For a garden party, start by counting individual portions: a box of 12 ice lollies is ideal for serving a group, while a box of 4 is better for a smaller gathering or as an addition to a buffet. Then choose between regular and mini sizes, check the allergens for each product and plan how to keep them frozen until serving.
If everyone should be able to pick up an ice lolly without needing it served with a spoon, the number of pieces on the box is the best place to start. Carrefour and Auchan, for example, offer boxes of 12 ice lollies.
A box of 4 may be enough for a small gathering or to complement other desserts. Carrefour offers this size for Magnum Classic and some Carrefour Sensation flavours.
Ingredients vary by product: Carrefour and Auchan product information lists milk, soya or nuts, for example, depending on the product. The DGCCRF also stresses the importance of maintaining the cold chain.
Start by working out how many people you’re catering for, then choose the portion size and flavours. Finally, check the labelling on each box and its storage instructions before adding it to the buffet.
| What to consider | What to check | Who is this for? |
|---|---|---|
| Number of portions | Count your guests and the number of ice lollies in each box: Carrefour and Auchan offer boxes of 12, compared with 4 for Magnum Classic at Carrefour. | If every guest should be able to have an ice lolly, I want to make sure there are enough without judging by the apparent size of the box. Around 37% of consumers prioritise having enough portions available. |
| Size and variety | Look for the word “mini”, the number of pieces and the flavours: ALDI, for example, offers a Mucci assortment of 12 mini ice lollies. | For a buffet with several desserts, I prefer smaller portions or a choice of flavours rather than just one recipe. Around 27% of consumers share this priority. |
| Ingredients and allergens | Read the ingredients and any “may contain” information on the exact packaging, rather than assuming it applies to other flavours. | Before offering a box to a guest with an allergy, I need to know whether its ingredients are suitable for them. Around 18% of consumers make this their main concern. |
| Keeping them frozen | Check the storage instructions and plan for an insulated bag for the journey, as well as space in the freezer. | If the buffet is outdoors, I want to be able to keep the ice lollies frozen until it’s time to serve them. For around 18% of consumers, this planning comes before other considerations. |
The total weight doesn’t tell you how many people can have an ice lolly: Carrefour and Auchan offer boxes containing 4 or 12 pieces, depending on the product.
Decide how many portions you need, then check the number of pieces on each box.
Depending on the product, Carrefour, Auchan and E.Leclerc list milk, soya, almonds, hazelnuts or possible traces of nuts.
Check the labelling on the product you buy and keep the packaging to hand when serving.
Leaving them in a car or on a table makes it harder to keep them frozen. The DGCCRF advises that frozen products must be transported and stored in suitable conditions.
Use an insulated bag for the journey, put the boxes in the freezer as soon as you arrive and only take out what you need to serve straight away.
Carrefour offers Magnum Classic in a box of 4 × 100 mL ice lollies. It’s an option for a small gathering or as an addition to other desserts.
Carrefour offers boxes of 12 Classic' ice lollies, as well as smaller boxes of Sensation flavours.
Auchan offers ice lollies under its Auchan and Pouce brands in boxes of 12.
E.Leclerc offers, among other options, a box of 4 Trium mini coconut-rocher-style ice lollies, ideal for smaller portions.
ALDI offers a Mucci assortment of 12 mini ice lollies, as well as a box of 4 ice lollies with a double coating.
These boxes contain 4 to 12 individual portions, making them suitable for a small group or a garden party buffet. The number of pieces, recipe and product-specific guidance can help you choose, without confusing ice lollies with frozen bars or sorbets.
Image unavailable
The 12 individual ice lollies make it easy to plan one per person for a group. The recipe combines orange and cherry; check the labelling before serving this product to a guest with an allergy.
Keep the ice lollies frozen during transport and follow the storage instructions on the box.
Image unavailable
This box of 12 ice lollies is a good choice for individual servings when you want a selection of flavours. Check the pack labelling for allergens before offering them to a guest with an allergy.
Make room in the freezer and keep the box cold during the journey.
Image unavailable
The eight individual melon bars are enough for a group of this size or can be served alongside other desserts. The listed ingredients include milk and cream; check the packaging for full allergen information.
The product information notes that it contains the colour E102, which may have an adverse effect on children’s activity and attention. Keep the product frozen until serving.
Image unavailable
The six ice lollies can serve a small group or add to a buffet. This product contains milk and may contain traces of nuts, peanuts, egg and soya: check the packaging if you’re serving guests with allergies.
Keep the ice lollies frozen and take them out when you’re ready to serve.
Image unavailable
The four sorbet lollies are ideal for a small group or as one of several dessert options. If anyone has an allergy, check the labelling, particularly as other ingredients may be handled in the production facility.
The product information says this product is not suitable for children under 36 months. Use an insulated bag for transport and keep the lollies frozen.
If you only want one ice lolly, check whether your shop or an ice cream parlour sells them individually. The boxes of 4 and 12 offered by Carrefour and Auchan don’t, on their own, tell you whether individual portions are sold separately.
Check the labelling on the exact product, including any “may contain” warnings, before serving it. Carrefour, Auchan and E.Leclerc list different ingredients and possible traces depending on the ice lolly. Choosing another flavour from the same brand is no guarantee that it will be suitable.
Keep them cold during the journey and put them in the freezer as soon as you arrive. The DGCCRF stresses the importance of maintaining the cold chain: pick up frozen products at the end of your shop and use an insulated bag.
Not for the Auchan and Pouce products whose product information explicitly says not to refreeze after thawing. Check the instructions on the box you’ve bought, too.