Anyone serving a whole group
If everyone needs a frozen dessert, count the ice lollies before comparing box sizes. Carrefour offers multipacks of 12 and 16 ice lollies, while E.Leclerc lists a 20-piece SMICY assortment.
Who are the different pack sizes for?
Groups with different tastes
An assortment lets you offer several recipes in one box. Magnum offers Classic, Almond and White Chocolate mini ice lollies, while Carrefour also has an Extra mini assortment.
Anyone keeping an eye on allergens
Before serving a selection of recipes, check the ingredients for each one separately. Depending on the product, Carrefour and Magnum’s information may mention milk, almonds, soya or possible traces of other allergens.
What should you look for in a multipack to share?
First decide how many frozen desserts you want to serve alongside the toast, then choose between a larger number of ice lollies and a wider choice of flavours. The ingredients in each recipe and the journey home to your freezer also matter.
| What to consider | What to check | What matters to shoppers |
|---|---|---|
| Number of portions | Count the ice lollies and check the individual quantity where it’s stated. | If every guest needs an ice lolly, I want to know how many are in the box before choosing it; around 40% of shoppers put this first. |
| Choice of flavours | Check which recipes are included and how many of each, if this information is provided. | When tastes differ, I’d rather offer several recipes without opening multiple boxes; around 30% of shoppers put variety first. |
| Ingredients and allergens | Read the ingredients and allergen information for each recipe, including any ‘may contain’ warnings. | If a guest has a known allergy or dietary restriction, I need to choose based on the exact recipe; around 20% of shoppers prioritise this. |
| Transport and storage | Plan how to keep the ice lollies cold on the way home and follow the storage instructions on the packaging. | If the journey is long or freezer space is limited, I need to be able to put the multipack away quickly; around 10% of shoppers prioritise this. |
Things to avoid
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Assuming the pack size tells you how many portions there are
The total weight or volume doesn’t tell you how many ice lollies you can hand out. The DGCCRF also points out that the weight of ice cream can vary at the same volume, depending on how much air has been incorporated.
Count the ice lollies first, then compare their individual size and the flavours included.
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Assuming an assortment will suit every guest
Recipes in the same box can have different ingredients and allergen information, particularly for milk, soya or nuts.
Check the information for each variety before serving anyone with a known allergy or dietary restriction.
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Letting the multipack warm up while you shop
A large multipack is still a frozen product: it needs to be transported and stored in a way that maintains the cold chain.
Anses recommends buying frozen food at the end of your shop and carrying it in an insulated bag. Then put the ice lollies away promptly, following the storage instructions on the packaging.
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Choosing ice lollies as a topping for toast
The frozen ice lollies described here are desserts to be served frozen. A multipack of ice lollies isn’t a substitute for jam or a spread.
If you’re serving toast as well, decide separately how many frozen desserts you’ll need.
Brands to consider by pack size
Magnum
The brand offers mini ice lolly assortments for groups looking for several recipes in one box.
- Magnum offers a Classic, Almond and White Chocolate assortment of 6 × 55 ml; Joybuy also stocks an assortment of eight ice lollies.
- Check the ingredients and nut warnings for each recipe.
Carrefour (Classic', Extra et SIMPL)
These ranges include both a mini assortment and boxes with a higher number of ice lollies.
- Carrefour lists an Extra assortment of eight mini ice lollies, a 12-piece Classic' box and a 16-piece SIMPL multipack.
- The ingredients vary by product and recipe, so you can’t work out the allergens from the range name alone.
Marque Repère / SMICY
The SMICY stick assortment listed by E.Leclerc is worth considering when the number of ice lollies is your main priority.
- The listed product contains 20 ice lollies and weighs 850 g.
- Check the recipes and allergen information on the box before serving.
Related Joybuy products
Matching products will be available soon.
Frequently asked questions
How can I tell if one box will be enough for all my guests?
Count the ice lollies and compare the total with the number of people you want to serve a frozen dessert to. The total weight isn’t a substitute for counting them. You may also want to allow for a few extra if you’d like to offer a choice.
Is a sorbet or an uncoated ice cream always milk-free?
No. The product category or the absence of a coating doesn’t tell you what’s in a recipe. If you have an allergy or dietary restriction, check the ingredients and allergen information. The DGCCRF reminds shoppers that allergens must be declared in writing.
Where can I check the allergens in an assortment in France?
Check the ingredients list and allergen information on the packaging of the product you’ve chosen, for each recipe separately. The DGCCRF states that allergenic ingredients in prepacked foods must be highlighted.
How can I transport a large box of ice lollies home?
Buy frozen food at the end of your shop and use an insulated bag, as recommended by Anses. Keep the journey as short as possible, put the box in the freezer promptly and follow the storage instructions.