Families planning several snack times
You want to know how many ice lollies are included and share out the portions without relying on the size of the box alone.
Who are these formats for?
Households with different tastes
You’re looking for a selection with several flavours in one box, perhaps in mini sizes, so everyone has a choice.
People who need to check the ingredients
Before sharing the box, you check the ingredients, listed allergens and any ‘may contain’ warnings for each relevant flavour.
What should you check?
Start by working out how many portions you need and whether you’d prefer one flavour or several. Then check the quantity, ingredients and storage instructions on the specific box.
| What to consider | What to check | Who is this for? |
|---|---|---|
| Portions and variety | Count the ice lolly sticks and check the flavours in each box; a selection may contain fewer lollies of each flavour. | When serving several people, I want to make sure everyone gets a portion and, if tastes differ, has a choice of flavours. Around 33% of consumers prioritise this. |
| Quantity per format | Compare the net weight and the amount per ice lolly, if stated. Don’t judge the quantity by the size of the box. | When choosing between a mini and a larger ice lolly, I’m looking for a portion that suits the snack I have planned. Around 25% of consumers would prioritise this. |
| Ingredients and allergens | Read the ingredients list, highlighted allergens and any ‘may contain’ warnings for the exact product. | If anyone has dietary restrictions, I need to check each flavour before sharing the selection. Around 25% of consumers would put this check first. |
| Transport and storage | Check the temperature stated on the packaging and how you’ll keep the lollies frozen during the journey. | If I’m taking the lollies out, I need to be able to store them as required until it’s time to serve them. Around 17% of consumers would put this first. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Judging the quantity by the size of the box
Boxes of a similar size can contain different numbers of ice lollies and different net weights. The DGCCRF also points out that the amount of air incorporated into ice cream can affect its weight, even when the volume is the same.
Check the net weight, number of lollies and amount per portion, if stated on the packaging.
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Assuming every flavour is suitable for everyone
A selection contains products with different ingredients. The name of a flavour or the word ‘sorbet’ doesn’t replace checking the ingredients and allergens.
Check the exact box, including highlighted allergens and any ‘may contain’ warnings.
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Putting a frozen ice lolly in an ordinary lunch box
Individual packaging won’t keep a product at the right storage temperature on its own. The DGCCRF stresses that the cold chain also applies during transport.
Check the temperature stated on the box and plan a way to transport the lollies that keeps them at the required temperature. Don’t refreeze a product once it has defrosted.
Depending on how long the journey takes and the conditions, you may need suitable insulated packaging.
Brands and retailers to know
Magnum
The brand offers classic ice lolly sticks as well as mini selections.
- Magnum’s Mini Classic, Almond and White Chocolate selection contains 6 pieces of 55 ml.
- Check the ingredients and allergens for each flavour in the selection.
Carrefour
The retailer sells multipacks of ice lolly sticks under its own brands.
- Product listings let you check the net quantity and ingredients of the products shown.
- Ingredients and allergens can vary by ice lolly and product, so check the box you choose.
Auchan
The retailer also offers a selection of Magnum mini ice lolly sticks.
- The listing for this selection states 6 pieces, 254 g and storage at −18 °C.
- Check the ingredients and allergens for the product you choose before sharing it.
ALDI / MUCCI
ALDI features MUCCI ice lolly sticks in its frozen food range.
- One of the formats shown contains 12 mini ice lolly sticks, weighing 429 g.
- Check the format and product available at your store before working out how many portions you’ll need.
Ice lollies available on Joybuy
These multipacks let you choose between ice lolly sticks in one flavour and boxes with a selection of flavours. If you’re taking them out, individual packaging doesn’t remove the need to keep them frozen.
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CAPRI-SUN Orange & Cherry, 12 ice lollies, 444 g
This pack of 12 makes it easy to count out portions while offering orange and cherry flavours.
Check the allergens and any ‘may contain’ warnings on the packaging. If you’re taking the lollies out, follow the storage instructions.
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MAGNUM Vanilla Almond, 8 ice lollies, 600 g
This pack of 8 ice lollies in one flavour is ideal when everyone wants a vanilla and almond taste.
The recipe contains milk and almonds. Check the packaging for any other allergen information, too. Keep the lollies frozen during transport.
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Maison de la Glace Water Ice Pops, 5 flavours, 12 pieces, 1 200 g
With 12 ice lollies in 5 flavours, it’s easy to share out portions and let everyone choose their favourite.
If anyone has allergies, check the full ingredients and allergen information on the packaging before serving. Keep the lollies frozen.
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PAW Patrol, vanilla ice lollies with cocoa sauce, 6 pieces, 270 g
This pack of 6 is a good choice if everyone enjoys the same vanilla and cocoa sauce flavour.
It contains milk. Check the packaging for any ‘may contain’ warnings according to your guests’ needs. Keep the lollies frozen and don’t refreeze them after defrosting.
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Binggrae Melona melon, 8 ice lollies, 70 ml each
These 8 melon ice lollies are ideal if everyone wants the same flavour.
The product listing mentions milk and includes a warning that the colour E102 may have an adverse effect on activity and attention in children. Check the packaging before serving. Keep the lollies frozen during transport.
Frequently asked questions
How do I compare two boxes of different sizes?
Check the net weight, number of ice lolly sticks and flavours included to see which box best suits your plans. The DGCCRF points out that, for ice cream, the same volume can have a different weight depending on how much air is incorporated.
Is a sorbet ice lolly always dairy-free?
No. The word ‘sorbet’ alone doesn’t guarantee that the product you choose is dairy-free. The DGCCRF says sorbet is made without added fat, but you should still check the ingredients and allergens on the packaging.
Can you take ice lollies in a lunch box?
Yes, but only if you can keep them in line with the storage instructions for the product. The DGCCRF reminds consumers that the cold chain also applies during transport; individual packaging alone isn’t enough to maintain it.
What should I check on the label before sharing a multipack?
Check the net quantity, ingredients, highlighted allergens and nutritional information for the exact product. The DGCCRF says labels on prepacked foods sold in France must make this information legible. If the box contains a selection, check each flavour.