Anyone having a small group round in the evening
You want to have enough individual portions for everyone, without having to cut up or serve a frozen dessert.
Who is this guide for?
Groups with different tastes
You’re looking for a mixed pack with several flavours, so everyone can choose their own ice lolly.
Anyone checking ingredients carefully
You need to check the ingredients on the exact pack before serving guests who need to avoid certain ingredients or allergens.
What should you look for?
Count the people you’ll be serving, then choose between mini and regular-sized ice lollies. The variety of flavours and the ingredients can help you decide between packs that are suitable for your group.
| What to consider | What to check | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Number of portions | Check the number of lollies listed on the pack and see whether they’re mini or regular-sized. | When I’m having several people round, I want to be able to give everyone an ice lolly without running short. Around 46% of consumers would put sharing first. |
| Variety and size | Check which flavours are in the pack and how many of each there are. | If everyone in the group likes different things, I’d rather let them choose a smaller portion. Around 27% of consumers would prioritise this. |
| Ingredients and allergens | Read the ingredients list and any ‘may contain’ warnings on the pack you buy. | If a guest needs to avoid an ingredient, I check the exact recipe before offering them an ice lolly. Around 18% of consumers would make this their top priority. |
| Storage | Check you have enough freezer space and follow the product’s storage instructions. | If I’m saving some for another evening, the pack needs to fit in my freezer. Around 9% of consumers would put this first. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Judging by the size of the box alone
A large box doesn’t tell you how many ice lollies it contains or how big each portion is.
Count the lollies and check their size before choosing a pack for your group.
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Assuming a mixed pack suits everyone
Different flavours in the same pack may contain different ingredients. For example, Carrefour says its Carrefour Extra mini ice lolly assortment contains milk, soya and almonds, and may contain traces of other allergens.
Read the label on the product you buy and, if necessary, choose a separate option that’s suitable for the guest concerned.
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Leaving ice lollies out after shopping
Getting frozen products home and putting them away are part of choosing them, especially if you plan to keep the pack in the freezer.
Anses advises buying frozen products at the end of your shop. Carry them in an insulated bag, put them in the freezer as soon as possible and follow the instructions on the pack.
Brands and retailers to consider
Magnum
The range includes mini ice lollies, mixed packs and regular-sized ice lollies.
- The Mini Classic, Almond and White Chocolate assortment brings several flavours together in one box.
- Check the ingredients for the specific pack you choose: the flavours in an assortment may not all contain the same allergens.
Carrefour Extra
The brand offers a mixed pack of mini ice lollies, ideal for sharing smaller portions.
- Carrefour lists a box of eight mini ice lollies, each weighing 32 g.
- The ingredients include milk, soya and almonds. Eight lollies may also not be enough, depending on the size of your group.
E.Leclerc / Marque Repère
The Marque Repère range includes a Smicy assortment of 20 sticks, worth considering if the number of portions is your priority.
- E.Leclerc lists this pack as containing 20 lollies and weighing 850 g.
- Check the ingredients on the exact product listing or packaging before serving.
Auchan
The frozen ice lolly aisle lets you compare boxes of different sizes and brands.
- Auchan lists a Magnum assortment of ten mini ice lollies, among other options.
- Check the number of lollies and the flavours in the specific pack you choose, rather than relying on the aisle name alone.
Bon Gelati / Lidl
Bon Gelati is an ice cream brand sold by Lidl.
- The offer listing can help you identify the product available at your local store.
- Check that it’s an ice lolly pack in a size suitable for sharing, then read the ingredients on the exact product.
Mucci / ALDI
The Mucci range includes a pack of mini ice lollies to consider when you need several portions.
- ALDI lists a box of twelve mini ice lollies weighing 429 g.
- Don’t confuse this box with other Mucci products, including the pack of four double ice lollies.
Joybuy products
Related products will be available soon.
Frequently asked questions
How many ice lollies should I get for a group?
Start with the number of people and the portion size you’d like, then check the number of lollies in the box. The packs listed by Carrefour, ALDI and E.Leclerc contain eight, twelve and twenty lollies respectively. Be sure to distinguish mini ice lollies from sticks before deciding how many to serve.
Why check allergens on the exact pack?
Because ingredients vary between flavours and assortments, even within the same brand. The DGCCRF reminds consumers that allergens present in the ingredients of pre-packed foods must be highlighted. Also check any ‘may contain’ warnings if they’re relevant to one of your guests.
Will a mixed pack of mini ice lollies be enough for an evening?
It could suit a small group who want to choose from several flavours, as long as there are enough lollies for everyone. For a larger group, count the portions before prioritising variety. A bigger box doesn’t necessarily contain more flavours.
How should I store ice lollies after shopping?
Buy frozen products at the end of your shop, as Anses advises, then carry them in an insulated bag and put them in the freezer as soon as possible. Follow the storage instructions on the pack you choose.