For a meal on the train, choose an individually wrapped ice lolly only if you can follow its storage instructions between shopping and eating it. The packaging won’t keep it cold. Then compare the portion size, number of lollies and ingredients of the exact product you’re considering; a plant-based recipe isn’t necessarily allergen-free.
If you’re planning to have a dessert on the train, the time between taking it from the freezer aisle and eating it matters just as much as the portion size. The DGCCRF advises that the cold chain must also be maintained during transport.
A box of mini lollies or an assortment lets you plan one dessert per person without having to portion out a large tub of ice cream. Check the number of lollies and the size of each one, though: the formats offered by Carrefour, Auchan and Magnum aren’t all the same.
If you have a dietary preference or allergy, the label on the specific product matters more than the range name. For example, the Magnum Vegan Amande x3 product lists almonds and says it may contain milk, soya and other nuts.
First, work out whether you can keep the product cold until your meal. Then choose the portion size and check the ingredients of the product you’ve selected.
| What to consider | What to check | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Keeping it cold | The storage instructions on the box and whether you can carry the product in a cool bag after picking it up at the end of your shop. | If I have to wait before eating on the train, I want to limit the time the product spends out of the cold. Around 50% of consumers put this need first. |
| Format and portion | The number of lollies and the quantity per lolly, where stated. Don’t assume you know the portion size from the weight of the box alone. | If I want to serve everyone dessert without cutting up a large ice cream, I look for portions that work for a meal. Nearly 30% of consumers prioritise this format. |
| Ingredients and allergens | The ingredients list, any allergens highlighted on the label, and any ‘may contain’ warnings on the packaging of the batch you buy. | If I need to avoid an ingredient or follow a dietary preference, the ingredients come before the flavour. For around 20% of consumers, this is the top priority. |
Time out of the cold starts before you even get to the station. The DGCCRF says that a rise in temperature can affect food quality and increase the risk of foodborne illness.
Pick up frozen foods last, carry them in a cool bag and follow the storage instructions on the packaging.
An individual wrapper makes it easier to serve an ice lolly, but it won’t keep it at its required storage temperature.
Choose the portion format separately from how you’ll keep the product cold until you eat it.
If you don’t already have suitable equipment, you may need a cool bag and ice packs to transport it.
A plant-based recipe may contain nuts or carry a warning that it may contain other allergens. For example, Magnum lists almonds for Vegan Amande x3 and says it may contain milk, soya and other nuts.
If you have an allergy, check the ingredients and any ‘may contain’ warnings on the packaging of the specific batch before choosing.
The range includes classic ice cream bars, mini formats and a plant-based option. Compare the recipes and portion sizes rather than relying on the brand name alone.
Carrefour’s own-label ranges, including SIMPL and Carrefour Extra, let you compare boxes of ice lollies and mini lollies.
The TRIUM and SMICY ranges offer several pack sizes of ice lollies to compare, one product at a time.
The freezer aisle includes a range of individual frozen desserts, including mini lollies, ice cream bars and sorbets.
These products come as ice lollies or water ices that can be served individually. For a meal on the train, check the packaging for each item, the ingredients and whether you can follow the storage instructions before choosing a pack.
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A pack of water ices to consider if you want to serve several individual portions during your journey. Check the packaging for allergen information and storage instructions; individual sachets don’t replace the need to keep the product cold.
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These coconut sorbet sticks are worth considering if you’re looking for ice lollies in individual portions. Check the box to see whether each one is individually wrapped. If you have an allergy, check the information for the batch, particularly any warnings relating to milk, nuts, soya and peanuts.
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A pack of ice cream bars to consider if several people each want an ice cream during the journey. If you have a milk or almond allergy, check the label, and make sure you can follow the instructions for keeping them cold.
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The stated volume per ice bar can help you choose a portion before you set off. Check the ingredients carefully if you need to avoid milk, and follow the storage instructions during transport.
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This assorted pack of water ice lollies gives you several flavours to choose from. If you need a particular portion size or an individual wrapper for each lolly, check the box. Also check the allergen information and storage instructions.
Yes, as long as you can follow the storage instructions until you’re ready to eat them. The DGCCRF recommends picking up frozen foods at the end of your shop and using a cool bag to transport them. Don’t rely on individual wrappers to keep them cold.
No: ‘plant-based’ doesn’t mean ‘allergen-free’. Magnum lists almonds in Vegan Amande x3 and says it may contain milk, soya and other nuts. Check the label on the batch you buy before choosing.
Check the ingredients list and any ‘may contain’ warnings on the packaging. The DGCCRF says allergenic ingredients must be highlighted on the label. Always check the exact product, as recipes vary.