Couples looking for individual portions
A selection of mini ice cream lollies lets guests choose a flavour without anything needing to be cut up when it’s time to serve. Make sure, though, that the allergens in each product are clearly labelled.
Who are these options for?
Organisers catering for lots of guests
The number of lollies in each box is essential when working out how many to buy and how much freezer space you’ll need. Trium and Mucci offer products worth considering, depending on the flavours you’re looking for and the pack sizes available.
Hosts looking to offer a range of flavours
A fruity option can complement chocolate-coated lollies. Check its ingredients and allergens: a fruity flavour or the word ‘sorbet’ doesn’t automatically mean a product is suitable for every guest.
What should you look for?
Start by deciding on the portions and flavours you’d like to offer. Then check the allergen information and how you’ll keep everything frozen before working out quantities.
| What to consider | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Portions and presentation | Mini or standard size, number of lollies and flavours in each box. | If I want everyone to be able to take a portion without anything needing to be cut up, individual portions come first. Around 31 % of consumers prioritise this. |
| Flavours and allergens | Ingredients and allergens for each product, and information to keep handy when serving. | If I want to offer a choice of flavours without leaving guests to guess what’s in them, I need to be able to identify each recipe. Around 31 % of consumers prioritise this. |
| Number of portions | Number of lollies in each box and the total needed, taking into account the other desserts being served. | When the guest list is long, I want to know how many portions the boxes will actually provide. Around 23 % of consumers prioritise this calculation. |
| Keeping everything frozen | Storage instructions on each pack, transport, on-site storage and replenishment. | If transport and serving will take a while, I need to be able to keep the products at the required temperature until they’re presented. Around 15 % of consumers prioritise this. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Choosing based on the look of the box alone
Attractive packaging doesn’t tell you everything you need to know about the recipe, number of portions or allergens.
Compare the sizes and ingredients of each product before deciding how to present it on the buffet.
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Assuming ‘fruity’ or ‘sorbet’ means allergen-free
The fruity product described by Auchan contains milk and may contain traces of other allergens. The product name is no substitute for reading the label.
Check the allergens for each product and keep the packaging accessible while you’re serving.
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Working out quantities before planning frozen storage
According to the DGCCRF, a rise in temperature can make food unsafe. Transport and freezer space therefore affect how many products you can organise.
Check the temperature instructions on each pack and replenish in small batches rather than leaving all the boxes out for an extended period.
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Counting boxes instead of lollies
The pack sizes mentioned by Carrefour, E.Leclerc and Aldi don’t all contain the same number of lollies, so two boxes won’t necessarily provide the same number of portions.
Add up the number of lollies in each product, taking into account the other desserts you’re planning to serve.
Brands to consider
Magnum
Chocolate-coated ice cream lollies and mini lollies, including a Classic, Almond and White Chocolate selection for offering a choice of individual flavours.
- Carrefour lists this selection in a mini format.
- For this product, check the information about milk and the possible presence of almonds and pistachios before serving.
Trium
A brand of ice cream lollies sold by E.Leclerc, worth considering if you’re putting together a buffet with a choice of products.
- The E.Leclerc selection includes vanilla lollies coated in milk chocolate and almonds, sold in boxes of four.
- Check the pack size, ingredients and products available at your store before working out how many portions you’ll need.
Carrefour Extra
A selection of mini ice cream lollies to consider if you’re looking to offer individual portions.
- Carrefour lists a selection of eight mini lollies in its mini ice cream range.
- Check the packaging of your chosen product for its ingredients and allergens.
Auchan
Fruit ice lollies to consider as a complement to a selection of chocolate flavours.
- The product described by Auchan adds a different flavour profile to the buffet.
- It contains milk and may contain traces of cereals containing gluten, peanuts, soya, egg and nuts.
Mucci
An ice cream brand sold by Aldi, with a double-coated ice cream lolly option.
- Aldi describes a box of four lollies in chocolate, caramel or raspberry flavours.
- Check the flavours available and the allergens listed on the packaging of the product you choose.
Joybuy products
Products related to this topic will be available soon.
Frequently asked questions
How do you choose ice cream lollies for a wedding buffet rather than relying on the word ‘luxury’?
First, choose a size that guests can easily pick up, then compare the flavours, ingredients and number of lollies in each pack. According to the DGCCRF, ice cream, fruit ice and sorbet are distinct categories. The product name and ingredients are more useful than a premium-looking presentation alone.
Is a sorbet or fruity ice lolly always suitable for guests who avoid milk?
No. Check the allergens for the specific product before serving it. The DGCCRF states that milk must be declared when present, including in a product such as sorbet; the fruity product described by Auchan contains milk.
Can you leave all the ice cream lollies out on the buffet throughout the reception?
It’s better to replenish them in small batches and follow the storage instructions on each pack. The DGCCRF warns that a rise in temperature can make food unsafe.
Is the Magnum mini selection suitable for people with nut allergies without checking first?
No. The information for the mini Classic, Almond and White Chocolate selection mentions the possible presence of almonds and pistachios. Check the packaging of the box you’re serving, and don’t describe this selection as nut-free.
Why keep the boxes during serving?
The boxes provide details of the ingredients, allergens and storage instructions for each product. The DGCCRF states that allergens must be highlighted on the labels of prepacked foods. Keep this information accessible so you can answer guests’ questions.