Players who prefer a smaller portion
A mini ice lolly can be just right for a break between rounds. Magnum offers Mini Classic lollies at 55 ml each; check that there are enough in the pack for everyone who wants one.
Who are these pack sizes for?
Hosts of small groups with different tastes
An assorted pack gives you a choice of flavours without needing several boxes. Magnum’s assortment includes Classic, Almond and White Chocolate in a pack of six mini lollies. Check the ingredients for each flavour.
Anyone serving the group
The number of lollies matters just as much as their size. Compare the number in the pack with how many players want one, then check the ingredients and allergens if anyone has dietary restrictions.
What should you look for?
| What to consider | What to check | Who it suits |
|---|---|---|
| Portion size | The volume or weight of each lolly, followed by the number in the box. | Between rounds, I’d prefer a small individual ice lolly rather than a larger portion; around 36% of consumers would put portion size first. |
| Choice of flavours | The flavours included and, in an assorted pack, how many of each flavour there are. | If the players don’t all like the same flavour, I want to give them a choice; variety would come first for around 29% of consumers. |
| Number of lollies | The number of lollies in the box compared with how many people want one. | If several players want an ice lolly, I need to be able to offer one to everyone; around 21% of consumers would prioritise the number of lollies. |
| Dietary restrictions | The ingredients list, allergens and any ‘may contain’ warnings on the box you choose. | If a player needs to avoid certain ingredients, I check the recipe before serving; around 14% of consumers would prioritise dietary restrictions. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Assuming the number of portions from the box size
A heavier box doesn’t necessarily contain more ice lollies. Magnum and Auchan products include, depending on the product, either six mini lollies or twelve lollies.
Count the lollies, then compare their size with the portion you want and the number of players.
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Relying on the flavour name to check for allergens
Depending on the product, the recipes mentioned contain milk, soya, almonds or hazelnuts. An assorted pack may include recipes with different ingredients.
Ask the players about their dietary restrictions, then check the ingredients and any ‘may contain’ warnings on the box you choose.
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Taking the whole box out before the game starts
Ice lollies should stay frozen until you’re ready to serve them. The DGCCRF advises that a rise in temperature breaks the cold chain.
Use an insulated bag for the journey, follow the storage instructions on the packaging and only take out the lollies you’re ready to serve.
Leaving the whole box out of the freezer can make it harder to store any uneaten lollies safely.
Brands and retailers to consider
Magnum
Magnum offers Mini Classic ice lollies, mini assortments and a Vegan Almond recipe.
- Mini Classic and the Classic, Almond and White Chocolate assortment come in boxes of 6 × 55 ml.
- Ingredients vary by recipe. Magnum says its Vegan Almond product contains soya and almonds and may contain milk and other nuts.
Carrefour
Carrefour’s ice lolly range includes products from its own-label ranges as well as Magnum.
- Packs on offer include 4, 6, 8 and 12 lollies, including a Carrefour Extra assortment of eight mini lollies.
- Check the number of lollies, flavours and label for the specific product rather than assuming they’re the same across a whole range.
Auchan
Auchan offers, among other options, a box of twelve vanilla ice lollies weighing 450 g in total.
- The twelve lollies could mean one for each player who wants one, as long as the box contains enough.
- This product contains milk, hazelnuts and soya, and may contain traces of other nuts.
Aldi / MUCCI®
Aldi presents MUCCI® as its ice cream and sorbet brand, with options including an assortment of chocolate-coated mini lollies.
- The box shown contains twelve mini lollies in milk, white chocolate, almond and classic flavours.
- Check the ingredients and allergens for each flavour on the packaging before serving the assortment.
E.Leclerc
E.Leclerc DRIVE lets you shop online, with local collection and delivery options to check in your area.
- You can look for ice lollies at the same time as doing the rest of your games night shop.
- Check the product you choose, how many lollies it contains and its label when you place your order.
Ice lollies available on Joybuy
These products are individually served ice lollies, with packs of four to twelve depending on the product. For your games night, start by choosing how many portions you need, then decide on the flavour and size of each lolly.
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Maison de la Glace Water Ice Pops, 5 flavours, 12 lollies, 1200 g
This box could be a good choice if several players would like to choose from different flavours.
It contains twelve lollies weighing 1200 g in total; check the size of each one if portion size matters to you.
If anyone has dietary restrictions, check the ingredients and allergens on the box before serving.
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Binggrae Melona Melon, 8 × 70 ml
The eight lollies can be handed out individually to players who fancy a melon flavour.
Each lolly is 70 ml. The product description lists milk and includes a warning about the colour E102, which may have an adverse effect on children’s activity and attention. Check the packaging if children are joining in.
Also check all the allergen information on the box you choose.
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Bamboo Tree Azuki Bean Ice Stick, 4 × 60 g
This pack is a good fit for a small group if no more than four people want an azuki-flavoured lolly.
The box contains four 60 g lollies. Check the allergens on the packaging if any players have dietary restrictions.
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POP FRUIT Sorbet Sticks 100% Coconut, 4 lollies, 280 g
These coconut sorbet sticks offer four individual portions for a small group.
The pack weighs 280 g in total. The product information warns that traces of allergens may be present due to the production facility; check the packaging before serving.
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Magnum Mini Classic, 6 × 55 ml
The mini size could be ideal for a little treat between rounds, if six lollies are enough for the group.
Each lolly is 55 ml. The product description lists milk and warns that it may contain traces of almonds; check the label if this is relevant to anyone in your group.
Frequently asked questions
How many ice lollies should you buy for a games night?
Allow at least one lolly for everyone who wants one. Check how many are listed on the box: the total weight alone won’t tell you how many players it will serve.
Is an ice lolly labelled vegan suitable for someone with an allergy?
Not necessarily. Magnum describes its Vegan Almond recipe as vegan, but says it contains soya and almonds and may contain milk and other nuts. Check the ingredients and any traces warnings on the box you buy.
How should you store ice lollies before serving?
Keep them cold while travelling and until you’re ready to serve, following the storage temperature shown on the packaging. The DGCCRF advises that a rise in temperature breaks the cold chain, so avoid leaving the whole box out during the game.
What should you check on an assorted pack’s label?
Check which flavours are included, along with the ingredients and allergens for each recipe. If a player needs to avoid an ingredient, also check any ‘may contain’ warnings on the specific pack you’re going to serve.