People who regularly share
If several people will be having an ice lolly, check how many are in the pack and its net weight. A large box is only practical if the recipe suits everyone and it fits in your freezer.
Who are these pack sizes for?
Parents and hosts serving individual portions
The number of ice lollies, whether they’re mini-sized and whether the pack contains different flavours can help you plan how many to serve without having to cut up a frozen dessert. Check these details on the pack you choose.
People who pay attention to ingredients
For a particular recipe, check the ingredients and allergens on the packaging. Nutritional information per 100 g makes it easier to compare products of different weights; where the pack also gives values per portion, these reflect the amount actually served.
What should you look for?
First, choose a number of portions to suit the occasion, then check the weight of each pack. The recipe and the journey home to your freezer can help you decide between packs that seem equally easy to share.
| Criteria | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Number of portions | Count the ice lollies and distinguish mini sizes from standard portions. | For a group snack, I want to be able to give everyone an ice lolly without running short; around 36% of consumers put sharing first. |
| Pack quantity | Compare the total net weight and the quantity per lolly, if stated. | If I’m only planning a few desserts, I’d rather choose an amount I can easily use and store; for around 29% of consumers, getting the quantity right comes first. |
| Ingredients | Check the ingredients, allergens and nutritional information for the exact flavour, especially per 100 g. | If someone needs to watch certain ingredients, I check the recipe on the pack I’m buying rather than relying on information for a different flavour; this comes first for around 21% of consumers. |
| Transport and storage | Take an insulated bag and check that the box will fit in your freezer. | If I’m walking home with other shopping, I need to get the frozen food home quickly and put it away as soon as I arrive; around 14% of consumers prioritise this practical consideration. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Judging by the size of the box alone
Two similar-looking boxes can contain different numbers of ice lollies and different net weights. The outside dimensions don’t tell you how much you’ll be serving.
Check the number of lollies and the net weight, then check the size of each one if you want to serve similar portions.
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Assuming all chocolate-coated ice lollies contain the same allergens
Ingredients vary by recipe and flavour. A product listing for a Magnum product, for example, won’t necessarily apply to other products from the same brand.
Check the ingredients list, highlighted allergens and any warnings about possible traces on the packaging of the product you buy.
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Picking up ice lollies before you’ve finished shopping
A long time out of the freezer makes it harder to maintain the cold chain, particularly if you still have other shopping to do.
Anses advises buying frozen food at the end of your shop. Carry it in an insulated bag and put it in the freezer as soon as you get home.
Brands to know when comparing pack sizes
Magnum
The French range includes packs of four ice lollies and mini sizes.
- The Magnum Utopia Double Hazelnut x4 product listing gives details of the portion, nutritional information and allergens for this recipe.
- Don’t assume its ingredients or nutritional values apply to other flavours. Auchan also lists an assortment of ten Magnum mini ice lollies, which should be checked separately.
E.Leclerc / Eco+
Eco+ is one of the ranges offering large packs of ice lollies.
- E.Leclerc lists, among other options, a 16-lolly vanilla and chocolate pack weighing 536 g, as well as packs with different numbers of lollies.
- To check the allergens and nutritional values for a pack, look at its specific product listing or packaging rather than a general category page.
Auchan Bio
Auchan lists fruity Auchan Bio ice lollies in packs of six.
- This pack size may suit a small group.
- Check the recipe, allergens and weight of the specific product before comparing it with another assortment.
MUCCI
This ALDI brand is available in packs of four ice lollies and twelve mini ice lollies.
- ALDI lists, among other options, four double-coated MUCCI ice lollies and a pack of twelve mini ice lollies.
- Recipes and pack sizes may vary by product and season, so check the pack available in your shop.
Multipacks available on Joybuy
These packs show different ways to plan individual portions: twelve ice lollies, packs of six or eight, mini ice lollies and a pack of four coconut ice lollies. Choose according to how many people you’re serving, the flavour you’re after and the information on the packaging.
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CAPRI-SUN Orange & Cherry Ice Pops, 12 lollies, 444 g
Twelve ice lollies to share between several people, with two stated flavours. Before serving to anyone with an allergy, check the ingredients and allergen information on the pack.
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PEPPA PIG Strawberry Vanilla Ice Cream Sticks, 6 × 60 ml
Six strawberry and vanilla portions for a small group. The title states 60 ml per ice lolly, without describing them as mini-sized. Check the packaging for allergens in the specific product.
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Binggrae Melona Melon Ice Bar, 8 × 70 ml
Eight melon ice lollies for anyone who wants to share a single flavour. Before serving to children, read the label, including the warning about the E102 colourant; also check the ingredients and allergens.
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POP FRUIT Sorbet Sticks Coconut, 4 lollies, 280 g
Four coconut ice lollies for when you don’t need many portions. The product carries a warning that it is not suitable for children under 36 months; also check the packaging for any warnings about possible traces of allergens.
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Magnum Mini Classic, 6 × 55 ml ice lollies
Six mini ice lollies in one flavour, ideal for serving smaller individual portions. Before buying, check the packaging of the pack you’ve chosen for allergens and nutritional information.
Frequently asked questions
How do you compare two multipacks of different sizes?
Compare their net weight, the number of ice lollies and, if stated, the quantity per portion. This will show whether the difference is in the number of people you can serve, the size of each ice lolly, or both.
What should you check if someone has an allergy?
Check the ingredients and highlighted allergens on the packaging for the flavour and size you’re buying, as well as any warnings about possible traces. The French Ministry for the Economy notes that allergens in prepacked foods must be listed and highlighted; checking a different flavour’s ingredients isn’t a substitute.
Should you pick up ice lollies last at the market or shop?
Yes. Anses recommends buying chilled and frozen products at the end of your shop. Take an insulated bag and keep the journey home as short as possible before putting the ice lollies in the freezer.
Are the nutritional values the same for every Magnum flavour?
No. Use the nutrition table for the specific flavour and size you’re considering. The DGCCRF states that nutritional information is given per 100 g or 100 ml, providing a basis for comparison; ingredients and portions can vary between products.