People planning a film night with a group
If everyone needs a portion and tastes vary, check the number of ice lollies and the mix of flavours. Carrefour, Auchan and E.Leclerc list products in boxes of 6, 8 or 12, depending on the product.
Who are ice lollies for?
People who prefer individual portions
Mini ice lollies save you from cutting up or sharing a tub of ice cream. Do check the amount in each one, though: Carrefour lists a Magnum mini ice lolly at 55 mL each and a Carrefour Extra mini ice lolly at 32 g each.
People who need to check for allergens
Flavour and format alone aren’t enough to make a choice on someone else’s behalf. Check the label for each product and, in an assorted box, the information for each recipe.
What should you check before choosing?
First decide whether you’re looking for a frozen snack to enjoy during the film or a box of chocolates to give as a present. For ice lollies, the criteria below can help you choose a format and plan how to serve them.
| Criterion | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Number of portions | Count the pieces in each box and compare the weight or volume per ice lolly with the number of guests. | When several people are expecting a snack, I want to make sure there are enough portions rather than relying on the number printed on the box alone. Around 40% of consumers put this need to share portions first. |
| Variety of flavours | Check which flavours are actually included and how many pieces there are of each. | If people in the group have different tastes, I prefer to know what’s in the box before choosing it. Variety is the top priority for around 30% of consumers. |
| Allergens and storage | Read the allergen information for the exact product, then check the frozen storage instructions. | When I’m serving several people, I need to check that the product is suitable for the guests concerned and that it can be stored as instructed. Around 30% of consumers put these precautions ahead of the format. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Confusing a frozen dessert with a gift box
Ice lollies to enjoy during a film and a box of chocolates to give as a present don’t serve the same purpose or have the same storage requirements.
Decide how you plan to use them before comparing formats: a frozen snack for film night or chocolates that don’t need to be kept frozen as a gift.
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Comparing boxes by the number of pieces alone
Two boxes can contain different-sized portions. For example, Carrefour lists six Magnum mini ice lollies at 55 mL each and eight Carrefour Extra mini ice lollies at 32 g each.
Consider both the number of pieces and the amount in each one, without directly comparing a volume in mL with a weight in g.
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Guessing the allergens from the flavour
The recipes reviewed include milk, for example, while other ingredients and ‘may contain’ warnings vary by product. A chocolate coating alone doesn’t tell you the full list of ingredients.
Check the ingredients and allergen information on the exact packaging, especially for an assorted box.
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Forgetting about the journey home for frozen products
The DGCCRF warns that a rise in temperature can pose a risk to food.
Pick up frozen foods at the end of your shop, keep the journey home as short as possible and follow the storage instructions on the packaging.
Brands to consider by product
Magnum
Chocolate-coated ice lollies, including mini formats and assorted boxes.
- Carrefour lists a box of six mini ice lollies at 55 mL each; Auchan lists an assortment of eight ice lollies in four flavours.
- Ingredients vary by recipe, so check the allergens on the box you choose, especially for an assortment.
Carrefour Extra
A range that includes an assortment of mini ice lollies, ready to serve individually.
- Carrefour lists a box of eight 32 g ice lollies, coated in milk, dark and white chocolate.
- The product reviewed lists milk, soya and almonds, among other ingredients. Check the label before serving it to anyone with these allergies.
SMICY
E.Leclerc lists a box of twelve chocolate ice lollies from this range.
- The box listed by E.Leclerc contains twelve ice lollies, weighing 456 g in total. It’s a format to consider when the number of portions matters.
- Before choosing this product, check the ingredients, allergen information and storage instructions on the packaging.
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Frequently asked questions
How can you check the allergens in an assorted box of ice lollies?
Read the ingredients and allergen information for the exact product, including details for each flavour. The European Commission explains that allergen information is presented in a harmonised format, so don’t rely on the name of the assortment alone to work out what it contains.
How should you transport ice lollies after shopping?
Keep the time between buying them and putting them in the freezer to a minimum, then follow the storage instructions on the pack. The DGCCRF reminds shoppers that keeping food cold also matters during transport.
Can you refreeze a product labelled ‘thawed product, do not refreeze’?
No, do not refreeze a product carrying this label. The National Consumer Institute advises shoppers to read the storage instructions on the packaging.