Anyone hosting a group get-together
If everyone needs an ice lolly, start by comparing the number in each box. Auchan and Carrefour offer boxes of 12 ice lollies, while mini versions come in smaller portions.
Who are these pack sizes for?
Anyone comparing pack sizes
The number of ice lollies doesn’t tell you the total quantity on its own. Check the net weight or volume and the portion size too before choosing a box for your group.
Households keeping an eye on ingredients
If someone in your group needs to avoid certain ingredients, check the label on the exact product before serving. Ingredient lists and allergen information vary from one recipe to another.
What should you check before choosing?
First, choose a portion size and number of ice lollies that suit how you plan to serve them. Then think about the flavour and coating, provided the ingredients are suitable for everyone.
Box of 12 ice lollies
Choose this: if you want to give one to everyone in a larger group.
Bear in mind: a single recipe offers less choice than a selection of flavours.
Selection of mini ice lollies
Choose this: if you want to serve smaller portions or offer a choice of recipes.
Bear in mind: a mini ice lolly isn’t the same size as a standard portion; check the ingredients of each recipe too.
Box of 4 to 6 ice lollies
Choose this: for a small get-together where a particular flavour or coating is what matters most.
Bear in mind: there may not be enough if your group grows.
| What to consider | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Number of portions | Number of ice lollies and whether they’re mini or standard size. | When I’m hosting several people, I want to be able to give everyone one. Around 36% of consumers put the number of portions first. |
| Quantity per box | Net weight or total volume, considered alongside the number of ice lollies. | If there’s a chance the box will be left open, I’d rather know the total quantity before choosing. Around 29% of consumers put the quantity per box first. |
| Ingredients and allergens | Ingredient list and allergen information for each recipe. | If I’m serving someone who needs to avoid an ingredient, the ingredients guide my choice before the pack size. Around 21% of consumers make this their first check. |
| Flavours and recipes | Flavours included and type of coating, including in selections. | For a small group, I might prefer to offer a choice of flavours rather than increase the number of ice lollies. Around 14% of consumers prioritise this variety. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Assuming a bigger pack means bigger portions
A box of 12 mini ice lollies contains as many items as a box of 12 standard-size ice lollies, but the portions aren’t the same size.
Count the ice lollies and check their size before planning one for each person.
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Assuming two recipes have the same allergens
Auchan and Magnum product listings give ingredients and allergen information specific to each product. Similar flavours don’t mean two recipes have identical ingredients.
Read the label on the box you buy, including any “may contain” warnings, before serving.
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Letting your ice lollies thaw on the way home
Transport is part of the cold chain, as the DGCCRF reminds shoppers. The listing for Auchan’s 12 vanilla ice lollies says to store them at −18 °C and not to refreeze once thawed.
Pick up frozen food last, use an insulated bag and put it in the freezer as soon as you get home, following the instructions on the pack.
Brands and retailers to know
Magnum
The range includes mini ice lollies and selections for get-togethers where portion size and a variety of recipes matter.
- Magnum’s range includes Mini Classic in a box of 6 × 55 ml.
- For a selection, check the allergens in each recipe and make sure there are enough for your group.
Carrefour
The retailer offers both a Classic’ box of 12 ice lollies and Carrefour Sensation recipes in boxes of four.
- These pack sizes make it easy to tell the difference between a group get-together and a smaller gathering.
- Check the flavour and ingredients of the product you choose rather than assuming them from the pack size.
E.Leclerc
The Marque Repère range includes an assortment of 20 SMICY sticks and Trium ice lollies in boxes of four.
- The 20-piece SMICY selection has a net weight of 850 g.
- Check the ingredients and allergens on the packaging of the selection you choose.
Auchan
The retailer’s range includes a box of 12 vanilla ice lollies, ideal for serving individual portions.
- The product listing states that the box contains 12 ice lollies and weighs 450 g, and should be stored at −18 °C.
- This recipe includes milk, soya and hazelnuts, among other ingredients, so check the label before serving.
ALDI
The Mucci range includes mini ice lollies as well as recipes in boxes of four.
- ALDI’s range includes 12 Mucci mini ice lollies weighing 429 g.
- Remember to account for the smaller size when planning one portion for each person.
Lidl
Lidl has an ice cream section as part of its frozen food range.
- It’s another place to compare options if you usually shop there.
- To choose a particular box, check the packaging for the number of ice lollies, quantity and allergens.
Ice lollies and frozen treats to share on Joybuy
These packs range from 6 to 12 portions and include ice lollies as well as fruity frozen treats to serve individually. Choose according to the number of people and the type of frozen treat you’re after; fruity ice pops may not be a substitute for a dairy ice lolly.
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CAPRI-SUN orange and cherry ice pops, 12 pieces, 444 g
A 12-piece pack of fruity frozen treats to share at a group get-together. Check that ice pops, rather than dairy ice lollies, are suitable for everyone, and check the allergens on the pack.
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MAGNUM Vanilla Almond, 8 ice lollies, 600 g
Eight ice lollies for a group looking for a vanilla and almond recipe. If everyone needs one, compare the number in the box with the number of people; check the allergens on the packaging, especially if anyone has a nut allergy.
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Binggrae Melona Melon Ice Bar, 8 × 70 ml
Individual melon-flavoured ice lollies, with up to eight portions to serve. If children are coming along, read the ingredients list and any warnings on the packaging before choosing this product.
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PAW Patrol vanilla ice lollies with cocoa sauce, 6 pieces, 270 g
A box of six for a small get-together, with one ice lolly for everyone. Check how many people are coming and read the allergen information on the box before serving.
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PEPPA PIG strawberry and vanilla ice lollies, 6 × 60 ml
Six strawberry and vanilla ice lollies for a small group. If you’re planning more than six portions, adjust the number of boxes you buy; check the allergen information on the packaging too.
Frequently asked questions
How many ice lollies should I buy for a group get-together?
Start by planning one ice lolly per person if everyone is to have their own. A box of 12 will serve more people than a box of 4 to 6; if you expect some people to have a second, count those separately. For mini ice lollies, check that the portion size suits how you plan to serve them.
Which allergens should I check in coated ice lollies?
Read the ingredients and any “may contain” warnings for the exact product, as these vary by recipe. The listings for Auchan’s 12 vanilla ice lollies and Magnum Mini Classic mention ingredients or traces of milk and certain nuts; the Auchan listing also mentions soya and hazelnuts.
How should I transport and store a box of ice lollies after shopping?
Pick up frozen food last, carry it in an insulated bag and put it in the freezer as soon as you get home. The DGCCRF reminds shoppers that the cold chain also applies during transport. Follow the instructions on the box you buy for storage temperature and refreezing.