For a board game night, start by choosing a pack size based on how many people would like an ice lolly. A large pack could suit a bigger group, while a smaller box helps avoid leftovers if only a few guests want one. Before buying an assorted pack, check the ingredients and allergens for each variety, then make sure you have enough room in the freezer and a way to keep the lollies cold on the journey home.
If everyone should be able to grab an ice lolly during the game, count how many individual portions you need before choosing a pack size. E.Leclerc, for example, lists a 20-piece SMICY assortment. Also check the flavours included and make sure you have enough freezer space.
Ask the guests concerned what information they need, then check the label for each product you're considering, including any ‘may contain’ warnings. As Anses explains, substances that can cause allergies or intolerances must be highlighted in the ingredients list.
If only a few guests will want a frozen dessert, a box close to the number of portions you need will be easier to manage than a large assortment. Carrefour, for example, lists an eight-piece CARREFOUR EXTRA mini lolly assortment. Compare the number of pieces, not just the pack weight.
Start by working out how many people are likely to want an ice lolly, then check the recipes and freezer space before choosing between a large assortment and smaller boxes.
| What to consider | What to check | Who is this for? |
|---|---|---|
| Number of pieces | Count the guests who want an ice lolly and check the number of pieces on the pack. Allow for extras if you think people may want seconds. | I want everyone to be able to help themselves without opening several boxes halfway through the game. Around 42% of consumers would prioritise the number of pieces. |
| Recipes and allergens | Read the ingredients and any ‘may contain’ warnings for the exact product, especially if the pack includes several recipes. | If a guest has a dietary requirement, I need to know which pieces they can consider before offering them the assortment. Around 33% of consumers would put this compatibility first. |
| Leftovers and storage | Match the pack size to the portions you actually need and check that you have room in the freezer. | If only some of the group want an ice lolly, I’d rather not have a large pack left over after the evening. Around 25% of consumers would prioritise managing leftovers. |
A heavier pack won’t necessarily contain the number of portions you need. The products listed by E.Leclerc, Auchan, ALDI and Carrefour come in different pack sizes, so the number of pieces is the clearest guide when you're buying for a group.
First, count how many people are likely to want an ice lolly, then check the number and size of the pieces on the box.
A pack may contain several recipes. Its name or flavours alone won’t tell you whether it’s suitable for a guest with an allergy or intolerance.
Ask the people concerned and check the ingredients and any ‘may contain’ warnings on the exact pack before serving the lollies.
Ice lollies need to be kept at the storage temperature stated on the packaging. The DGCCRF notes that a rise in temperature can increase food-related risks. You’ll also need room in the freezer to put a large pack away as soon as you get home.
Pick up frozen products at the end of your shop, keep the journey short and put them away promptly, following the manufacturer's storage instructions.
If you're comparing mini chocolate-coated ice creams and assorted packs, Carrefour lists a box of six Magnum mini ice creams, each 55 mL, while Auchan lists a 10-piece assortment.
ALDI's range of ice creams and sorbets includes a 12-piece mini ice lolly pack weighing 429 g.
Carrefour lists an assortment of eight CARREFOUR EXTRA mini ice lollies, each weighing 32 g. Compare the pack size with the number of people who want dessert.
E.Leclerc lists a 20-piece SMICY assortment weighing 850 g, which may suit a larger group where lots of people want an ice lolly.
These products offer individual frozen portions in a range of pack sizes. Compare the number of pieces and flavours with your group's preferences. If a guest has a dietary requirement, check the label for each product before serving.
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Worth considering if you'd like to offer a choice of flavours in a 12-piece pack. If any guests have dietary requirements, check the ingredients and allergens on the exact packaging, and follow its storage instructions.
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Consider this for 12 portions in orange and cherry flavours, if they suit your group. Check the pack for any ‘may contain’ warnings for the guests concerned, and follow the freezing instructions before serving.
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An option to freeze before game night, if you have time to prepare them in advance. Check the number of pieces, weight, freezing instructions and ingredients on the pack before choosing it for your group.
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Compare this with the needs of a small group looking for banana-flavoured ice cream bars: the pack contains eight 70 ml pieces. Check the label for ingredients and allergens, then follow the storage instructions.
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Worth considering if eight coconut-flavoured ice cream bars match the number of portions you need; each piece is listed as 70 ml. Check the ingredients and allergens for this variety on the packaging, and follow the storage instructions.
As a starting point, allow one ice lolly for each person who wants one, then adjust if you expect people to have seconds. The packs listed by E.Leclerc, Auchan, ALDI and Carrefour range from small boxes to 20-piece assortments. Choose according to your group rather than assuming everyone will want an ice lolly.
Don’t assume it is: it depends on the ingredients and any ‘may contain’ warnings for the exact product. Check the label with the person concerned before offering them a piece. Another flavour in the same assortment isn’t automatically a suitable alternative.
Keep them out of the cold for as little time as possible, then put them in the freezer promptly at the temperature stated on the packaging. The DGCCRF notes that a rise in temperature can increase food-related risks. Picking up frozen treats at the end of your shop helps you plan the journey home.
Check the ingredients list on the box you buy and look for any ‘may contain’ warnings. Anses says that substances or products that can cause allergies or intolerances must be highlighted in the ingredients list. For an assortment, check the information for each recipe it contains.