Chocolate and crunch fans
If you’re looking for a chocolate coating and inclusions such as almonds or biscuit pieces, check the exact recipe if allergens or nutritional information matter to you.
Who are these ice lollies for?
Fans of tropical flavours
You might prefer mango, passion fruit or coconut to a straightforward vanilla-and-chocolate recipe. However, a fruity flavour doesn’t necessarily mean it’s a sorbet, so check the product description and ingredients.
Anyone planning several desserts
If you’re catering for a group or planning desserts for several days of your holiday, the number of ice lollies and the total weight or volume can help you choose the right pack size. Make sure you can also keep the boxes frozen during the journey.
What should you look for?
Start with the flavour and texture you’re after, then check the pack size and how you’ll keep it frozen on the way to your freezer.
| What to consider | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Chocolate and crunch | The type of coating, inclusions and allergens in the recipe you choose. | If you’re mainly after a chocolate hit and a crunchy texture, these details matter more than the ice cream flavour. Around 42% of consumers would put this type of recipe first. |
| Fruity flavours | The product description, ingredients and whether it contains milk. | If you fancy a mango or passion fruit dessert, check whether it’s ice cream or sorbet rather than relying on the flavour alone. Around 33% of consumers would prioritise this fruity profile. |
| Pack size for sharing | Number of ice lollies, total weight or volume, and space in your freezer. | If you’re planning several desserts, you’ll want to know how many portions are actually in the box and be able to keep them frozen throughout your stay. Nearly 25% of consumers would put this need first. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Assuming what’s inside from the word ‘indulgent’
A product range name alone won’t tell you the ingredients or nutritional values of each recipe.
Compare the labels of the products you’re interested in, particularly the sugars, fat and values given per 100 g or per portion.
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Relying on the flavour alone when checking for allergens
A fruity ice lolly may also contain dairy ice cream or a coating. The Carrefour Sensation White Chocolate Cookies recipe, for example, lists milk and wheat and may contain traces of nuts.
Check the ingredients and allergens on the box you’re buying; don’t assume they’re the same as those for another flavour in the range.
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Comparing boxes by the number of ice lollies alone
Two boxes with the same number of ice lollies don’t necessarily contain the same amount of ice cream.
Check the total weight or volume too, and the amount per ice lolly if this information is shown on the box.
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Overlooking the journey to your holiday destination
Ice lollies need to stay frozen while they’re being transported. Without suitable protection, they may not keep properly.
Anses recommends buying frozen products at the end of your shop and using an insulated bag to transport them. Put them in the freezer as soon as you arrive.
Brands to know
Magnum
The range includes chocolate-and-almond ice lollies and fruity combinations such as Double Sunlover.
- Magnum France describes Double Sunlover as coconut, mango and passion fruit flavours covered in white chocolate.
- Check the ingredients and allergens for the variant you choose, particularly milk and nuts.
Carrefour Sensation
This Carrefour range includes white chocolate and cookie ice lollies, as well as mango, passion fruit, white chocolate and red fruit flavours.
- These combinations let you choose between a chocolate-led recipe and one with fruity flavours.
- The White Chocolate Cookies product contains milk and wheat and may contain traces of nuts. Check each label separately.
Trium
The E.Leclerc catalogue lists vanilla, chocolate and almond ice lollies under this brand, as well as recipes with fruity flavours.
- The different recipes let you compare flavours and pack sizes to suit the number of desserts you’re planning.
- Check the ingredients and allergens on the box you choose; you can’t tell what they are from the range name.
An option on Joybuy
If you prefer fruity flavours, this selection includes mini mango and passion fruit sorbet ice lollies coated in dark chocolate.
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PopFruit Mini Sorbet Sticks mango, passion fruit and dark chocolate, x6, 282 g
An option to consider if you’re looking for an individual dessert with fruity flavours and a chocolate coating.
The box contains six mini ice lollies, with a stated total weight of 282 g. Check the box for ingredients, allergens and storage instructions.
Frequently asked questions
How do you choose a tasty ice lolly without relying on its packaging?
Compare the exact recipe and pack size: the ice cream or sorbet flavour, type of coating, inclusions, ingredients and quantity per box. A description such as ‘luxury’ is no substitute for this information.
Is a fruity ice lolly suitable if you have a milk or nut allergy?
The fruity flavour alone won’t tell you. Some recipes combine fruit with dairy ice cream or a coating, so check the ingredients and highlighted allergens on the exact box before choosing it.
How do you transport ice lollies to a holiday rental?
Buy them at the end of your shop and carry them in an insulated bag, following Anses advice for frozen products. Keep the journey as short as possible, then follow the storage instructions on the box.
What should you look for on the box?
When choosing pre-packed ice cream in France, check the ingredients list, any highlighted allergens and the net quantity. The French Ministry of the Economy notes that these details are part of the labelling information required for pre-packed food.