Hosts who want individual portions
If you want to serve each guest without having to cut up a dessert, check how many lollies are in the box. Auchan, for example, offers an assorted box of 12; E.Leclerc lists Eco+ packs of 12 and 16.
Who are ice lollies for?
Ice lollies suit a range of dessert needs for an evening get-together. These suggestions are about choosing ice lollies, not a box of chocolates to give as a gift.
Groups with different tastes
An assortment lets you offer several flavours in one box. Magnum, for example, offers six mini ice lollies in Classic, Almond and White Chocolate flavours. Check that the number of lollies is right for your group.
People keeping an eye on ingredients
If a guest needs to avoid certain ingredients, check each recipe, including those in an assortment. Depending on the product, Carrefour, Auchan and Magnum list milk, wheat, soya, hazelnuts or almonds. Magnum Vegan Almond is labelled vegan, but you should still read the ingredients list.
What should you look for when choosing?
When choosing ice lollies, start with the number of portions and your guests’ preferences, then check the ingredients and whether you can keep the boxes frozen. If you’re looking for a box of chocolates to give as a gift, check the contents of the box instead. The storage advice below applies to ice lollies.
| What to consider | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Number of portions | Compare the number of lollies shown on the box with the number of guests. The weight alone won’t tell you how many lollies are inside. | When I’m hosting a group, I want to be able to serve an individual portion to everyone. Around 33% of consumers would prioritise the number of portions above all else. |
| Choice of flavours | Check which flavours are in the assortment and how many lollies there are altogether. | If everyone around the table has different tastes, I’d rather offer a choice of flavours than just one recipe. Variety would be the main priority for around 25% of consumers. |
| Ingredients and allergens | Read the ingredients list and allergen information for the exact product you’re buying. Don’t rely on the flavour name or the word ‘vegan’ alone. | If a guest needs to avoid an ingredient, I need to check the box I plan to serve. Around 25% of consumers would make suitability their top priority. |
| Storage | Check the storage instructions on the box and make sure you have room in the freezer. Auchan and Carrefour specify storage at −18 °C for the products mentioned. | If dessert needs to wait before it’s served, I need to be able to transport it and keep it frozen. Keeping products cold would come first for around 17% of consumers. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Guessing how many portions are in the box from its weight
The net weight doesn’t tell you how many ice lollies you’ll be able to serve. The products listed by Magnum, Auchan and E.Leclerc come in boxes of 6, 12 or 16, depending on the product.
Check the number of lollies first, then look at the flavours and weight. If you need several boxes, check the total number of lollies before you buy.
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Assuming a flavour or ‘vegan’ label means there are no allergens
Recipes vary. Carrefour Sensation Speculoos Chocolate lists milk and wheat, while Magnum Vegan Almond contains soya and almonds, among other ingredients.
Read the ingredients and allergen information for the exact product you’re buying, including each flavour in an assortment.
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Forgetting about the journey and freezer space
Ice lollies need to stay frozen until they’re served. Auchan’s storage instructions for the products mentioned specify storage at −18 °C and say not to refreeze a product once it has thawed.
Plan how you’ll transport the frozen products and make sure there’s room in the freezer for the boxes as soon as you get home.
Ice lolly brands to know
These products show the different formats and recipes available to compare. The features of one box won’t necessarily apply to other products from the same brand.
Magnum
Magnum offers an assortment of Mini Classic, Almond and White Chocolate ice lollies, as well as a Vegan Almond product.
- The Mini box featured by Magnum contains six ice lollies in three flavours.
- Magnum describes Vegan Almond as vegan, but the recipe contains almonds and soya. Check the allergen information on the box you choose.
Carrefour Sensation
The range includes ice lollies, including a Speculoos Chocolate product.
- Carrefour’s range lets you compare different recipes and pack sizes.
- The Speculoos Chocolate product lists milk, wheat and possible traces of nuts. Check the exact recipe before serving.
Auchan
Auchan offers, among other products, a 12-piece vanilla and chocolate assortment weighing 450 g, and a box of 12 vanilla ice lollies.
- The number of lollies is shown for both products, making it easier to plan portions.
- The vanilla and chocolate assortment lists hazelnuts and soya, among other ingredients. Follow the storage instructions on the box you buy.
Eco+ (E.Leclerc)
E.Leclerc lists Eco+ vanilla and chocolate mini ice lollies in packs of 12, and vanilla and chocolate ice lollies in packs of 16.
- These pack sizes make it easy to compare options based on the size of your group.
- Check the ingredients and allergen information on the product listing or packaging for the exact box you’re thinking of buying.
Related Joybuy products
Related products will be available soon.
Frequently asked questions
How many ice lollies should I buy for the evening?
Compare the number of lollies shown on the box with the number of people you want to serve. The products listed by Magnum, Auchan and E.Leclerc include packs of 6, 12 and 16. Also bear in mind that some guests may prefer a different dessert or may not be able to eat the recipe you’ve chosen.
Is a ‘vegan’ label enough to choose an ice lolly if someone has an allergy?
No. It doesn’t replace reading the ingredients and allergen information. Magnum describes Vegan Almond as vegan, but this product contains soya and almonds. Check the packaging of the product you’re buying.
How can I keep ice lollies frozen until dessert?
Plan a suitable way to transport frozen products and make room in your freezer as soon as you get home. Auchan specifies storage at −18 °C for the products mentioned and says not to refreeze a product once it has thawed. Follow the instructions on the box you buy, too.