If your guests have different tastes, choose an assorted box of ice lollies; if you know what they like, a box of one flavour may be a good fit. Count the portions and check the ingredients of the product you choose. Plan how you’ll keep them cool on the way home, then leave them in the freezer until you’re ready to serve.
If you’re having several people round on the terrace, an assorted box lets you offer different flavours without buying multiple boxes of the same one. Just check how many lollies there are of each variety.
Caramel, pistachio or chocolate can help you decide if you know what your guests like. For these flavours, check the ingredients and allergens on the box you choose, too.
If you’re serving a group, the number and size of the lollies matter just as much as the flavour: a box of four and a box of eight won’t serve the same number of guests.
For a terrace get-together, start with the number of guests and their preferences, then check for any dietary requirements. Before you shop, also plan for the journey home and make sure you have room in the freezer until you’re ready to serve.
| Criteria | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Flavour variety | The flavours in the box and how many of each there are. | If my guests like different flavours, I’d rather give them a choice than serve just one. Around 36% of consumers would prioritise this variety. |
| Number of portions | The number of lollies and the weight or volume stated for each one. | I want to be able to serve everyone without discovering at the last minute that the box contains fewer lollies than expected. Around 29% of consumers would prioritise the number of portions. |
| Ingredients and allergens | The ingredients list, declared allergens and any ‘may contain’ statements for the exact product. | If any guests have dietary restrictions, I need to choose a suitable recipe after checking the packaging. Around 21% of consumers would make suitability their main criterion. |
| Keeping them frozen | Transporting them in an insulated bag and having somewhere to keep the boxes in the freezer until serving. | If the journey is long or the ice lollies might be left outside, I need to plan how to keep them frozen before buying them. Around 14% of consumers would put this consideration first. |
The Magnum Vegan Almond product information lists almonds and possible traces of milk, soya and other nuts. So, the fact that it’s plant-based doesn’t mean it’s suitable for every guest with dietary restrictions.
Ask about dietary restrictions before you buy, and read the information on the box you’ll be serving.
The pack sizes sold by retailers don’t all contain the same number of lollies. A smaller portion and a larger ice lolly may not be right for the same occasion, either.
Count your guests, then check the number of lollies and the weight or volume per portion.
A long journey or leaving them out on the terrace makes it harder to keep them frozen. ANSES recommends buying frozen food at the end of your shop and using an insulated bag.
Go straight home, put the boxes back in the freezer and take out only the ice lollies you’re serving. Don’t refreeze a product once it has thawed.
The range includes assorted boxes and distinct flavours, as well as a Vegan Almond product.
The pistachio and cream product featured by Carrefour is a good choice if you want to offer this specific flavour rather than an assortment.
Carrefour’s range includes double chocolate, double caramel and pistachio chocolate ice lollies, among other flavours.
E.Leclerc offers several TRIUM ice lolly recipes, including vanilla and almond, coffee, salted caramel and pistachio.
ALDI offers MUCCI ice lollies with a double coating in flavours such as chocolate, caramel and raspberry.
These Magnum products come in boxes of four or eight ice lollies, so you can choose according to the number of guests and the flavour you want. Check the ingredients on the box before serving it to anyone with dietary restrictions.
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The box of eight ice lollies lets you plan for one per person when serving a group of eight. It combines vanilla and almond flavours; check the labelling if any guests have allergies.
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This box of four ice lollies is a good choice if your guests like white chocolate and strawberry. If you’re serving a larger group, work out how many portions you need before deciding how many boxes to buy.
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This pack of four is ideal for guests who fancy a chocolate flavour. Check the ingredients and allergens listed on the box before serving.
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This box of four lets you offer a caramel flavour if your guests enjoy it. Joybuy describes this product as vanilla ice cream with salted caramel sauce; check the packaging for the ingredients and allergens in the box you buy.
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This box of eight ice lollies can serve a group if everyone likes white chocolate. It contains one flavour, rather than an assortment.
Buy them at the end of your shop, carry them home in an insulated bag and put them in the freezer as soon as you get back. Take out only the ice lollies you’re serving; ANSES recommends not refreezing food once it has thawed.
No: the Magnum Vegan Almond product information lists almonds and possible traces of milk, soya and other nuts. Check the ingredients and allergen information on the exact box before offering it to your guests.
First, check the number of lollies, net quantity, ingredients and allergens to see whether the box is suitable for the occasion. You can then use the nutritional information to compare products on a like-for-like basis, particularly per 100 g where this is provided.