For a seniors’ afternoon tea, choose the number of ice lolly sticks based on how many people will actually have one, then check the recipe and texture of each flavour before opting for a large pack. A smaller assortment may be enough for a small group. Neither the number of pieces nor the mini size alone tells you whether a product is suitable for someone with an allergy or difficulty chewing or swallowing.
If you’re preparing several individual portions, start with the number of guests and how many ice lolly sticks they’d like. Then compare pack sizes: Auchan offers a pack of 12, for example, while E.Leclerc has an assortment of 20 sticks.
An allergy or difficulty chewing or swallowing can affect the choice of dessert. Check the recipe and texture with the people concerned. Santé publique France notes that ageing and health problems can affect the way someone eats. If they have difficulty eating, ask the healthcare professional who supports them for advice.
To offer a choice of flavours without buying lots of packs, check how many pieces each assortment contains and whether the recipes suit your guests. A large pack is only useful if you can serve and store its portions safely.
Start with dietary requirements and texture, then choose between a large pack, an assortment of eight pieces or smaller portions to suit your group. The pack size is no substitute for checking the specific recipe.
| Criterion | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Recipe and texture | Read the ingredients, allergen information and any ‘may contain’ warnings. Also check the coating and whether it contains pieces. | If a guest has an allergy or finds chewing difficult, I want to check the specific ice lolly before serving it to them. Around 40% of consumers say this check is their top priority. |
| Number of portions | Work out how many ice lolly sticks you’ll need, then check the number of pieces, net weight and freezer space available. | For a larger get-together, I want to plan enough portions without assuming everyone will choose the same dessert. Quantity is the top priority for around 30% of consumers. |
| Choice of flavours | Compare the flavours in the pack and the ingredients in each one; an assortment may include different recipes. | When the group has varied tastes, I look for flavours that guests will actually want to choose. Around 30% of consumers would put this variety first. |
The number of pieces doesn’t tell you which allergens are present. The product information for Auchan’s pack of 12 vanilla ice lollies lists milk, hazelnuts and soya, as well as possible traces of other tree nuts.
Ask guests about their dietary restrictions, then check the label on the pack you’ve bought. If necessary, check each flavour separately.
A smaller portion may still have a coating or pieces that are difficult for some people to eat. Its size alone doesn’t make it suitable for someone who has difficulty chewing or swallowing.
Confirm the texture needs of each guest concerned. If someone finds eating difficult, ask the healthcare professional who supports them for advice.
Eight, twelve or twenty sticks don’t provide the same number of portions. An assortment may also include flavours that some guests won’t choose.
Match the number of pieces to the group you’re expecting and check which flavours will actually be served.
Storage instructions also apply to portions left over after your get-together. The product information for Auchan’s pack of 12 says to store it at −18 °C and never to refreeze a product once it has defrosted.
Make sure you have enough freezer space and only take out the portions you plan to serve, following the pack instructions.
Carrefour offers Magnum packs in several sizes, while Joybuy has, among other options, an assortment of eight Classic, Almond and White Chocolate sticks.
Auchan offers a pack of 12 vanilla ice lollies weighing 450 g.
Carrefour’s online range includes Carrefour-branded ice lolly sticks and Magnum packs in different sizes.
E.Leclerc’s online catalogue includes, among other options, an assortment of 20 sticks weighing 850 g.
ALDI’s catalogue includes MUCCI frozen desserts, including a box of 12 mini ice lolly sticks.
This selection includes packs of twelve or eight ice lolly sticks for a group get-together, as well as a pack of four sorbet ice lollies for a smaller group. Choose the quantity to suit your guests, and check each product’s recipe and texture before serving.
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A pack of twelve portions to consider when several guests would like an ice lolly. The listed flavours are orange and cherry; check the label and everyone’s texture requirements before serving.
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Twelve ice lolly sticks for a get-together where guests would like a choice of flavours. Check the ingredients for each flavour on the packaging, and don’t assume the texture will suit everyone.
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A pack of eight melon ice lolly sticks to consider for a smaller group. Check the allergens on the packaging and the texture requirements of anyone you plan to serve them to.
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Eight ice lolly sticks for a small group or to serve alongside other desserts. Check the allergens and coating before offering this product to anyone with dietary requirements or difficulty chewing.
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Four coconut sorbet ice lollies for a small group or to add to another assortment. Check the ingredients, allergens and texture before serving them to guests with specific needs.
No. Age alone doesn’t determine whether an ice lolly is suitable for someone. Check for allergies and any difficulty chewing or swallowing. If they find eating difficult, ask the healthcare professional who supports them for advice. Santé publique France notes that ageing and health problems can change the way someone eats.
Mini ice lollies are worth considering if you’d like to offer smaller portions, but their size doesn’t guarantee a suitable texture. Check the coating, any pieces and the allergens in the specific product before deciding.
Read the ingredients list and any ‘may contain’ warnings on the packaging you’ve bought. The DGCCRF says that allergenic ingredients must be highlighted on the label. Don’t assume that the ingredients in one flavour or pack are the same as those in another.
Follow the storage instructions on the packaging and don’t refreeze a product that has defrosted. For example, the product information for Auchan’s pack of 12 ice lolly sticks says to store it at −18 °C and never to refreeze after defrosting.