If you’re planning several desserts over the October half-term, compare the number of ice lollies, net weight and flavours before choosing a large multipack or a smaller box. If you have a particular Magnum recipe in mind, check the pack size too. Whatever you choose, read the allergen information and plan how to keep the lollies frozen on the way home.
If you’ll be serving ice lollies on several occasions over the half-term, compare the number of lollies and the net weight. The packs listed by E.Leclerc, Carrefour and ALDI range from boxes of four to a 20-piece selection, and the recipes vary too.
If flavour or coating matters more to you than quantity, check the exact variety and pack size. Carrefour, for example, lists eight-packs of Magnum Classic and Almond.
If someone needs to avoid an allergen, or you’re choosing between ice cream, dairy ice cream and sorbet, check the label for each recipe. The DGCCRF advises that allergens in pre-packed foods must be highlighted in the ingredients list.
First, work out how many portions you need. Then compare the recipes that suit your guests by checking their labels.
| What to consider | What to check | Who is this for? |
|---|---|---|
| Quantity and portions | Compare the number of ice lollies and the net weight: two boxes with the same number of lollies may not contain the same amount. | If I’m planning desserts for several people at different times over the holidays, I want enough portions without choosing a box that’s too large for our needs. Around 40% of consumers would put family-sized quantities first. |
| Recipe and pack size | Check the flavour, coating, mini or standard size, and the varieties included in a selection. | If someone is looking forward to a particular flavour or brand, I’d rather check the recipe than assume they’ll like every lolly in the box. Around 30% of consumers would put their preferred recipe first. |
| Ingredients and allergens | Check the product name, ingredients list and highlighted allergens for the exact product. Don’t assume it’s dairy-free just because it says “sorbet”. | If someone at the table needs to avoid an ingredient, I need to rule out the relevant recipe before choosing a pack size. Around 30% of consumers would put ingredients first. |
The number of lollies helps you plan desserts, but it doesn’t tell you their weight. The DGCCRF points out that the amount of air incorporated can affect the weight of ice cream, even when the volume is the same.
Check the net weight too, and choose a number of lollies that suits the people you plan to serve.
The word “sorbet” doesn’t necessarily mean a product is dairy-free. The DGCCRF states that milk must be declared if it is an ingredient.
If someone has an allergy, check the allergens and ingredients list for the variety you’ve chosen.
A long journey or unsuitable storage can break the cold chain.
Pick up frozen food last, use an insulated bag if possible, and put it away promptly, following the storage instructions as recommended by the DGCCRF.
A brand to consider if you’re looking for a particular ice lolly recipe or pack size.
A retailer where you can compare several Magnum pack sizes.
Products to compare if you’re choosing between a family-sized selection and a smaller box of coated ice lollies.
A retailer whose range includes ice lollies and mini lollies from various brands.
A coated ice lolly option to consider if you’re looking for a box of four.
A retailer with ice cream in its frozen food range.
This selection includes fruit, vanilla and almond, coconut and melon ice lollies. If you’re after the texture of a classic ice lolly, the frozen jelly bar is a separate option.
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A pack of 12 ice lollies to consider if you’re planning desserts for several tea-time treats.
The box states a total weight of 444 g. Check the ingredients and allergens for this product before serving.
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Worth considering if you’re specifically looking for an eight-pack of the vanilla and almond variety.
The stated weight is 600 g. This variety contains almonds, so check the label for anyone who needs to avoid allergens.
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A pack of four to consider if you’re looking for the coconut variety.
The stated weight is 280 g. The product description advises against giving this product to children under 36 months. Check the allergen information on the packaging too.
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Eight melon-flavoured ice lollies for anyone who enjoys this flavour.
The pack size is given by volume, so check the net weight on the packaging if you’re comparing quantities. The product description mentions milk and includes a warning about the colour E102 and its effect on children’s activity and attention. Check the label.
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An assorted frozen jelly bar to consider if you’d prefer this texture to a classic ice lolly.
The product description states that there are ten pieces. Check the net weight and flavours on the packaging before choosing a box.
No. The word “sorbet” doesn’t guarantee that a product is dairy-free. The DGCCRF states that milk must be declared if it is an ingredient. If someone has an allergy, check the allergens and ingredients list for the exact product.
No. Check the net weight too, as two boxes with the same number of lollies may contain different quantities. The DGCCRF points out that the air incorporated into ice cream can affect its weight, even when the volume is the same.
Check the product name, ingredients, highlighted allergens, net quantity, nutritional information and relevant date. The DGCCRF states that this labelling information must be visible and easy to read.
Pick up frozen food last and put it in the freezer promptly, following the storage instructions. For the journey, the DGCCRF recommends using an insulated bag if possible and keeping transport time to a minimum.