Households serving ice lollies regularly
If you’re planning several snack times, check the number of ice lollies, the pack weight and how much freezer space you have. A large pack is only worthwhile if you expect to use all the portions.
Who are these pack sizes for?
People who want to portion them out
An individual ice lolly or a mini size makes it easy to serve everyone separately. However, its size alone doesn’t tell you anything about its ingredients or nutritional values.
Fans of chocolate-coated ice lollies
If a chocolate-and-vanilla recipe or coating is what you’re looking for, compare the portions and check the allergen information. It can vary from one flavour to another.
What should you look for before choosing?
Start by working out how many snack times you’re planning for, then choose a recipe and portion size that suit you. For pre-packed products, the DGCCRF notes that nutritional values per 100 g or 100 ml make it easier to compare products.
| What to consider | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Number of portions | Compare the total weight with the number of ice lollies, then check that you’ll be able to store and use the pack. | For several snack times, I want enough portions without choosing a box that’s too big for my needs. This would be the top priority for around 36% of consumers. |
| Chocolate recipe | Check the flavour, coating and size of each ice lolly rather than relying on the brand name alone. | When I fancy chocolate and vanilla, the specific recipe is what guides my choice; around 29% of consumers might put this treat first. |
| Portion size and ingredients | Read the nutritional values per 100 g or 100 ml, the serving size, ingredients and allergens on the pack. | Before serving a snack, I want to know the portion size and check for ingredients that matter to the people who’ll be eating it. This would be the top priority for about 21% of consumers. |
| Local availability | Check whether your local shop stocks the product and note the dates of any advertised offers. | If I have a particular flavour or size in mind, I want to know whether I’ll be able to find it in my local shop; around 14% of consumers might prioritise availability. |
Mistakes to avoid
-
Confusing the number of ice lollies with the total quantity
Two boxes with the same number of items may contain portions of different sizes.
Check both the number of items and the weight or volume shown on the pack.
-
Assuming a mini size tells you what’s in it
The size of an ice lolly alone doesn’t tell you how much sugar or fat it contains.
Compare the nutritional information per 100 g or 100 ml, then check the portion you plan to serve.
-
Relying on the flavour alone to check for allergens
Ice lollies that look similar may have different ingredients and may carry different warnings about traces. The product listing for Auchan’s 12-ice-lolly assortment, for example, mentions milk, hazelnuts and soya.
Read the ingredients list and allergen information on the exact pack before serving it to anyone with an allergy or intolerance.
-
Assuming every shop stocks the same product
Lidl states that offers are valid for specific dates and that some shops may not stock every item in the catalogue.
Check the dates and participating shop before planning a snack around a particular product.
If a product isn’t available, you may need to choose something else or make an extra trip.
Brands to know when comparing pack sizes
Carrefour Classic’ et Carrefour Sensation
Carrefour’s ranges include ice lollies in packs of different sizes, including a 12-count Classic’ chocolate-and-vanilla option and Sensation products in packs of 4 to 6.
- Having a choice of pack sizes lets you start with the number of portions you need.
- Check the recipe and availability of your chosen product at your local shop or for click and collect.
SMICY / Marque Repère E.Leclerc
E.Leclerc offers, among other options, an assortment of 20 SMICY ice lollies weighing 850 g.
- This pack size could suit you if you’re planning several snack times and have space to store the whole pack.
- Read the ingredients for the exact assortment before choosing from the range.
Auchan
The Auchan vanilla and chocolate assortment contains 12 ice lollies and weighs 450 g.
- The box includes two flavours in one assortment.
- Its product listing mentions milk, hazelnuts and soya, as well as possible traces of other nuts. It says to store at −18 °C and not to refreeze once thawed.
Magnum
According to its brand listing, Magnum Classic x4 combines vanilla ice cream with a milk chocolate coating.
- The listing gives the individual portion size and nutritional values, including 233 kcal per portion for this product.
- It mentions milk and possible traces of nuts; check the pack of the product you choose.
MUCCI / ALDI
ALDI offers, among other options, a box of 12 MUCCI mini ice lollies with a total weight of 429 g.
- Mini portions may suit you if you’re looking for smaller individual servings.
- Compare the nutritional information and check that the specific product is available before choosing this pack size.
Ice lollies and frozen multipacks on Joybuy
This selection includes ice lollies and frozen assortments in multipacks. To choose the right option for your snack times, compare the size of each item, the recipe and the storage instructions on each pack.
Image unavailable
CAPRI-SUN Orange & Cherry Ice Pops, 12-count, 444 g
A pack of 12 to consider for several snack times. Check the ingredients and allergen information on the pack before serving.
Image unavailable
Binggrae Melona Melon Ice Bar, 8 × 70 ml
Eight melon-flavoured ice lollies for serving as individual portions. If you’re serving them to children, check the ingredient information on the pack too.
Image unavailable
PEPPA PIG Strawberry Vanilla Ice Cream Sticks, 6 × 60 ml
A box of six strawberry and vanilla ice lollies to consider if you’re looking for this portion size. Check the allergens listed on the exact pack before sharing them at snack time.
Image unavailable
MAGNUM Vanilla Almond Ice Cream Bars, 8-count, 600 g
A box of eight ice lollies for anyone looking specifically for a vanilla and almond recipe. As they contain almonds, it’s particularly important to check the allergen information before serving.
Image unavailable
Maison de la Glace Water Ice Pops, 5 flavours, 12-count, 1 200 g
An assortment to consider for several snack times or a group, if you have enough freezer space. Check the ingredients and allergens on the pack before serving each flavour.
Frequently asked questions
How do you choose between two boxes of ice lollies?
Compare the number of items, their size and the total weight, then consider whether you’ll use the whole pack. Next, look at the recipe and nutritional information for the specific products you’re considering.
What should you look for on a pack of ice lollies?
Start with the ingredients list, allergens, quantity and nutritional values. The DGCCRF states that the nutrition declaration for pre-packed food is given per 100 g or 100 ml, making it easier to compare products on a like-for-like basis.
Does a mini ice lolly necessarily have different ingredients?
No. Its smaller size doesn’t tell you anything definite about its ingredients. Read the ingredients and compare the sugar and fat per 100 g or 100 ml, then take the portion you’re serving into account.
Can you refreeze ice lollies after they’ve thawed?
Don’t refreeze the Auchan vanilla and chocolate assortment after it has thawed: its product listing advises against this and says to store it at −18 °C. For any other product, follow the instructions on its own packaging.
Is a product advertised by Lidl available in every shop?
Not necessarily: Lidl says that some shops may not stock every item in the catalogue. If you’re planning to buy a specific product, check the relevant shop and offer period.