Who is this choice for?

Hosts avoiding added sugars

You’re looking for an ice lolly labelled ‘no added sugar’ to serve with drinks, while accepting that a fruit recipe may naturally contain sugars.

People looking for a genuinely ‘sugar-free’ option

Your priority is the sugars in the product, not just added sugars. In this case, the exact claim and the ‘of which sugars’ figure are crucial.

Hosts who pay close attention to ingredients

You’re serving several guests and need to check the allergens and ingredients in each flavour. A fruit-based or plant-based recipe won’t, on its own, meet these requirements.

What should you check before buying?

Before choosing ice lollies to serve outdoors, first be clear about what ‘sugar-free’ means to you, then check the ingredients and storage instructions.

Criteria What to check Who is it for?
Sugars present or added The ‘sugar-free’ or ‘no added sugar’ claim, followed by the ‘of which sugars’ figure per 100 g and per portion. If I’m serving a fruit lolly with no added sugar, I want to know how much sugar it actually contains; around 50% of consumers prioritise this distinction.
Ingredients and allergens The ingredients list and allergens, including any ‘may contain’ warnings for each flavour. If a guest needs to avoid certain ingredients, the product’s composition matters more than its flavour; around 30% of consumers put this compatibility first.
Portions and storage The number of ice lollies, the weight per portion and the storage instructions on the packaging. When handing out ice lollies outdoors, I want enough portions for everyone while keeping the rest frozen; around 20% of consumers would make this their priority.

Common misconceptions to avoid

  • Confusing ‘no added sugar’ with ‘sugar-free’

    These claims don’t mean the same thing. According to Auchan’s product information, its mango and passion fruit lolly labelled ‘no added sugar’ contains 19 g of sugars per 100 g.

    If you need a ‘sugar-free’ product, check for that exact claim and read the ‘of which sugars’ figure. If you’re only avoiding added sugars, also check the amount per portion.

  • Assuming a fruit lolly is allergen-free

    Auchan’s fruit lolly product information warns that traces of cereals containing gluten, peanuts and tree nuts may be present.

    If a guest has an allergy, check the ingredients and any ‘may contain’ warnings on the packaging of the product you buy. Don’t rely on the flavour alone.

  • Assuming a vegan ice cream is sugar-free

    According to Magnum France, Vegan Almond contains 25 g of sugars per 100 g. Its plant-based ingredients and sugar content are two separate considerations.

    Check the ingredients, allergens and ‘of which sugars’ figure separately for the product you’re considering.

  • Refreezing ice lollies once they’ve thawed

    Auchan’s fruit lolly product information says that a thawed product must never be refrozen.

    Take out portions as you need them and keep the rest in the freezer, following the storage instructions on the packaging.

Brands to consider

Auchan

Two Auchan fruit ice lollies, mango and passion fruit and strawberry, are labelled ‘no added sugar’ and sold in boxes of four 60 g portions.

  • Auchan’s product information gives the mango and passion fruit lolly 19 g of sugars per 100 g and the strawberry one 17 g per 100 g. These figures make it easier to compare recipes without confusing sugars present with sugars added.
  • These products are not ‘sugar-free’. Their product information also warns that traces of certain allergens may be present.

Magnum

Vegan Almond and Double Caramel are useful comparisons if you’re also considering a plant-based or chocolate option.

  • Magnum France describes Vegan Almond as a plant-based product.
  • According to Magnum France, Vegan Almond contains 25 g of sugars per 100 g and Double Caramel contains 33 g per 100 g. Vegan Almond contains almonds and may contain milk, soya and other tree nuts.

Carrefour

Carrefour’s range of ice lollies and frozen bars includes several flavours and box sizes, including Carrefour Classic’ ice lollies.

  • The different pack sizes make it easier to compare the number of portions before planning what to serve.
  • To find a product that meets your requirements for sugar, check its exact claim and nutritional information rather than relying on the range or flavour.

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Frequently asked questions

Does ‘no added sugar’ mean ‘sugar-free’?

No. The claim ‘no added sugar’ doesn’t mean that there are no sugars naturally present in the ingredients. European regulations govern the use of nutrition claims; for example, Auchan states that its mango and passion fruit lolly labelled ‘no added sugar’ contains 19 g of sugars per 100 g.

How should you store ice lollies during an outdoor aperitif?

Take out only the portions you’re about to serve and follow the storage instructions on the packaging. For its fruit lollies, Auchan recommends storing them in the freezer at −18 °C and says that a thawed product must never be refrozen.

Is a vegan ice cream automatically suitable for someone with an allergy?

No. According to Magnum France, Vegan Almond contains almonds and may contain milk, soya and other tree nuts. Check the ingredients and allergen information on the packaging of the product you buy.

Does a ‘no added sugar’ lolly have to contain a sweetener?

Not necessarily. This claim alone doesn’t tell you whether the recipe contains a sweetener. Check the ingredients list of the lolly you’ve chosen to find out. To see how much sugar it contains, also read the ‘of which sugars’ figure.