Hosts catering for different tastes
If not everyone wants the same flavour or portion size, check what’s in the mini selections and how many of each variety are included.
For a TV night, choose the number of ice lollies to match the guests who’d like one, then decide between mini and standard sizes based on portion size and flavour. A mini selection gives you several options, while a box of 12 is a good choice if you need more portions and the flavours suit your group. Check the allergens for each variety, and plan how to keep them frozen during the journey, especially if you’re thinking of taking them in a lunch box.
If not everyone wants the same flavour or portion size, check what’s in the mini selections and how many of each variety are included.
For an evening with two or three people, compare boxes of 4, 6 or 8 with boxes of 12 before making room in the freezer.
Ingredients and ‘may contain’ warnings can vary between ice lollies in a selection. Check the information for each flavour before serving one to a guest with an allergy.
Count how many people will want an ice lolly, then choose the portion size and flavours. Before taking the box home, check the ingredients and storage instructions on the packaging.
| What matters | What to check | Who might prioritise it? |
|---|---|---|
| Keeping them frozen | Temperature stated on the packaging; an insulated bag and journey time. | If I need to take the ice lollies with me, I want to be able to keep them at the stated temperature until I can put them away or serve them. Around 24 % of consumers would make this their top priority. |
| Number of portions | Exact number of ice lollies; mini or standard size. | When several guests want an ice lolly, I’m looking for a box that covers the whole group without relying on extra portions. Around 19 % of consumers would put this first. |
| Portion sizes and flavours | Size of the ice lollies; flavours included and how many of each. | If people have different tastes, I’d rather offer several flavours or smaller portions, even if that means fewer of each variety. Around 19 % of consumers would prioritise this. |
| Box size | Number of portions needed for the evening; space available in the freezer. | In a smaller household, I want to be able to store any ice lollies left over without buying a box that’s far too big. Around 19 % of consumers would make this their top concern. |
| Ingredients and allergens | Ingredients list, allergens and ‘may contain’ warnings for each flavour. | If a guest needs to avoid an ingredient, I check every variety before offering them an ice lolly. Around 19 % of consumers would make this their first priority. |
A lunch box on its own won’t keep a frozen product at the right temperature. The DGCCRF recommends keeping transport time to a minimum, using an insulated bag if possible and following the temperature stated on the label.
Buy the ice lollies last and put them in the freezer as soon as you can. If you’ll be eating them away from home later, make sure you can maintain the stated storage conditions.
You may need an insulated bag or cool box for the journey or while you wait to eat them.
The products listed by Magnum, Carrefour, Auchan and ALDI come in boxes of 6, 8 or 12, in mini or standard sizes. So the same box size doesn’t always mean the same number of portions or the same portion size.
Compare the number of ice lollies and, where the packaging gives this information, the weight or volume per lolly, based on the number of people you’re serving.
Ingredients and ‘may contain’ warnings can differ within a selection. The products listed by Carrefour and Auchan show why it’s important to check each variety in the box.
Before offering an ice lolly to someone with an allergy, read the ingredients list and allergen information for the exact product and each flavour.
Magnum offers a box of 6 mini ice lollies in Classic, Almond and White Chocolate flavours, for groups who’d like a choice of flavours.
The product listed by Carrefour contains 12 ice lollies: 6 vanilla and 6 chocolate.
AUCHAN offers a selection of 8 mini ice lollies for groups looking for a choice of chocolate coatings.
ALDI offers a box of 12 mini ice lollies under the MUCCI® brand. Compare it with other options based on the number of guests and the portion size you want.
A lunch box on its own isn’t enough to keep them frozen until later. The DGCCRF recommends following the temperature stated on the packaging, keeping transport time to a minimum and using an insulated bag if possible. Make sure you can maintain the required conditions until they’re eaten.
No. Check the exact product and every flavour in the box. The AUCHAN selection listing includes a variety containing almonds, for example. Check for ‘may contain’ warnings too before serving an ice lolly to anyone with an allergy.
Choose based on the number of guests, the portion size you want and the flavours they’ll enjoy. The Carrefour box listed contains 12 ice lollies, split between vanilla and chocolate; the mini selections shown by Magnum and AUCHAN contain 6 and 8 pieces respectively.
Check the listing for the exact product before ordering, including the number of pieces, flavours and ingredients. Check the delivery conditions too, and make sure you can put the ice lollies in the freezer as soon as they arrive.