Who is this for?

Parents whose child’s secondary school has a freezer

Check that the school allows pupils to store their own food in the freezer and that the ice lolly can stay there until lunchtime. Once you’ve confirmed this, you can consider the pack size.

Families buying several portions

You’re looking for a pack with the right number of lollies for the portions you can store and use, either at school or at home.

Families managing a food allergy

Check each product individually: the ice lollies described by Carrefour contain milk-derived ingredients, and some recipes list other allergens. The Ministry of National Education states that an individualised care plan (PAI) can be put in place for a pupil with a food allergy.

What should you check?

For an ice lolly to have at lunch at secondary school, first make sure it can be stored in a freezer. Then check the allergens in your chosen product and how many portions you’ll be able to use.

Criteria What to check Who is this for?
Keeping it frozen until lunchtime Check that the school allows pupils to store their own food in a freezer and can keep it frozen until lunchtime; follow the storage instructions on the pack. If my child takes a packed lunch, I need to be sure their ice lolly will stay frozen until they’re ready to eat it. Around 50% of the consumers concerned would make this their top priority.
Pack size Compare the net weight and number of lollies, and make sure you have enough room in the freezer. If I’m planning to serve several desserts, I want portions my family can actually use and store. Pack size would come first for around 30% of the consumers concerned.
Ingredients and allergens Read the ingredients and allergen information on the pack you buy; follow the pupil’s PAI if they have one. If my child has a food allergy, I need to choose based on the exact pack and the instructions in place for them, rather than relying on the brand alone. This would be the top priority for around 20% of the consumers concerned.

Mistakes to avoid

  • Assuming a lunch bag will keep it frozen without checking about a freezer

    An insulated bag doesn’t guarantee that an ice lolly will stay frozen until lunchtime. The DGCCRF stresses the importance of keeping food chilled, and Carrefour’s product listing for SIMPL ice lollies says they should be stored at −18 °C.

    Ask the school whether it allows pupils to bring their own food and has a freezer they can access until lunchtime. If not, choose a dessert that isn’t frozen.

  • Looking only at the number of lollies

    Packs may contain portions of different sizes. A large pack is only useful if you can store and eat all the lollies.

    Compare the net weight and number of lollies, and check how much freezer space you have.

    Any portions you can’t keep frozen may go to waste.

  • Assuming a vanilla and chocolate recipe is suitable for someone with an allergy

    The SIMPL and Carrefour Classic’ products described by Carrefour contain milk-derived ingredients; other listed allergens vary by recipe. The flavour name alone doesn’t tell you whether a product is suitable.

    Read the ingredients and allergen information on the pack you buy, and follow the pupil’s PAI if they have one.

Ice lolly brands to know

SIMPL

Carrefour lists a SIMPL pack of 16 vanilla and chocolate ice lollies, weighing 33.5 g each. It’s worth considering if you can keep every portion in the freezer.

  • The number of lollies and weight per portion are listed for this product.
  • According to Carrefour, the recipe contains lactose and milk proteins, and may contain traces of nuts.

Carrefour Classic’

The chocolate and vanilla-and-chocolate ice lollies described by Carrefour come in a pack of 12, weighing 450 g in total.

  • The net weight and number of portions make it easy to compare this pack with other sizes.
  • The ingredients list includes skimmed milk, lactose and milk proteins; check the allergen information on the exact pack.

Magnum

Magnum makes ice lollies in a range of varieties and pack sizes. Your choice will depend on the specific recipe and whether you can keep the product frozen.

  • A pack of eight Classic ice lollies is among the products listed by Carrefour.
  • Milk-derived ingredients and nut warnings vary between the products listed by Joybuy, so check the label on the one you choose.

Joybuy products

Related products will be available soon.

Frequently asked questions

Is an insulated bag enough to take an ice lolly to secondary school?

No. An insulated bag doesn’t replace confirmation that the ice lolly can be stored in a freezer until lunchtime. Check with the school that this is allowed and possible, then follow the storage instructions on the pack.

What should you check if a pupil has a milk allergy?

Check the ingredients and allergens for the exact product before choosing it: the SIMPL and Carrefour Classic’ ice lollies described by Carrefour contain milk-derived ingredients. If the pupil has a PAI, follow the instructions it sets out.

Can you refreeze an ice lolly once it has thawed?

No. Carrefour’s product listing for SIMPL ice lollies says never to refreeze a thawed product. Also follow the storage instructions on the pack you buy.

Where can you find allergen information on a pack of ice lollies?

Check the ingredients list on the specific pack: the DGCCRF states that allergenic ingredients must be highlighted there. Also check for any other allergen information specific to that product.