For a shared treat at work, first choose a format you can keep frozen until serving time: a biscuit tin is no substitute for a freezer. An assortment of mini ice lollies lets you offer a choice of flavours in smaller portions. A pack with more ice lollies is better suited to a larger group, as long as you check the portion size and allergens for the specific product you choose.
You’re planning to serve individual ice lollies later in the day. They need to be transported and then stored in a freezer, following the instructions on the packaging. The DGCCRF reminds consumers that the cold chain applies during transport and storage too.
You’ll need enough portions for the colleagues attending, without confusing mini ice lollies with larger ice cream bars. The formats available from E.Leclerc, ALDI and Auchan range from packs of 12 mini ice lollies to packs of 18 ice cream bars.
An assortment gives people a choice of flavours, but you should check the ingredients and allergens for each product. For prepacked foods, the DGCCRF says allergens must be emphasised in the ingredients list.
Before sharing ice lollies at work, first make sure you’ll have access to a freezer. Then choose the number and size of portions to suit your group.
Consider this: for a small team that would like a choice of flavours in mini portions.
Bear in mind: an assortment of 6 or 10 serves fewer people than a pack of 16 to 18. Check the allergens in each flavour.
Consider this: when the number of portions is the priority. E.Leclerc offers packs of 12 Eco+ mini ice lollies and 16 Eco+ ice lollies; ALDI offers a pack of 12 MUCCI mini ice lollies.
Bear in mind: these packs may not offer the same choice of flavours or the same portion size.
Consider this: for a larger group who would prefer bars rather than mini ice lollies. Auchan offers packs of 18 Mars and Snickers bars.
Bear in mind: the number of bars doesn’t tell you whether they’re the right size for a short break. Check the allergens for the specific product too.
| Criteria | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | Access to a freezer during the break and the temperature shown on the pack. The DGCCRF reminds consumers that transport and storage are part of the cold chain. | I need to be able to put the ice lollies in the freezer as soon as I arrive, then take them out when it’s time to serve. Around 36% of consumers prioritise keeping them properly frozen. |
| Number of portions | Number of items, portion size and space available in the freezer. | If several colleagues are joining in, I want one for everyone without buying an oversized pack. This is the top priority for around 29% of consumers. |
| Choice of flavours | Flavours included in the pack and the number of each, if this is stated. | I’d prefer an assortment so colleagues can choose a flavour without opening several packs. Around 21% of consumers prioritise this variety. |
| Ingredients and allergens | Ingredients list, emphasised allergens and any ‘may contain’ warnings on the specific pack. | Before buying for a group, I want to take account of any allergies and preferences shared by the team. For around 14% of consumers, this is the main consideration. |
An unrefrigerated biscuit tin won’t keep frozen treats frozen. The DGCCRF reminds consumers that the cold chain must be maintained during transport and storage.
Only plan this break if there’s a freezer at work, and follow the storage temperature shown on the packaging.
Twelve mini ice lollies and twelve ice cream bars may be the same number of items, but they’re not necessarily the same size portion.
Check both the number of items and the weight or volume per item, if shown. Then choose the format that’s right for your break.
Ingredients and allergen information vary between flavours. For example, Magnum lists milk and possible traces of soya and nuts for its Mini Double Caramel product. This information doesn’t apply to all of its assortments.
Ask which allergies you need to take into account, read the label on the pack you choose and provide an alternative if needed.
The brand offers mini ice lollies in individual flavours and assortments. Products available from Magnum, Auchan and Joybuy include packs of 6 or 10, depending on the product.
E.Leclerc offers packs of 12 Eco+ vanilla and chocolate mini ice lollies, as well as packs of 16 vanilla and chocolate ice lollies.
ALDI offers a 429 g pack of 12 MUCCI mini ice lollies with a selection of different coatings.
Auchan offers Mars ice cream bars with chocolate and caramel, including packs of 18.
Auchan offers Snickers ice cream bars with chocolate, caramel and peanuts, including packs of 18.
No. An unrefrigerated biscuit tin is no substitute for a freezer. Keep ice lollies frozen until serving and follow the temperature shown on the packaging. Joybuy recommends storing its Magnum x6 assortment at −18 °C or below.
Check both: the number of items helps you plan one portion per colleague, while the size helps you choose between mini ice lollies and ice cream bars. E.Leclerc offers 16 Eco+ ice lollies, for example, while ALDI offers 12 MUCCI mini ice lollies. These formats aren’t quite suited to the same portion preferences.
Ask your team about any dietary requirements and check the label on the product you plan to serve. The DGCCRF says allergens in prepacked foods must be emphasised in the ingredients list. The ingredients in one Magnum flavour, for example, don’t tell you what’s in another assortment.