People hosting friends for coffee
If you want to serve everyone an individual portion, count your guests before choosing a box. The packs shown by Magnum, Auchan and ALDI contain between 6 and 12 mini ice lollies.
Who are these pack sizes suitable for?
Groups with different tastes
An assorted pack means you don’t have to stick to just one flavour. Magnum, for example, offers a box containing Classic, Almond and White Chocolate; the flavours in Carrefour products vary from one box to another.
People mindful of allergens
When guests have dietary restrictions, every recipe matters. Auchan and Carrefour product listings mention milk, soya or almonds, depending on the product. Check the box you’re planning to serve.
What should you check?
First decide how many portions you need, then check the flavours, allergens and storage instructions. The total weight won’t tell you how many individual portions you’ll have to serve.
| Criteria | What to check | Who is this for? |
|---|---|---|
| Number of portions | Compare the number of lollies shown on the box with the number of people you’re serving; use the net weight to distinguish between packs with different-sized portions. | When I’m having several friends over, I want to be able to offer everyone a lolly without confusing the box weight with the number of portions. Around 40% of consumers would put this first. |
| Choice of flavours | Check which flavours are included and, if the box lists this information, how many of each flavour it contains. | If I don’t know all my guests’ preferences, I’d rather give them a choice. Variety would be the top priority for around 30% of consumers. |
| Allergens | Read the ingredients, allergen declaration and any precautionary ‘may contain’ warnings for the product you’re buying. | If a guest has a dietary restriction, I need to check the recipe before serving them an ice lolly. Around 20% of consumers would put this check first. |
| Transport and storage | Check the temperature stated on the packaging and plan for the journey home and the space available in your freezer. | If the journey is long or my freezer is already full, I need to be able to store the products as instructed. This would be the priority for around 10% of consumers. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Choosing by weight without counting the lollies
The total weight won’t tell you how many guests can have a portion. The packs shown by Magnum, Auchan and ALDI contain between 6 and 12 mini ice lollies, depending on the product.
Start with the number of guests, then compare the number of lollies and the net weight of packs that will cater for your group.
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Assuming an assorted pack is suitable for everyone
Different recipes in the same box may contain different allergens. The Auchan and Carrefour products reviewed mention milk, soya or almonds, depending on the varieties.
Ask your guests about any dietary restrictions and read the information on the box you buy. Have an alternative ready if needed.
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Picking up ice lollies too early while shopping
The DGCCRF advises that a rise in temperature can compromise food safety and that you should follow the storage instructions on the packaging.
Pick up frozen products last, keep the journey short, use an insulated bag if needed and make room in the freezer before you get home.
Brands and retailers to consider
Magnum
Magnum offers assorted mini ice lollies, including Classic, Almond and White Chocolate.
- The brand offers a box of 6; Auchan also stocks a 10-piece Magnum assortment.
- Check the allergens in each flavour, especially if the box contains an almond variety.
Carrefour
Carrefour Extra and Simpl’ ranges include assorted mini ice lollies.
- Both Carrefour products shown contain 8 lollies.
- Ingredients and ‘may contain’ warnings vary by product. Check the allergen declaration on the box you choose.
E.Leclerc
E.Leclerc DRIVE offers Marque Repère products online and lets you check which products are available at a particular store.
- Choose a store to see the products available through its DRIVE service.
- Before relying on an assorted pack for your guests, check the exact product, number of lollies and ingredients.
Auchan
Auchan offers an assortment under its own brand and also stocks Magnum mini ice lollies.
- The Auchan assortment shown contains 8 lollies and weighs 258 g; the Magnum pack listed contains 10 and weighs 423 g.
- The recipes reviewed mention milk and soya, and one variety also contains almonds. Check the box you choose.
Lidl
Lidl sells ice cream in its frozen food section.
- Check your local store’s catalogue to see which pack sizes and recipes are available when you shop.
ALDI
ALDI offers a box of individually portioned mini ice lollies under its MUCCI brand.
- The product shown contains 12 lollies and weighs 429 g.
- Check the flavours and allergen declaration on the packaging before serving.
Joybuy products to share
These products come in individual portions for coffee with friends, but they’re not all the same type of ice lolly. The selection includes ice cream bars, ice lollies and fruity bars that need freezing. Compare the number of portions, any preparation needed and the flavours before choosing.
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CAPRI-SUN Orange & Cherry Ice Pops, 12 pieces, 444 g
Worth considering if you’d like to serve individual orange- and cherry-flavoured ice lollies. The box contains 12; check the ‘may contain’ warnings on the packaging if a guest has a dietary restriction.
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Maison de la Glace Water Ice Pops, 5 flavours, 12 pieces, 1 200 g
This box could be a good choice if you’re planning to serve several guests and want to offer a range of flavours. Check the allergen declaration on the packaging before serving.
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ABC JELLY Fruity Jelly Bar Assorted
These fruity jelly bars are an option to prepare in advance: they need to be frozen before serving. Check how many portions you’ll get and make sure you have enough time and freezer space.
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Binggrae Melona Coconut Ice Cream Bar, 8 × 70 ml
This pack of ice cream bars could suit a group looking for individual coconut-flavoured portions. It contains 8 bars in one flavour; check the allergens on the packaging before serving.
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MR FREEZE Mister Freeze Ice Pop, 64 × 105 ml
This pack contains plenty of individual portions, so compare it with the size of your group and the space you have available. Before buying, check the packaging for instructions on preparing and storing these ice lollies.
Frequently asked questions
How many mini ice lollies should I get for coffee with friends?
Allow at least one lolly per person you want to serve, then check the number shown on the box. The Magnum and ALDI packs featured contain between 6 and 12 mini ice lollies. One box of 6 won’t be enough for eight guests if everyone wants one.
Is an assorted pack suitable for a guest with an allergy?
Not necessarily: allergens can vary between recipes in the same range. Auchan and Carrefour listings mention milk, soya, almonds or traces, depending on the product. Read the information on the box you buy and take your guest’s restrictions into account.
How should I get ice lollies home?
Keep them out of the freezer for as little time as possible and follow the storage instructions on the packaging. The DGCCRF stresses the importance of maintaining the cold chain; pick up frozen products last and use an insulated bag if needed for the journey.
Should I choose one large assortment or several smaller boxes?
Choose based on the number of portions you need and the flavours your guests can eat. Several boxes may make it easier to keep different flavour choices separate, but check the ingredients in each one and make sure you can store them all as instructed on their packaging.