For a group holiday, start by working out how many people you’re serving and how many portions you’ll need. Then decide whether a large multipack or mini ice lollies is the better fit. Flavour variety and the size of each lolly matter too, but check the ingredients on the exact box you choose and make sure you can keep the ice lollies frozen during the journey.
If you’re serving extended family or friends, count how many people will be there and consider whether anyone might want a second ice lolly. The number of lollies is more useful than the total pack weight when you’re planning how to serve them.
If not everyone wants a large ice cream after a meal, mini ice lollies make it easy to choose a smaller portion. An assortment offers a choice of flavours, provided there are enough lollies for everyone.
If the ingredients matter to your guests, check each pack before serving. If you’re taking ice lollies to a holiday rental or picnic, plan how you’ll keep them cool in transit and make sure you have room in the freezer.
First, choose a number of portions that suits your group. Then compare the flavours and size of each lolly, while making sure you still check the allergens and storage instructions.
| What to consider | What to check | Who is this for? |
|---|---|---|
| Number of portions | Count the lollies, then compare that number with your guest list and the possibility of people having seconds. | When I’m serving a large group, I want everyone to be able to have an ice lolly without running out; around 31% of consumers prioritise this. |
| Flavours and size | Check the flavours in the assortment and the weight or volume of each lolly. | After a meal, I’d rather offer a choice of flavours without serving a large portion; around 25% of consumers put this first. |
| Ingredients | Read the ingredients, highlighted allergens and any ‘may contain’ warnings on the exact box. | If a guest needs to avoid an ingredient, I need to be able to check the recipe before serving; around 19% of consumers prioritise this check. |
| Transport and storage | Check the storage temperature on the packaging, how long the journey will take and how much freezer space you have. | When travelling to a holiday rental, I need to keep the ice lollies frozen until I can put them away; around 25% of consumers say this is their main concern. |
The products featured by E.Leclerc, Auchan and Carrefour show pack sizes of 10, 12, 18 or 20 lollies. So the total weight alone won’t tell you how many people you can serve.
Start by counting the lollies, then check the portion size and net weight.
The recipes for Magnum, Carrefour Classic’ and Mars ice cream bars contain different ingredients and allergen warnings. Information for one flavour won’t necessarily apply to the whole range.
Check the ingredients and any ‘may contain’ warnings on every box you plan to serve.
Transport is part of keeping frozen food properly stored. The DGCCRF recommends keeping journey times short and using an insulated bag where possible.
Pick up the ice lollies last when you’re shopping, then put them in the freezer as soon as you arrive. Don’t refreeze a product once it has thawed.
A Carrefour Classic’ listing showed a box of 12 ice lollies as unavailable; E.Leclerc advises customers to contact their local store about the availability of its 20-stick SMICY assortment.
Before hosting or setting off, check the exact product with the store and have another pack size in mind if necessary.
Mini ice lolly assortments for groups who want a choice of recipes.
A water ice assortment to consider when the number of lollies is your priority.
A box of vanilla and chocolate ice lollies, offering a mid-sized pack of 12.
Individual chocolate and caramel ice cream bars for groups who enjoy this flavour combination.
This Joybuy selection ranges from small boxes of ice lollies to a multipack of water ice. Choose according to the number of guests, the flavours you’d like and the space you have to store frozen products.
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Worth considering for a large group if you have room in the freezer for four boxes. Each box contains 24 pieces, and this pack includes four boxes. Check the ingredients on the product before serving.
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The mini size and three recipes could suit a small group looking for a variety of flavours. The box contains six pieces, so count them before planning this dessert for a larger gathering, and check the allergens on the packaging.
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A box of 12 pieces to consider for a medium-sized group that would like a choice of flavours. Check the ingredients and allergens on the packaging of the product you choose.
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These eight mini sorbet lollies offer two flavours for a small group. If you’re serving more people, check that there are enough pieces to go round. Also check the allergen information on the box.
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These six ice lollies could be just right for a small gathering. At 60 ml each, the size makes it easy to judge the portion; check the ingredients on the packaging before serving.
Start with the number of guests and how many might want a second lolly, then count the ice lollies in the box. Products listed by E.Leclerc and Auchan include pack sizes from 10 to 20 pieces, but a box of mini ice lollies and a large multipack may not suit the same occasion.
Yes. Check the ingredients for the exact product, even when a box contains several flavours. The DGCCRF says allergens must be highlighted in the ingredients list; check for any trace warnings too before serving.
Pick up frozen products last, keep the journey as short as possible and use an insulated bag where possible, as recommended by the DGCCRF. When you arrive, put them in the freezer as soon as you can, following the instructions on the packaging. Don’t refreeze a product once it has thawed.
Not necessarily. Check whether the exact box is available at your local shop before planning to serve it. Carrefour showed a 12-piece Classic’ product as unavailable, while E.Leclerc advised customers to contact their local store about its 20-stick SMICY assortment.