Hosts serving several guests
If you’re planning a TV night with a group, check the number of pieces, the box weight and the type of ice lolly to choose portions that suit everyone.
Which format is right for you?
Groups with varied tastes
An assortment of flavours or mini ice cream bars gives everyone a choice from the same box. Just be sure to check the flavours and ingredients of each one.
Guests who check ingredients
If someone needs to avoid an allergen, check the ingredients list and any ‘may contain’ information for the exact product. These can vary from one flavour to another.
What should you look for?
For a TV night, start by working out how many portions you need and what type of frozen treat will suit your group. Then narrow down your choice by flavour, ingredients and transport requirements.
| What to consider | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Number of portions | Number of pieces and net weight; also check whether they’re water ice lollies or creamy ice cream bars. | When I’m having several people over, I want to serve everyone without buying lots of boxes. Around 33% of consumers put the number of portions first. |
| Formats and flavours | Size of the ice lollies, flavours included and number of pieces in each flavour. | If everyone has different tastes, I look for an assortment with something for everyone. Variety is the top priority for around 27% of consumers. |
| Ingredients | Ingredients and allergens for the exact flavour, ‘may contain’ information and nutritional details per 100 g and, where provided, per portion. | Before sharing a box, I need to know whether its ingredients are suitable for the guests concerned. Around 20% of consumers put this information first. |
| Availability and transport | Whether the product is available at your chosen shop, whether any offer is still valid and whether you can transport the frozen treats in an insulated bag. | If I’m shopping just before the evening starts, I want to be able to buy the ice lollies and get them into the freezer quickly. This is the main concern for around 20% of consumers. |
Common pitfalls to avoid
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Confusing water ice lollies with creamy, coated ice cream bars
The SMICY assortment sold by E.Leclerc contains water ice lollies, while Magnum products and some Carrefour Classic’ ice cream bars are milk-based and coated. They won’t suit the same preferences.
Start by choosing the type of frozen treat you want, then compare formats and flavours within that category.
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Assuming every flavour has the same allergens
The Carrefour Classic’ chocolate and vanilla ice cream bar sold by Carrefour contains milk and carries several ‘may contain’ warnings. The Magnum Mini Classic product information also mentions milk and possible traces of nuts.
Keep the packaging to hand and check the information for each product before serving it to the guests concerned.
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Making a long journey with frozen food
Making another stop after shopping makes it harder to keep frozen food at the right temperature.
Anses recommends picking up frozen products at the end of your shop, using an insulated bag and keeping the journey home as short as possible.
Brands and retailers to know
These products show some of the different formats to consider for a TV night. Their inclusion here doesn’t mean they’re available in every shop.
Magnum
Vanilla and chocolate ice cream bars and mini bars for anyone looking for this particular type of frozen treat.
- Magnum’s product information for Mini Classic x6 describes vanilla ice cream coated in milk chocolate.
- This product contains milk and may contain nuts. Check the packaging for any guests this may affect.
Carrefour Classic’ / SIMPL
Own-brand products that include a range of ice cream bars.
- Carrefour’s range includes SIMPL and Classic’ ice cream bars.
- Ingredients vary by product. The Classic’ chocolate and vanilla product information lists milk and several ‘may contain’ warnings.
Marque Repère : SMICY et TRIUM
Different formats from E.Leclerc, including SMICY sticks and TRIUM products.
- E.Leclerc lists a 20-stick SMICY assortment weighing 850 g.
- SMICY sticks are water ice lollies, not creamy, coated ice cream bars. For this product, E.Leclerc advises contacting your local store to check availability.
Auchan
A retailer where you can look for ice cream bars, mini bars and assortments from several brands.
- Auchan lists a Magnum assortment of 10 mini bars, weighing 423 g, with Classic, Almond and White Chocolate flavours.
- Check which product is available at your chosen shop before planning the flavours for your evening.
MUCCI (Aldi)
A brand to look out for if you’re after mini ice cream bars, for example.
- ALDI France lists a pack of 12 MUCCI mini bars weighing 429 g.
- Check which product is available at your shop, as the range can change.
Lidl
A retailer to check if you’re happy to choose from the products advertised in its leaflet.
- Lidl states how long each offer is valid for on its product page.
- Not every product in the leaflet is available in every shop, and Lidl doesn’t allow you to reserve items in store.
Ice lollies for different tastes
These Joybuy products let you choose between an assortment of water ice lollies and coated Magnum mini bars. Choose based on the type of frozen treat, number of portions and flavours you’re looking for.
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YETI Ice Blocks Water Tubes Assortment 24, 1,16 kg, pack of 4
Worth considering if water ice lollies would suit your group.
The product name states ‘24’, a weight of 1,16 kg and a pack of 4. Check the packaging for the total number of portions.
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Maison de la Glace Water Ice Pops, 5 flavours, 12 pieces, 1 200 g
An assortment of water ice lollies to consider if you want to offer guests a choice of flavours.
The box contains 12 pieces and has a stated weight of 1 200 g. Check the ingredients and allergens for each flavour for anyone this may affect.
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POP POLO Water Ice Lollies, 5 flavours, 10 pieces, 700 g
This format suits a group who’d rather choose from a selection of water ice lollies.
The pack contains 10 ice lollies in five flavours and weighs 700 g. Read the nutritional information to compare the ingredients.
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CAPRI-SUN Orange & Cherry Ice Pops, 12 pieces, 444 g
Worth considering if your guests like orange and cherry flavours.
The pack contains 12 ice lollies and weighs 444 g. The product information lists possible traces of gluten, peanuts, soya, milk and nuts. Check the packaging before serving it to anyone this may affect.
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Magnum Mini Classic, Almond & White Chocolate, 6 pieces, 254 g
Worth considering if your guests would prefer coated mini bars to an assortment of water ice lollies.
The pack contains six pieces and weighs 254 g, with Classic, Almond and White Chocolate varieties. Check the allergens in this assortment before sharing it.
Frequently asked questions
How do you compare two boxes of ice lollies for a TV night?
Check the number of pieces, net weight and type of frozen treat before you choose. Water ice lollies, creamy ice cream bars and coated bars won’t necessarily suit the same tastes. Also compare the flavours actually included.
Is the Nutri-Score enough to help you choose an assortment?
No. A Nutri-Score label isn’t a substitute for checking the ingredients, allergens and nutritional information. Look at the values per 100 g and, where stated on the packaging, per portion. Don’t assume that one score means a product is suitable for everyone.
What should you check if a guest is allergic to milk or nuts?
Read the packaging for the exact flavour before serving it. Carrefour’s product information for Classic’ chocolate and vanilla, and Magnum’s for Mini Classic, lists milk and possible traces. These details don’t apply to every product from those brands.
How should you transport ice lollies after shopping?
Pick up frozen food at the end of your shop and keep the journey to your freezer as short as possible. Anses recommends using an insulated bag during transport to help maintain the cold chain.