Hosts planning portions
You’re serving a group and want to know how many lollies are in the box, while keeping their size in mind.
Who are they for?
Groups with different tastes
You’re looking for a box with several flavours, perhaps in the form of mini lollies that are easy to hand out.
Hosts mindful of ingredients and transport
You need to check the label on the product you choose for your guests, and plan the journey and serving so the lollies stay frozen.
What should you look for?
Start with portion size and flavours, then check for dietary requirements and how you’ll keep the lollies frozen until it’s time to serve.
| What to consider | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Number and size of portions | Number of lollies and net weight of the box; size of each portion. | I want to serve everyone without mistaking a box of large ice lollies for a pack of mini ones. Around 36% of consumers are thought to prioritise the number and size of portions. |
| Variety to share | Flavours included and how the pieces are divided in the selection. | If guests prefer different flavours, I’m looking for several in the same box. Variety is thought to be the top priority for around 29% of consumers. |
| Keeping them frozen | Storage instructions on the packaging and an insulated solution for transport. | Between the supermarket and serving outdoors, I need to be able to keep the lollies frozen and take out only the portions I need. This is thought to be the priority for around 21% of consumers. |
| Ingredients and allergens | Ingredients list and ‘may contain’ statements for the exact product. | Before offering an ice lolly to a guest with an allergy, I check the box I’m about to serve. Around 14% of consumers are thought to put this check first. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Going by the number of lollies alone
Two boxes with the same number of pieces may contain portions of different sizes. Mini and standard formats aren’t necessarily served in the same way.
Check the net weight and size of each lolly too before working out how many you’ll need.
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Assuming a selection suits everyone
The Carrefour Extra selection described by Carrefour contains milk, soya and almonds, among other ingredients. A flavour name, even a fruity one, isn’t enough to tell you what’s in a different product.
Check your guests’ dietary requirements, and read the ingredients and allergen information on each box you choose.
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Leaving the whole box outside while you serve
The DGCCRF stresses the importance of maintaining the cold chain, including when transporting food.
Pick up frozen products at the end of your shop, use an insulated bag if needed, put them back in the freezer and take out portions as you go.
Brands and retailers to know
Magnum
Magnum offers mini ice lollies, including a Classic, Almond and White Chocolate selection of 6 × 55 ml.
- The selection brings three flavours together in one box.
- If any guests have allergies, check the label for the exact variety: the Magnum Mini Double Chocolate product information lists milk and possible traces of soya and almonds.
Carrefour
Carrefour offers ice lollies and mini lollies across several ranges, including Classic' and Extra.
- The Carrefour Extra selection featured by the retailer contains eight 32 g mini lollies.
- This product contains milk, soya and almonds, among other ingredients. Check the label before serving it to guests with relevant dietary requirements.
E.Leclerc / Marque Repère
The Trium and Smicy ranges include coated ice lollies and lollies with fruity flavours or marketed as sorbets, respectively.
- E.Leclerc features, among other products, Smicy packs of eight tropical sorbet lollies and ten orange and lemon sorbet lollies.
- These recipes aren’t interchangeable, so check the format and ingredients of each product.
Auchan
Auchan’s range includes ice lollies, mini lollies and frozen bars from various brands.
- You’ll find selections of mini lollies and products marketed as sorbets, among other options.
- Check the number of pieces, the recipe and the product information on the box you choose.
Lidl / Bon Gelati
Bon Gelati is an ice cream brand stocked by Lidl.
- The range gives you frozen desserts to browse at the retailer.
- Check that the product you choose is a pack of ice lollies: not all Bon Gelati products come in this format.
ALDI / MUCCI
MUCCI is a brand of ice creams and sorbets sold by ALDI.
- ALDI features, among other products, a box of four MUCCI double-coated ice lollies in chocolate, caramel or raspberry flavours.
- To choose a flavour for your group, check the ingredients and information on the exact box.
Joybuy products to consider
These products include individual ice lollies, selections and treats to freeze and share on the patio. They come in different categories and formats, so check the box you choose before planning portions and serving.
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Magnum Mini Classic, Almond and White Chocolate, 6 pieces, 254 g
A selection of mini portions to consider when guests would like a choice of flavours.
Six lollies, 254 g in total. Check the allergen information on the exact box and keep it frozen until serving.
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CAPRI-SUN Orange & Cherry Ice Pops, 12 pieces, 444 g
Twelve individual lollies in orange and cherry flavours.
Total weight: 444 g. Check the label for allergens before offering them to guests with relevant dietary requirements.
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Binggrae Melona Melon Ice Bar, 8 × 70 ml
Eight portions in one flavour for a group that would prefer melon lollies to a mixed selection.
Each lolly contains 70 ml. This product contains milk, so read the label before serving it to guests with relevant dietary requirements.
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ABC JELLY Fruity Jelly Bar Assorted, 850 g
An assortment of fruity jellies to freeze before serving, rather than ready-to-serve ice lollies.
Total weight: 850 g. Check the freezing instructions and packaging information before offering them to guests.
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Maison de la Glace Water Ice Pops, 5 flavours, 12 pieces, 1 200 g
A pack of twelve lollies in a range of flavours, with portions to share among several guests.
Total weight: 1 200 g. The product description advises against this product for people at risk of an allergic reaction. Check the exact label before serving.
Frequently asked questions
How should I plan portions for a patio apéritif?
Check the number and size of the lollies before choosing a box for your group. A pack of mini lollies and a pack of large ice lollies don’t provide the same portion sizes. Also consider which flavours you’d like to offer.
Can I leave the ice lollies on the patio throughout the apéritif?
It’s best to take the lollies out as you need them and follow the storage instructions on the packaging. The DGCCRF reminds us that the cold chain must also be maintained when transporting food.
Is a mini lolly or sorbet automatically suitable for a guest with an allergy?
No. Neither the mini format nor the word ‘sorbet’ tells you which allergens a particular product contains. Read its ingredients list and ‘may contain’ statements. The Anses highlights how useful this information is for people with allergies.