For a family get-together, start by choosing based on how many people you need to serve. A large pack of one flavour works well if everyone likes the same thing, while a mini assortment or several smaller boxes give you more choice. Compare the number and size of the lollies, then check the allergens for each recipe and the storage instructions before you buy.
If you want to serve everyone from a single box, check the number of lollies before looking at the total weight. Carrefour and Auchan, for example, offer boxes of 8 ice lolly sticks and packs of 18 ice cream bars. The individual portions may not all be the same size.
For a birthday party or a shared snack, an assortment lets you offer several recipes without always having to buy multiple boxes. Magnum presents its Minis as ideal for get-togethers and parties, while Carrefour Extra also offers an assortment of mini ice lolly sticks.
If a guest needs to avoid certain ingredients, check each recipe and the ‘may contain’ information on the packaging. For example, a Carrefour listing for water ice lollies warns that they may contain milk, soya and nuts.
Choose this if: your family mainly wants plenty of portions in the same flavour.
Bear in mind: there won’t be much choice for anyone who doesn’t like that recipe.
Choose this if: you’re hosting people with different tastes or want to offer smaller portions.
Bear in mind: there may only be a few of each flavour, and having a variety doesn’t mean you can skip checking the allergens.
Choose this if: you want to put together your own selection of different recipes.
Bear in mind: you’ll need to check the label and storage instructions on each box.
| What to consider | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Number of portions | Count the individual lollies and compare their size or weight if the formats differ. | When I’m serving the whole family, I want to know whether everyone can have one without opening another box. Around 37% of consumers would put the number of portions at the top of their list. |
| Flavours and formats | Check which flavours are included, how many of each there are if this is stated, and whether the lollies are mini or standard size. | If my guests don’t all like the same recipe, I’d rather give them a choice. Around 36% of consumers would prioritise variety or portion size. |
| Ingredients and allergens | Read the ingredients list and allergen information on each relevant pack. | If someone there needs to avoid an ingredient, I check the exact recipe before serving it. This would be the top consideration for around 27% of consumers. |
Two boxes of a similar weight may contain different numbers of lollies, or lollies of different sizes. So the total weight alone isn’t enough to plan a shared snack.
Count the sticks or bars first, then check the amount per piece to identify mini formats, for example.
A Carrefour listing for an assortment of water ice lollies warns that they may contain milk, soya and nuts. The flavour or appearance is no substitute for reading the label.
Check the ingredients and ‘may contain’ information on the exact box you’re buying, even if you’re choosing several flavours.
Magnum offers ice lolly sticks and Mini assortments, which the brand presents as ideal for sharing at get-togethers and parties.
Carrefour offers an Extra assortment of 8 mini ice lolly sticks weighing 32 g each, with several chocolate coatings.
Auchan’s range includes ice lolly sticks, mini ice lolly sticks and ice cream bars from different brands.
MUCCI is part of ALDI France’s frozen dessert range, including a pack of 12 mini ice lolly sticks.
These packs of water ice lollies and individually wrapped ice lollies make it easy to compare the number of portions and the assortments available for a shared snack. Check the recipe and storage instructions for the product you choose.
Image unavailable
This pack of 64 is ideal when you need plenty of individual portions. Check the flavours, allergens and storage instructions on the packaging before adding it to your shopping.
Image unavailable
This pack of 10 water ice lollies comes in five flavours, making it a great option for a snack when everyone has different preferences. The pack is listed as 700 g; check how the flavours are divided and read the allergen information on the box.
Image unavailable
This assortment of frozen jelly bars could be a good choice if you’d like to offer a range of flavours. Check the net weight, number of pieces and allergen information on the packaging.
Image unavailable
These 12 water ice lollies combine orange and cherry in each one, so this isn’t an assortment of two separate flavours. The pack is listed as 444 g; check the packaging for any allergen warnings.
Image unavailable
This pack of 12 water ice lollies includes five flavours, making it a good option to share with people who have different tastes. The pack is listed as 1 200 g; check how many of each flavour there are, along with the allergen information and storage instructions on the packaging.
Allow at least one per person, then adjust based on the occasion and whether anyone might want another. Check the number on the box: the 8 ice lolly sticks in a Magnum product featured by Carrefour and the 18 ice cream bars listed by Auchan won’t serve the same number of people.
Choose mini ice lolly sticks if you want smaller portions or a choice of recipes. A large pack of one flavour is a better fit when everyone wants the same thing. Either way, count the portions and make sure the flavours suit the people you’re serving.
Don’t assume they are based on the flavour name alone. Read the ingredients and allergen warnings on the exact box. Product listings for Magnum and Carrefour Extra, for example, mention almonds, pistachios or the possible presence of other nuts, depending on the recipe.
Pick up frozen products at the end of your shop and put them in the freezer as soon as you get home, following the instructions on the packaging. The DGCCRF advises that maintaining the cold chain helps preserve the quality of frozen food.