For a treat just for you, start by choosing the size and recipe that appeal to you: go for a standard size if you’d like a larger portion, or a mini one for a smaller serving. Then check how many are in the box, followed by the label on the exact product for its ingredients and allergens. As these treats are frozen, make sure you can transport them home and have space in your freezer.
You’re looking for creamy ice cream with a chocolate coating, but portion size matters too. Among the products listed by Carrefour and Auchan, some standard-size sticks are stated to contain 100 ml per stick, compared with 55 ml for some mini versions.
You want a particular recipe without filling the freezer for the sake of one treat. Check the weight or volume as well as the number of sticks: the packs listed by Carrefour, E.Leclerc and ALDI vary by product.
You need to read the ingredients, allergens and nutritional information before choosing. One recipe in a range doesn’t necessarily tell you about another, so always check the packaging for the flavour and size you’ve chosen.
Start with the portion size and number of sticks, then check the recipe on the packaging. Before picking up a box of frozen treats, make sure you can get it home and into the freezer promptly.
| Criterion | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Portion size | The volume or weight per stick, and how many are in the box. | If I want an ice cream for a quick treat, I choose a portion that suits my appetite rather than relying on the word “single-serve”. Around 30% of consumers put portion size at the heart of their choice. |
| How much to store | The total weight or volume, followed by the number of sticks to store. | When I’m shopping just for myself, I want to know how many portions will be left in the freezer. For around 30% of consumers, the quantity bought is the main priority. |
| Ingredients | The ingredients list, allergens and any “may contain” statements; nutritional information if it matters to your choice. | If a recipe might not suit my dietary requirements, I need to read the label for that specific product. Ingredients are the top priority for around 20% of consumers. |
| Storage | The instructions on the pack, and whether you can transport the ice creams and put them away in the freezer. | If I have other stops to make on the way home, I need to plan how to get my frozen shopping home. Around 20% of consumers prioritise their transport and storage conditions. |
The sticks listed in Carrefour and E.Leclerc catalogues, for example, are sold in boxes containing several. An ice cream may be eaten by one person, but buying it could mean taking home several portions.
Check how many sticks are in the box and the quantity per stick before choosing, then make sure you have room in your freezer.
Four small sticks and four larger ones don’t contain the same amount of ice cream. The packs listed by Carrefour, E.Leclerc and ALDI vary in weight and number of sticks.
Look at the total weight or volume, the quantity per stick if stated, and the number of portions.
A chocolate recipe may contain milk or nuts, depending on the product. Anses notes that substances that can cause allergies or intolerances are highlighted in the ingredients list.
If you have an allergy or intolerance, read the ingredients and any “may contain” statements on the exact pack, rather than relying on another recipe from the same brand.
Choosing an ice cream stick also means making sure you can follow its storage instructions after taking it from the freezer aisle.
According to DGCCRF guidance on the cold chain, put frozen food in an insulated bag when you buy it. Keep the time before putting it away to a minimum, and follow the instructions on the pack.
These ranges give you a starting point for comparing recipes and sizes; their inclusion here doesn’t mean they’ll be stocked at your local shop.
Ice cream sticks with vanilla and chocolate recipes, available in standard and mini sizes depending on the products listed by Carrefour and Auchan.
Carrefour ranges featuring sticks in different recipes, sold in boxes containing several.
Ranges listed by E.Leclerc, including creamy Trium sticks and fruity Smicy options.
An ALDI frozen dessert brand, with one product listing featuring double-coated ice cream sticks.
A retailer whose Magnum Classic listing gives the size, ingredients and storage instructions for a specific product.
A retailer whose frozen food range includes ice cream.
These products are suited to a single-serve treat, but each is sold in a box containing several. Compare the recipe and pack size, then plan how to transport them and store any portions you don’t eat straight away.
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A treat just for you if you’re after a chocolate and biscuit recipe in a portion stated to be 62 ml. The box contains four sticks, so check the ingredients and allergens on the packaging before choosing.
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For anyone who prefers a portion stated to be 100 mL and a white chocolate and almond recipe. The box contains four sticks; check the exact label if allergens are a factor in your choice.
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For when you fancy mint and chocolate in individually portioned bars. The pack contains three bars and has a stated total weight of 234 g; check the packaging for the weight per bar and allergen information.
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For a treat just for you with a chocolate-focused recipe and portions to save for later. The pack contains four bars and weighs 284 g in total; check the packaging for the weight per bar, allergens and storage instructions.
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For anyone looking for a hazelnut and chocolate recipe in separate portions. The pack contains four bars, weighing 276 g in total; check the weight per bar, allergens and storage instructions before buying.
Not necessarily: “single-serve” may refer to the portion rather than the pack size. Carrefour, E.Leclerc and ALDI catalogues include boxes of several sticks, so check how many are in the pack if you only want one for now.
Compare the number of sticks with the total weight or volume, then check the quantity per stick if stated. Two boxes with the same number of sticks may not contain the same portion size or the same amount to store.
Read the ingredients list, highlighted allergens and any “may contain” statements on the exact pack. Anses explains the purpose of this labelling; don’t assume one flavour has the same ingredients as another product in the range.
Pick up frozen food at the end of your shop, preferably carry it in an insulated bag, then put it in the freezer promptly according to the instructions on the pack. DGCCRF recommends using an insulated bag when buying frozen products to maintain the cold chain.