.
- The number of pieces and recipe vary by product. Check the pack you choose rather than relying on the range name alone.
Ice cream sticks, bars and fruit ice lollies on Joybuy
These products let you compare mini ice cream sticks, ice cream sticks, a chocolate and caramel bar, and fruit ice lollies in individual portions. Start by choosing the type of dessert you want: fruit ice lollies aren’t interchangeable with vanilla ice cream in a chocolate coating.
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Magnum White Chocolate Almond, 4 × 100 ml
Worth considering if you’d like to serve an ice cream stick rather than a mini size after drinks.
The box contains four 100 ml pieces. The variety is called White Chocolate Almond; check its label if almonds or milk are allergens you need to avoid.
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CAPRI-SUN Orange & Cherry Ice Pops, 12 pieces, 444 g
Choose these if you’re looking for fruit ice lollies to share with a group, rather than a creamy or chocolatey ice cream stick.
The box contains twelve pieces, with a stated total weight of 444 g. Check the label for this orange and cherry recipe for allergen information.
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Magnum Mini Classic, 6 × 55 ml
This mini ice cream stick is a good choice if you’d like a smaller portion after drinks.
Magnum describes the Mini Classic as vanilla ice cream coated in milk chocolate. Check the allergens and storage instructions on the box you buy.
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Binggrae Melona Coconut, 8 × 70 ml
Worth a look if you want to offer several portions in a coconut flavour.
The box contains eight 70 ml pieces. Read the ingredients list and allergen information on the packaging before serving.
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Snickers Chocolate Caramel and Peanut Ice Cream Bars, 5 bars, 204 g
This ice cream bar is for guests who prefer a chocolate and caramel recipe to a vanilla stick with a chocolate coating.
The box contains five bars, with a total weight of 204 g. The variety contains peanuts; check the label for all allergens before serving.
Frequently asked questions
Is an individually portioned ice cream always sold separately?
No: ‘individual’ describes the portion, not necessarily the packaging. Products listed by Magnum and the retailers mentioned here are sold in boxes containing several pieces. Check how many there are and, if necessary, whether each ice cream is individually wrapped.
Which allergens should I check before serving ice cream sticks?
Check the information for the exact recipe, particularly for milk, nuts or wheat if they appear in the ingredients or ‘may contain’ warnings. The DGCCRF reminds consumers that allergens in ice cream products must be declared in writing, so don’t judge by how the stick looks.
Are sorbets and fruit ice lollies automatically dairy-free?
No: the flavour or product category alone doesn’t confirm that it’s free from milk. The DGCCRF states that milk must be declared when present, even in a product such as sorbet. Check the label of the product you choose.
How should I transport ice cream to drinks?
Buy it at the end of your shop and take an insulated bag for the journey, following ANSES advice on maintaining the cold chain. Then follow the instructions on the pack; the product page for an Auchan ice cream stick recommends storage at −18 °C and says not to refreeze it after thawing.