Who is this choice for?

People avoiding added sugars

You’re looking for a fruity ice lolly with no added sugars. Anses reminds consumers that this claim doesn’t rule out sugars naturally present in the ingredients, so check the ‘of which sugars’ figure too.

People keeping an eye on their sugar intake

If the total sugar content is what matters to you, distinguish between ‘sugar-free’ and ‘no added sugar’. Compare the nutritional values per 100 g as well as the amount in one lolly.

Teams with a freezer at work

A box of individually wrapped lollies needs to be transported appropriately and stored according to the packaging instructions. The AUCHAN mango and passion fruit lolly product page recommends freezer storage at −18 °C.

What should you check?

First, decide whether you’re looking to avoid added sugars or reduce your total sugar intake. Then check the portion size and storage requirements for the workplace.

What to consider What to check Who is it for?
Packaging claim Read the exact wording: ‘no added sugar’ and ‘sugar-free’ don’t mean the same thing. I want to avoid added sugars without assuming that this means the product contains no sugars at all. Around 44% of consumers are said to prioritise this distinction.
Sugars and portion size Compare the ‘of which sugars’ figure per 100 g, then check the weight of the lolly you plan to eat. For my break, it’s the amount of sugar in the lolly that matters, not just the message on the front of the pack. The amount consumed is said to be the main priority for around 33% of consumers.
Storage at work Check the storage instructions, whether you have access to a freezer and the conditions during transport. I can only choose a box of ice lollies if they’ll stay properly frozen on the way to work. This storage consideration is said to come first for around 23% of consumers.

Mistakes to avoid

  • Confusing ‘no added sugar’ with ‘sugar-free’

    According to Anses, a product with no added sugars may still contain sugars naturally present in its ingredients. The AUCHAN product page for its mango and passion fruit lolly with no added sugars states that it contains 19 g of sugars per 100 g.

    If your choice depends on the total sugar content, check the exact claim and the ‘of which sugars’ figure.

  • Comparing only the fronts of the packs

    Lollies of different weights won’t necessarily make the same-sized portion. The DGCCRF explains that nutritional information per 100 g or 100 ml provides a consistent basis for comparison.

    Compare the sugars per 100 g first, then check the weight of the lolly you’ll be eating.

  • Buying a box without planning how to store it

    The AUCHAN product page for its mango and passion fruit lolly recommends freezer storage at −18 °C and says not to refreeze the product after it has defrosted.

    Before buying several lollies, check your journey and whether you’ll have access to a freezer at work.

Brands and retailers to explore

AUCHAN

AUCHAN offers a 100% fruit mango and passion fruit lolly labelled ‘no added sugar’.

  • The product page lists a box of 4 lollies weighing 240 g, along with the ingredients, nutritional values and storage instructions.
  • This product contains 19 g of sugars per 100 g: ‘no added sugar’ does not mean ‘sugar-free’.

Carrefour

Carrefour’s ice lolly search includes a ‘No added sugar’ filter.

  • This filter can help you find products to look into.
  • To choose a specific product, check its product page or packaging for the claim, ingredients and nutritional information.

Magnum

Magnum offers a range of ice creams, but the brand name alone doesn’t tell you how much sugar a particular product contains.

  • If you’re looking to avoid added sugars, check the exact product for this claim and read its nutritional information.

Joybuy products

Products related to this topic will be available soon.

Frequently asked questions

Does ‘no added sugar’ mean ‘sugar-free’?

No. Anses explains that a product labelled ‘no added sugar’ may still contain sugars naturally present in its ingredients. To find out the total sugar content, check the ‘of which sugars’ figure.

How do you compare two ice lollies?

Compare their ‘of which sugars’ values on the same basis, per 100 g or 100 ml, then check the weight of each lolly. The DGCCRF explains that presenting nutritional information per 100 g or 100 ml makes it easier to compare products.

Is the AUCHAN mango and passion fruit lolly sugar-free?

No. It’s labelled ‘no added sugar’, but its product page states that it contains 19 g of sugars per 100 g and 11 g per 60 g lolly. It may suit someone looking to avoid added sugars, but not someone looking for a sugar-free product.

Can you keep ice lollies at work?

Yes, as long as you can follow the product’s storage instructions during your journey and at work. For the AUCHAN mango and passion fruit lolly, the product page recommends freezer storage at −18 °C and says not to refreeze the product after it has defrosted.