Anyone planning portions for a group
If everyone needs their own ice lolly, the number of pieces is the first thing to check. Carrefour, Auchan, E.Leclerc and ALDI all offer packs containing between 12 and 20 pieces.
Who are larger packs for?
Groups with different tastes
An assortment with named flavours makes it easier to choose what everyone will enjoy. Auchan’s 10-piece Magnum Mini assortment includes Classic, Almond and White Chocolate.
Anyone taking ice lollies outdoors
If the ice lollies will need to wait before they’re served, make sure you can keep them cold during the journey. The DGCCRF recommends using a cool box to transport food on a picnic.
What should you check before buying?
Work out how many portions you need before comparing assortments: a heavier box won’t necessarily contain more ice lollies. Then plan how you’ll transport them and check the flavours in the pack you choose.
| What to check | Look for | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Number of portions | Count the ice lolly sticks in each pack and compare the number with the people you’re serving. | If I’m serving a group, I want to make sure there’s one ice lolly for everyone rather than relying on the weight of the box alone. Around 36% of consumers would rank the number of portions as their top priority. |
| Keeping them cold | Take a cool box for the journey and follow the storage instructions on the packaging. | If I’m serving them outdoors, I need to keep the ice lollies cold until it’s time to hand them out. Transport would be the top priority for around 29% of consumers. |
| Choice of flavours | Check the flavours listed and, if shown, how many pieces there are of each flavour. | When the group has different tastes, I’d rather know which flavours are in the box than choose based on its size alone. Around 21% of consumers would prioritise this variety. |
| Ingredients and allergens | Read the ingredients list and allergen information on the exact pack before sharing it. | If someone needs to avoid an ingredient, I need to check every flavour in the assortment before buying. This would be a priority for around 14% of consumers. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Confusing the weight of the box with the number of ice lollies
The total weight won’t tell you how many people can have a portion. The products listed by Carrefour, Auchan, E.Leclerc and ALDI contain different numbers of pieces.
Count the people you’re serving, then check the number of ice lolly sticks listed for the product you’ve chosen.
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Planning the ice lollies but not how to transport them
A pack that’s the right size for your group won’t keep it cold before serving. The DGCCRF highlights the importance of keeping food cold during transport.
Take the ice lollies in a cool box and only take them out when you’re ready to serve.
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Assuming an assortment will suit everyone
Different flavours in the same box may contain different ingredients. Carrefour’s product listing for Magnum Mini vanilla, chocolate and almond ice lollies mentions milk and almonds, as well as possible traces of other nuts.
Ask the group about any dietary requirements and check the information on the exact pack before sharing the ice lollies.
Brands and ranges to know
Magnum
Auchan lists a 10-piece, 423 g Magnum Mini assortment containing Classic, Almond and White Chocolate.
- The flavours are named, making it easier to choose an assortment for people with different tastes.
- Ten pieces will serve fewer people than a pack of 12 or 20; also check the allergens in the variety you choose.
Carrefour
Carrefour lists, among other options, a 12-piece box of Classic’ ice lollies and an assortment of eight Extra mini ice lollies.
- These packs give you a choice of different portion counts.
- Pack size and ingredients vary by product, so compare the boxes rather than relying on the range name alone.
Auchan
Auchan lists an assortment of eight mini ice lollies and, under its Pouce brand, a box of 12 mini ice lollies.
- The two pack sizes give you different options depending on the size of your group.
- Check the flavours and availability of the product at your chosen shop.
Marque Repère / Smicy
E.Leclerc lists an assortment of 20 Smicy sticks, with a stated weight of 850 g.
- The stated piece count makes it easy to plan individual portions for a larger group.
- Check the flavours, ingredients and allergens on the exact product before choosing it.
MUCCI
ALDI France lists a box of 12 MUCCI mini ice lollies, with a stated weight of 429 g.
- The number of pieces is clearly stated, making it easier to plan how to share them.
- Check the flavours and availability of this product before buying.
Joybuy products to share
These individually portioned treats could work well for a group. The selection includes ice lollies and fruit bars that need freezing, so check how to prepare each product before planning to serve it outdoors.
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Maison de la Glace Water Ice Pops, 5 flavours, 12 pieces, 1200 g
The 12 ice lollies make it easy to plan individual portions, while the five flavours offer plenty of choice in one box.
If you’re serving them outdoors, take a cool box and follow the storage instructions on the packaging. Also check the allergen information before sharing the product.
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CAPRI-SUN Orange & Cherry Ice Pops, 12 pieces, 444 g
The box of 12 ice lollies could be a good choice if you’re planning one portion per person.
Before choosing them for their flavours, check the ingredients on the packaging, particularly the information about cherry. Look for allergen trace warnings and take a cool box for the journey.
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ABC JELLY Fruity Jelly Bar Assorted
These assorted fruit bars are another individually portioned option, but they need to be frozen before eating.
Check the number of pieces and net weight on the packaging to plan how to share them, then take a cool box for the journey.
Frequently asked questions
Is an ordinary bag enough to take ice lollies to Make Music Day?
It’s best to take a cool box when transporting ice lollies outdoors. The DGCCRF recommends this for carrying food on a picnic; you should also follow the storage instructions on the box you’ve bought.
Can you refreeze ice lollies that have melted?
Don’t automatically refreeze ice lollies once they’ve thawed. The Ministry of Agriculture advises against refreezing a defrosted product, so follow the instructions on its packaging.
What should you check on a box of prepacked ice lollies?
To compare pack sizes and flavours, check the net quantity, ingredients list and nutritional information. The DGCCRF says these are among the details that must appear on the labels of prepacked foods; also check the allergen information on the pack you choose.
Can you serve a Magnum Mini assortment to someone with a nut allergy?
Don’t choose the assortment without checking the label on the exact box. Carrefour’s listing for Magnum Mini vanilla, chocolate and almond ice lollies mentions almonds and possible traces of other nuts; information may vary between flavours.