Who is this choice for?

Parents with a strict ‘sugar-free’ requirement

You’re looking for an ice lolly whose on-pack claim and ‘of which sugars’ value meet this requirement, rather than a recipe simply described as reduced sugar.

Families looking to limit added sugars

You’re considering a ‘no added sugar’ recipe, but also want to know its sugar content, ingredients and whether it contains sweeteners.

People buying treats for several occasions

You need to share the ice lollies between several days or people. The number of lollies and the amount per portion can help you choose the right pack size.

What should you check before buying?

First, decide whether you’re looking for a strict ‘sugar-free’ claim or simply want to limit added sugars. Then compare the portion size and format of the product you plan to buy.

Criterion What to check Who might this suit?
‘Sugar-free’ claim Look for the exact claim, then check the ‘of which sugars’ value per 100 g or 100 ml. Under the EU regulation published by EUR-Lex in its consolidated version of 13 December 2014, the limit for this claim is 0.5 g. If this strict criterion matters to me, a ‘no added sugar’ claim isn’t enough to make a decision. Around 36% of consumers would prioritise checking sugar levels.
Ingredients and sweeteners Read the ingredients list and the ‘of which sugars’ line; don’t assume what a product contains based solely on a ‘no added sugar’ claim. I may be happy with a no added sugar recipe, but I want to know what it contains before choosing it. Ingredients would be the top criterion for around 29% of consumers.
Portion and pack size Compare the number of ice lollies, the amount per lolly and, if shown on the pack, the nutrition information per portion. When planning several treats, I mainly need portions that are easy to share out. Around 21% of consumers would prioritise this practical format.
Availability Check which product is available at your usual supermarket or for your chosen delivery or collection service, then read the label on the product you actually select. If I shop at my usual supermarket, I need to be able to find the product I’ve chosen there. Availability would be the top priority for around 14% of consumers.

Common points of confusion

  • Assuming ‘no added sugar’ means ‘sugar-free’

    These claims have different criteria. For ‘sugar-free’, the EU regulation published by EUR-Lex in its consolidated version of 13 December 2014 sets a limit of 0.5 g of sugars per 100 g or 100 ml.

    If this limit is your criterion, look for the exact claim and check the ‘of which sugars’ line on the pack.

  • Overlooking the ingredients in a no added sugar recipe

    Auchan’s product information for Mes Petites Folies strawberry sorbet lists maltitol and erythritol. This sorbet shows why it’s worth checking the ingredients, but it isn’t an ice lolly.

    If the presence of sweeteners matters to you, check the ingredients for the specific product you’ve chosen.

  • Choosing a multipack based only on the number of lollies

    The number of ice lollies doesn’t tell you how much each portion contains or how much sugar it provides.

    Compare the amount per lolly with the nutrition information per portion, when this is shown on the pack.

  • Assuming one product’s label applies to an entire brand

    Magnum lists 25 g of sugars per 100 g for its Vegan Almond x3 product. This value applies to that specific product, not all Magnum ice lollies.

    Check the flavour, pack size and nutrition information for the specific product you’re buying.

Brands and retailers to consider

Auchan / Mes Petites Folies

Auchan’s Mes Petites Folies strawberry sorbet lets you explore a recipe described as ‘no added sugar’. It’s a sorbet, not an ice lolly.

  • Auchan’s product information lists 27% strawberry purée and mentions maltitol and erythritol.
  • The ‘no added sugar’ claim alone doesn’t mean this sorbet meets the ‘sugar-free’ criterion: check the nutrition information.

Carrefour

The Carrefour catalogue lets you search for ice lollies and includes a ‘No added sugar’ filter.

  • The filter can help you find products to check.
  • Check the claim and nutrition information for each product shown: appearing in search results doesn’t confirm that it’s ‘sugar-free’.

Magnum

The Vegan Almond x3 product shows why a pack format or range name is no substitute for checking the nutrition information.

  • For this product, Magnum lists 25 g of sugars per 100 g and 18 g per 72 g portion, so you can compare both figures.
  • This product doesn’t meet the ‘sugar-free’ criterion. Don’t assume that other Magnum products have the same ingredients.

ALDI / Mucci

ALDI includes Mucci ice lollies in its frozen desserts range; the pack size may be worth considering for treats to share.

  • The products shown give you options to compare the number of lollies and the pack size.
  • Check the ingredients, any sugar-related claim and the nutrition information on the product available to you.

Joybuy products related to this topic

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

Do ‘sugar-free’ and ‘no added sugar’ mean the same thing?

No. Under the EU regulation on nutrition claims published by EUR-Lex in its consolidated version of 13 December 2014, ‘sugar-free’ means a maximum of 0.5 g of sugars per 100 g or 100 ml. A ‘no added sugar’ claim doesn’t meet this criterion: also check the ‘of which sugars’ line.

Can a no added sugar recipe contain sweeteners?

Yes. Auchan lists maltitol and erythritol in the ingredients for its Mes Petites Folies strawberry sorbet, which is described as ‘no added sugar’. For an ice lolly, read the ingredients list for the specific product rather than assuming it has the same recipe.

What information should you compare between two ice lollies?

First compare the ‘of which sugars’ value per 100 g or 100 ml, then the amount per lolly and the figures per portion, if provided. The DGCCRF notes that nutrition information is given per 100 g or 100 ml, providing a common basis for comparing different pack sizes.

Where can you check the allergens in an ice lolly for a child?

Check the ingredients list on the pack for the exact product you’ve bought. According to French public information on food labelling, allergenic ingredients must be listed and highlighted; don’t assume they are present or absent based on the product name alone.

Will a product listed in a catalogue be available in my shop?

Check whether it’s available at the shop or through the delivery or collection service you plan to use. Carrefour, Auchan and ALDI catalogue pages can help you find products, but your final choice should be based on the specific product and label actually available.