People avoiding added sugars
You’re looking for this specific claim on an ice lolly, while also comparing the sugar content shown in the nutritional information.
Who is this choice for?
People bringing ice lollies to a gathering
You need to make sure there are enough for everyone and plan how to keep them frozen between shopping and serving.
People checking ingredients and allergens
A plant-based recipe may appeal to you, but you’ll still need to check the ingredients, allergens, possible traces and sugars per serving separately.
What should you check before buying?
First, decide whether you’re looking for no added sugars or no sugars in the product at all: these are different criteria. Then check that the pack size and storage requirements suit your plans.
| Criteria | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Sugar claim | Look for the exact claim on the packaging, then compare “of which sugars” per 100 g and per serving. “No added sugars” doesn’t mean “sugar-free”. | I want to avoid added sugars without confusing this with avoiding all sugars; around 50% of consumers would prioritise this distinction. |
| Transport and sharing | Compare the number of lollies in each pack and plan to use a cool bag for a short journey. Follow the storage instructions on the pack. | If I’m bringing ice lollies for several people, I need to be able to transport and serve them while they’re still frozen; this would be the top priority for around 30% of consumers. |
| Ingredients and allergens | Read the ingredients list, highlighted allergens and “may contain” warnings for the product you’re buying. | Before choosing a plant-based or fruit recipe, I need to check for ingredients I should avoid and possible traces; around 20% of consumers would put this need first. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Confusing “no added sugars” with “sugar-free”
Auchan’s mango and passion fruit ice lolly is labelled “no added sugars”, but its product information lists 19 g of sugars per 100 g. As Anses points out, not adding sugar doesn’t mean there are no sugars in the ingredients.
Compare the claim on the packaging with the “of which sugars” line, both per 100 g and per serving you plan to offer.
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Assuming “vegan” tells you about sugar content or allergens
The Courses U product listing for Magnum Vegan Almond gives 19 g of sugars per 90 ml lolly. It also lists almonds and warns that it may contain traces of milk and several types of nuts.
Check the sugars, ingredients and allergen warnings separately on the packaging of the product you choose.
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Leaving ice lollies until the end of your shopping trip
Ice lollies need to be transported and stored properly. Anses recommends using a cool bag and keeping transport time to a minimum; the Auchan product listings mentioned here specify storage at −18 °C.
Pick up frozen food at the end of your shop and make sure you can keep it cold until you’re ready to serve. If it defrosts, follow the instructions on the pack.
Brands to consider for these criteria
Auchan
Auchan offers a “100% fruit” mango and passion fruit ice lolly in a box of 4, weighing 240 g, labelled “no added sugars”.
- Its product information lists 19 g of sugars per 100 g and 11 g per 60 g serving, making it easy to compare the claim with the nutritional information.
- The claim “no added sugars” doesn’t meet a requirement for a product to contain no sugars at all.
Magnum
Magnum’s Vegan Almond product is a soy-based ice lolly, according to the Courses U product listing.
- The listing specifies that it’s a gluten-free recipe and gives the sugar content per serving.
- It lists 19 g of sugars per 90 ml lolly, contains almonds and may contain traces of milk and several types of nuts. This product shouldn’t be mistaken for a sugar-free lolly.
Pop Fruit
Auchan’s product listing describes Pop Fruit mini mango sorbet lollies as “100% fruit” and “with no refined sugars”.
- The mini size can be compared with packs of larger lollies, depending on how many people you’re serving.
- “With no refined sugars” shouldn’t be read as “sugar-free” or “no added sugars”. Check the exact claim and nutritional information on the packaging.
Joybuy products
Related products will be available soon.
Frequently asked questions
Does “no added sugars” mean an ice lolly contains no sugars at all?
No. According to Anses, ingredients can contain naturally occurring sugars even when no sugar has been added. Check the “of which sugars” line per 100 g and per serving to assess the product you’re considering.
Is sorbet always free from milk and other allergens?
No. The DGCCRF reminds shoppers that allergens must be listed in writing, even when an ingredient such as milk is in a product where you might not expect it. Check the ingredients and allergen information on the exact product packaging.
How can you transport ice lollies to a party after shopping?
Pick up frozen food at the end of your shop, use a cool bag and keep transport time to a minimum, as Anses recommends. If the ice lollies need to wait at the venue, make sure you have a suitable way to keep them frozen and follow the storage instructions on the pack.
Can you refreeze a defrosted ice lolly?
The Auchan ice lolly product listings mentioned here say never to refreeze a defrosted product. Follow the instructions on the packaging of the product you buy.