Households stocking up
If several people enjoy individual ice lollies, the number in the box matters just as much as the size of each portion. Carrefour and Auchan, for example, offer boxes of 12, while E.Leclerc lists a 20-stick SMICY assortment.
Who are these formats for?
Households with different tastes
An assorted pack means you don’t have to choose just one flavour for everyone. Check how many ice lollies there are of each variety, though, and read the allergen information for the exact product.
People who prefer a smaller portion
If you fancy an individual treat without stocking up on a large quantity, Magnum’s Mini Classic comes in a box of 6 ice lollies, each 55 ml. It meets a different need from a family box of 12 or 20.
What should you check before buying?
For a big shop, start with the number of portions and the flavours you actually want. Then check the ingredients and make sure you have enough room in the freezer.
| What to consider | What to check | Relevant shopper priorities |
|---|---|---|
| Number of portions | Count the ice lollies, compare the net weight and check how much space you have in the freezer. | If several people are sharing the same stock, I want enough portions without having to buy another box straight away. Around 42% of consumers would make this their top priority. |
| Flavours and individual format | Check how the flavours are divided up and the size of each ice lolly, especially with mini formats. | When everyone at home likes different things, I prefer a box where all the flavours will get eaten. Variety would be the top priority for around 33% of consumers. |
| Ingredients and allergens | Read the ingredients and allergen information for each variety; compare the nutritional values per 100 g or 100 ml. | If the ingredients in a particular flavour determine my choice, I need to be able to check the label on the exact box before buying it. Around 17% of consumers would make this their main criterion. |
| Transport and storage | Plan how to keep the ice lollies cold on the way home and follow the storage instructions on the pack. | If I have a long journey after shopping, I need to be able to put the ice lollies in the freezer quickly. This would be the top consideration for around 8% of consumers. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Judging a box by its size alone
Two packs that look similar can contain different numbers of ice lollies and different portion sizes. Magnum’s Mini Classic x6 contains 55 ml per lolly, while E.Leclerc lists an 850 g SMICY assortment of 20.
Compare the number of items and the stated weight or volume, depending on how the products are presented.
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Assuming a vanilla and chocolate flavour is suitable for everyone with allergies
Ingredients and ‘may contain’ warnings vary between recipes. A familiar flavour doesn’t mean an ice lolly is safe for someone with an allergy.
Check the allergen information on the pack for the exact product and flavour you choose. The French Ministry responsible for economic affairs reminds shoppers that allergenic ingredients must be listed and highlighted on food labels.
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Making extra stops after buying your ice lollies
Getting your frozen food home is part of planning a big shop. The DGCCRF advises shoppers to put frozen products in an insulated bag.
Pick up your ice lollies last and put them in the freezer as soon as you get home.
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Relying on an offer without checking the store
Lidl says that its leaflet offers have set validity dates and that some smaller stores may not stock every advertised item.
Before making a special trip for a particular product, check when the offer is valid and whether it’s available at the store you plan to visit.
Brands to know
Magnum
Magnum France offers the Mini Classic in a box of 6 ice lollies, each 55 ml.
- A format to consider for individual treats in smaller portions.
- Six items make for a smaller stock-up than a box of 12 or 20 ice lollies.
Carrefour
Carrefour offers a 450 g Classic’ box containing six vanilla and six chocolate ice lollies.
- The split between the two flavours is specified for this product.
- Check the ingredients and allergen information for each variety on the box you choose.
Auchan
Auchan offers boxes of 12 ice lollies, including a 450 g vanilla and chocolate assortment and a 402 g Pouce product.
- The number of items helps you plan portions for a family stock-up.
- Check the ingredients and allergens for each specific product.
E.Leclerc
E.Leclerc lists an 850 g assortment of 20 SMICY sticks in its Marque Repère range.
- The pack of 20 is suited to households looking for plenty of individual portions.
- Check the label on the exact product for its ingredients and allergen information.
ALDI
ALDI offers a 429 g MUCCI box containing 12 mini ice lollies.
- This pack combines several items with a mini format.
- Check which product is available at the store where you plan to shop.
Lidl
Lidl publishes offers in its leaflets, with the validity period shown for each offer.
- The leaflet helps you find a particular product before you shop.
- Lidl says that some smaller stores may not stock every advertised item, so check with the store you plan to visit.
Individual formats on Joybuy
These ice lollies, water ice pops and frozen bars in individual portions offer options for sharing a box or enjoying the occasional treat. The number of items, flavours and preparation or storage instructions vary, so choose according to how you plan to use them and check the label on the exact product.
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CAPRI-SUN Orange & Cherry Ice Pops x12, 444 g
A family-shop option for stocking up on individual orange and cherry-flavoured portions.
The box contains 12 water ice pops, with a stated weight of 444 g. Check the allergen information on the pack, especially if anyone needs to avoid traces of other ingredients.
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Maison de la Glace Water Ice Pops, 5 flavours, 12 units, 1200 g
For households looking for several individual portions and a choice of flavours.
The pack contains 12 water ice pops in five flavours and weighs 1200 g. If you have an allergy, rely on the information on the packaging of the box you buy.
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POP POLO Water Ice Lollies, 5 flavours, 10 units, 700 g
A way to enjoy a variety of flavours in individual portions without choosing a box of 12.
The pack contains 10 water ice pops and weighs 700 g. Bear the number of portions in mind if you’re stocking up for several people.
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ABC JELLY Fruity Jelly Bar Assorted
An option for individual fruit portions that need to be frozen before eating, rather than ready-to-serve frozen sticks.
Check the freezing instructions and net weight on the packaging before comparing this product with other boxes.
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Binggrae Melona Melon Ice Bar, 8 × 70 ml
A handy option for keeping melon ice bars ready for individual treats, if everyone at home likes the same flavour.
The box contains eight ice bars, each 70 ml. Check the ingredients and any other information on the packaging before buying.
Frequently asked questions
How do I compare two boxes of different sizes?
First compare the number of ice lollies, the net weight or volume and the size of each portion. To compare their nutritional information on a like-for-like basis, use the values per 100 g or 100 ml shown on the label, as the DGCCRF explains.
Should I check the allergens in a vanilla and chocolate flavour?
Yes. Ingredients and ‘may contain’ warnings depend on the exact product and sometimes the flavour. The French Ministry responsible for economic affairs reminds shoppers that allergenic ingredients must be declared and highlighted on food labels, so check the label on the box you’re buying.
How should I transport ice lollies after a big shop?
Pick them up at the end of your shop, put them in an insulated bag and transfer them to the freezer as soon as you get home. These transport precautions are included in the DGCCRF’s advice on keeping food cold.
Can you refreeze ice lollies that have thawed?
Don’t refreeze a product if its packaging says not to. Auchan gives this instruction for its Pouce ice lollies, which should be stored at −18 °C. Always follow the instructions on the box you buy.
Will a leaflet offer be available at my Lidl store?
Not necessarily. Lidl says that offers are valid for a set period and that some smaller stores may not stock every item in the leaflet. Check the offer and the store before planning your shop around a particular product.