Hosts keeping an eye on added sugars
If you’re looking for ice lollies labelled ‘no added sugars’, compare the ‘of which sugars’ figure and the ingredients list too. This claim does not mean ‘sugar-free’.
Who are these options for?
People serving several guests
The number of lollies, portion sizes and allergens matter just as much as the flavour. You’ll also need to plan how to transport them and make space in the freezer until serving time.
People making their own ice lollies
Moulds let you choose the ingredients and flavours. You’ll need enough time and space to freeze your lollies before the party.
What should you check before buying?
First, distinguish between no added sugars and total sugar content. Then decide whether you want ready-to-serve portions or a recipe you can make yourself.
| What to consider | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Sugars | The exact wording on the packaging, then the ‘of which sugars’ figures per 100 g and per portion. | I want to avoid added sugars without mistaking this claim for a complete absence of sugars. Around 46% of consumers would put this distinction at the top of their needs. |
| Serving and storage | The number of lollies, portion sizes and storage instructions; plan to transport them in a cool bag. | When hosting several guests, I prioritise portions that are easy to hand out and can be kept in the freezer until serving time. This would be the main consideration for around 27% of consumers. |
| Homemade recipe | The number and size of the moulds, as well as the time needed to prepare and freeze your chosen recipe. | If I make the ice lollies myself, I can choose the ingredients to suit what I want to serve, without assuming the result will be sugar-free. Around 27% of consumers would prioritise this control over the recipe. |
Mistakes to avoid
-
Confusing ‘no added sugars’ with ‘sugar-free’
The Auchan mango and passion fruit ice lolly is labelled ‘no added sugars’, but its product information lists 19 g of sugars per 100 g. The claim alone therefore doesn’t tell you the total sugar content.
Read the exact wording of the claim, then compare the ‘of which sugars’ figures per 100 g and per portion across the products you’re considering.
-
Planning to serve ice lollies without arranging how to store them
Anses advises buying frozen food last and using an insulated bag to transport it. The packaging for the Auchan mango and passion fruit ice lolly says to store it at −18 °C and not to refreeze it after thawing.
Keep the boxes in the freezer until serving time and take out only the portions you need.
If you don’t have an insulated bag, make sure you have one for the journey.
-
Assuming a fruit ice lolly is suitable for every guest
The Auchan mango and passion fruit sorbet product information warns that it may contain traces of gluten, peanuts and nuts. Magnum Mini Classic contains milk and may contain traces of nuts.
Keep the packaging handy so you can check the ingredients and ‘may contain’ information for the product you’re actually serving.
Brands and retailers to know
Auchan
Its mango and passion fruit ice lolly is an example of a ready-to-serve portion labelled ‘no added sugars’.
- The product information lists four 60 g ice lollies.
- It also lists 19 g of sugars per 100 g and possible traces of gluten, peanuts and nuts, so it is not an example of a ‘sugar-free’ product.
Magnum
Mini Classic is a chocolate-coated ice lolly option for guests who aren’t looking for a sugar-free product.
- Magnum France lists a pack of 6 × 55 ml, ideal for serving as individual portions.
- The product information lists 12 g of sugars per portion; the product contains milk and may contain nuts.
Fackelmann
Its water ice lolly moulds meet a different need: making lollies before the party using a recipe of your choice.
- E.Leclerc’s product information describes a set of five moulds measuring 11.5 × 5 cm.
- The sugar content depends on the ingredients used; these moulds are not dishwasher-safe.
Ice lollies available in this Joybuy selection
These individual portions can help you plan the serving arrangements for a garden party. This is not a selection of sugar-free products, so check the nutritional information and allergens on the pack you choose.
Image unavailable
Binggrae Melona melon, 8 × 70 ml
The pack of eight lollies is handy for serving individual portions. If sugar content is a deciding factor, compare the nutritional information on the packaging.
Image unavailable
Magnum Mini Classic, 6 × 55 ml
This mini pack gives you six individual portions, but it isn’t suitable if you’re looking for a sugar-free product. Magnum France lists 12 g of sugars per portion for Mini Classic; check the allergen information before serving too.
Image unavailable
POP FRUIT coconut sorbet, 4 pieces, 280 g
This pack of four sorbet lollies is a good choice if you’d like to serve individual coconut portions. Don’t assume it’s sugar-free based on the flavour or product name; check the ‘of which sugars’ figure and allergens on the packaging.
Image unavailable
Solero Berry, 4 × 90 ml
The box of four lollies makes it easy to plan individual portions. If you’re choosing based on sugar content, check the nutritional values and ingredients on the packaging rather than relying on the fruit flavour alone.
Frequently asked questions
Does ‘no added sugars’ mean ‘sugar-free’?
No. ‘No added sugars’ does not mean that a product contains no sugar at all. The DGCCRF points out that nutrition claims are regulated by European law. The Auchan mango and passion fruit ice lolly carries this claim, yet its product information lists 19 g of sugars per 100 g. To compare products, check the ‘of which sugars’ figure.
How should I transport ice lollies to a garden party?
Buy frozen food last and carry it in an insulated bag, following Anses advice on maintaining the cold chain. Put it in the freezer as soon as possible and follow the instructions on the pack. The Auchan mango and passion fruit ice lolly packaging says to store it at −18 °C and not to refreeze it after thawing.
How can I check allergens before serving guests?
Check the ingredients list and ‘may contain’ information on the pack you’re serving, as these can vary between products. Magnum Mini Classic’s product information lists milk and possible traces of nuts; the Auchan mango and passion fruit sorbet product information warns of possible traces of gluten, peanuts and nuts.
Are ice lollies made in moulds always sugar-free?
No. Moulds let you choose the ingredients, but the sugar content depends on the recipe. If this matters to your guests, check the ingredients you use rather than assuming a homemade ice lolly has a particular nutritional quality.