Organisers serving a large group
You’ll need to work out how many portions to hand out, count the ice lollies in each box and set aside enough freezer space to keep them frozen.
Who are these options for?
Organisers looking to offer a choice of flavours
You may want a choice of recipes or mini portions for guests, but remember that the number of flavours isn’t the same as the number of ice lollies.
People in charge of transport and serving
You’ll need to plan the journey, storage and restocking, while keeping the ingredients and allergen information for each product to hand.
What should you check before the fête?
First, work out how many portions you need to serve. Then check the recipes and how you’ll keep them frozen until it’s time to hand them out.
| Criteria | What to check | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Number of portions | Count the ice lollies in each box and work out how many boxes you’ll need for the people you plan to serve. Carrefour, for example, lists a SIMPL box containing 16 ice lollies. | I need to hand out one ice lolly to each person expected and avoid running short. Around 46% of consumers would put this need first. |
| Flavours and size | Check which recipes are actually included in the box, and distinguish mini ice lollies from standard-sized ones. | If I want to offer a choice of flavours, I check what’s in the assortment rather than looking only at the number of ice lollies. Around 27% of consumers would prioritise this variety. |
| Keeping them frozen and allergens | Plan transport and storage at −18 °C or below, and check the allergens on the packaging for each product. | I’m in charge of serving and need to keep the products frozen while being able to tell guests what’s in them. This would be the priority for around 27% of consumers. |
What mistakes should you avoid?
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Counting boxes instead of ice lollies
A box of 16 Carrefour SIMPL ice lollies, a SMICY assortment of 20 sticks and a box of six Magnum mini ice lollies don’t provide the same number of portions. The word “stick” also doesn’t tell you what recipe the product is.
Work out how many portions you need before choosing your boxes, and check the exact description of each assortment.
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Assuming chocolate recipes have the same allergens
Carrefour lists milk and soya in its SIMPL ice lollies, which may also contain nuts. Other recipes may contain wheat, hazelnuts or traces of other allergens.
Keep the packaging at the serving point and check the ingredients for the product you’re handing out, even if you’re familiar with another recipe from the same brand.
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Underestimating the journey and freezer space you’ll need
According to the Ministry of Agriculture, the reference temperature for frozen storage is −18 °C. The instructions for the products concerned say not to refreeze them after thawing.
Use suitable insulated transport, check your freezer’s capacity and arrange to restock as close to serving time as possible.
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Planning portions around an assortment you haven’t confirmed
Lidl says its assortments may vary from store to store and that products can’t be reserved in its supermarkets.
Check which products and quantities are available at your chosen store before finalising your serving plan.
Brands and ranges to know
Carrefour SIMPL
Carrefour lists a box of 16 vanilla-and-chocolate ice lollies, each weighing 33.5 g. It’s worth considering when the number of portions is a priority.
- One box makes it easy to count out 16 portions.
- This recipe contains milk and soya, and may contain nuts.
Carrefour Classic'
The box of 12 ice lollies listed by Carrefour contains vanilla-and-chocolate and chocolate recipes.
- Two recipes come in the same box.
- Check the box for details of allergens, including milk, wheat, soya and hazelnuts, as well as possible traces of other allergens.
SMICY / E.Leclerc
E.Leclerc lists an assortment of 20 SMICY sticks, which may be worth considering when the number of portions matters.
- The listed pack contains 20 units.
- Check the box to find out what the sticks are, which recipes they contain and their allergens before using them instead of creamy ice lollies.
Auchan
The Auchan range includes fruit ice lollies in packs of eight and vanilla ice lollies in packs of 12.
- These products make it easy to consider flavour and pack size separately.
- Check the pack size and recipe for the product you choose rather than treating fruit and vanilla ice lollies as the same product.
MUCCI / Aldi
Aldi lists an assortment of 12 MUCCI mini ice lollies in milk chocolate, white chocolate, almond and Classic flavours.
- The box of 12 contains a selection of recipes.
- The almond recipe makes it especially important to check the allergens on the packaging when serving a group.
Magnum
Magnum lists a mini assortment of Classic, Almond and White Chocolate in a pack of six. It’s worth considering for a varied selection, rather than relying on one small box to serve a large group.
- The assortment includes three recipes.
- Check the allergens and exact pack details for the product you buy; six ice lollies will serve only a limited number of people.
Ice lollies available on Joybuy
These ice lollies come in different portion sizes and recipes for a village fête. Count how many you need, and check the ingredients and storage instructions before putting together your selection.
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Maison de la Glace Water Ice Pops, 5 flavours, 12 pieces, 1 200 g
This box of 12 water ice lollies gives you individual portions in a choice of five listed flavours.
Store at −18 °C or below and do not refreeze after thawing. Check the allergen information on the box before serving.
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CAPRI-SUN Orange & Cherry Ice Pops, 12 pieces, 444 g
The 12 orange- and cherry-flavoured ice lollies let you offer two recipes in individual portions.
The product description warns that traces of gluten, peanuts, soya, milk and nuts may be present. Check the packaging for the product you’re serving. Store at −18 °C or below and do not refreeze after thawing.
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Magnum Mini Classic, Almond & White Chocolate, 6 pieces, 254 g
This mini assortment contains six ice lollies in three recipes. Bear the number of portions in mind if you’re planning to serve a large group.
The product contains milk and may contain nuts. Check the packaging for the product you buy. Store at −18 °C or below and do not refreeze after thawing.
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Binggrae Melona Melon Ice Bar, 8 × 70 ml
The pack contains eight melon ice lollies, providing eight portions for serving.
The product contains milk. Its description states that the colour E102 may have an adverse effect on children’s activity and attention. Store at −18 °C or below and do not refreeze after thawing.
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POP FRUIT Sorbet Sticks 100% Coconut, 4 × 70 g
These four coconut sorbet ice lollies are a different type of frozen dessert. One box provides four portions.
The product description says it is not suitable for children under 36 months and notes that it is made in a facility that also handles milk, nuts, peanuts and soya. Check the packaging and keep the product at −18 °C or below. Do not refreeze after thawing.
Frequently asked questions
How do I work out how many boxes to buy?
Start with the number of people you plan to serve, then divide the number of portions you need by the number of ice lollies in each box. Before buying a large number of boxes, check that you have enough freezer space.
What temperature should ice lollies be stored at before serving?
Store them at −18 °C or below and plan transport so they stay frozen. The Ministry of Agriculture gives −18 °C as the reference temperature for frozen storage. Follow the instructions on each pack too, and don’t refreeze a product once it has thawed.
What should I check if any guests have allergies?
Check the ingredients list and allergens for every box you’re serving. The DGCCRF states that allergenic ingredients must be highlighted on the labels of prepacked foods. Keep the packaging to hand at the serving point so you can answer guests’ questions.
Can I count on an assortment I’ve spotted being available on the day?
Check that the product and quantity are available at the store you plan to visit before deciding how many portions to serve. Lidl says its assortments may vary between stores and that products can’t be reserved in its supermarkets.