When choosing an ice lolly for a child’s snack, don’t assume that “no added sugar” means “sugar-free”: the two claims mean different things. Check the exact wording on the label, the sugars per serving, the ingredients and the allergens for the specific product. A mini size can make serving easier, but it doesn’t tell you what the product contains. Manger Bouger recommends limiting foods high in fat and sugar, and offering a varied snack.
If you’re looking for an occasional ice lolly, distinguish between “sugar-free” and “no added sugar”, then check the nutritional information and serving size. The word “fruit” on the packaging doesn’t answer these questions.
Before serving an ice lolly at school, a holiday club or at home, check the ingredients and allergen declaration for the exact product. The type of ice lolly alone can’t tell you whether it’s suitable for a prescribed avoidance diet.
A mini ice lolly or a box of individual portions can make serving easier. Also compare the amount per lolly and its ingredients. As Manger Bouger recommends, keep frozen treats as an occasional option within a varied snack.
For an occasional snack, start with the sugar claim, then check the allergens and the amount you’ll actually serve.
| What matters | What to check | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Sugar claim | Look for “sugar-free” or “no added sugar” on the exact pack. Compare the “of which sugars” figure per 100 g or 100 ml, then per ice lolly. | I want to know whether my priority is no sugars at all or no added sugars, rather than relying on the term “sugar free” alone. Around 44% of consumers may put this distinction at the top of their list. |
| Allergens | Read the ingredients and highlighted allergens for your chosen flavour and coating. | If my child needs to avoid milk or another allergen, the name “sorbet” isn’t enough for me to decide whether to serve it. Avoiding an incompatible allergen would be the top priority for around 33% of consumers. |
| Portion and sharing | Compare the amount per lolly and the sugars per ice lolly, not just the number of lollies in the box. | For an occasional shared snack, I’m looking for an individual portion whose size and ingredients I can assess. Serving size would come first for around 23% of consumers. |
These are different claims and don’t meet the same expectations: no added sugar doesn’t mean the product contains no sugars. The DGCCRF explains that nutrition claims are regulated by European legislation.
Check the exact wording and the “of which sugars” figure, comparing products on the same basis.
The name alone—whether it’s a fruity ice lolly, a sorbet or a treat made for children—doesn’t tell you which ingredients are in each recipe. The coating and flavour matter too.
Check the specific pack before serving. If an allergy has been diagnosed, follow the prescribed avoidance advice.
Boxes with the same number of lollies may contain different portion sizes and recipes. A mini size doesn’t guarantee a low sugar content.
Check the amount per lolly, sugars per ice lolly and allergens for each product.
A sugar claim alone doesn’t describe everything in an ice lolly. Manger Bouger recommends limiting foods high in fat and sugar, and offering a varied selection of snacks.
Save ice lollies for occasional treats and vary the foods you offer at snack time.
A brand of coated ice lollies featured in the online ranges from Carrefour France, Auchan France and Aldi France consulted for this article.
The retailer lists ice lollies and mini sizes online, and its search results include a “No added sugar” filter.
The retailer lists Marque Repère ice creams and frozen desserts online, including assorted ice lollies.
The retailer’s online category includes ice lollies and mini ice lollies, as well as fruit-based recipes.
The retailer’s French ice cream and frozen dessert page includes Mucci ice lollies and mini ice lollies.
No, these are two different claims. “No added sugar” means that no sugars or ingredients used for their sweetening properties have been added. It doesn’t mean that the product contains no sugars. Also check the “of which sugars” figure in the nutritional information.
No: the product name alone doesn’t tell you what it contains or which allergens it may include. Read the ingredients, allergen declaration and nutritional information for the exact product.
Before serving, check the ingredients and allergen labelling for the specific flavour and product. The DGCCRF notes in particular that the dairy origin of an ingredient such as butterfat must be stated. Don’t assume an ice lolly is milk-free based on its appearance.
It’s better to think of it as an occasional option rather than an everyday snack. Manger Bouger recommends limiting foods high in fat and sugar, and offering children a varied selection of snacks.