To serve ice lollies at a children’s baking workshop, first choose a recipe that suits the group’s dietary requirements, then pick a format with the right number and size of portions. Mini ice lollies make it easy to serve smaller portions; boxes of standard ice lollies and sorbets offer other sizes and flavours. Whichever you choose, always check the ingredients and any ‘may contain’ information on the exact packaging.
If several children are taking part, check the ingredients of each product before serving, especially any allergens and ‘may contain’ information relevant to the group’s known dietary requirements.
Individual ice lollies save you having to cut up a larger one. The number of lollies in a box helps you plan one portion per child; with an assortment, the choice of flavour still depends on the ingredients in each recipe.
A fruit ice lolly offers a fruity flavour instead of a dairy-based one. You should still check the ingredients and any ‘may contain’ information, particularly if a child has an allergy.
When buying for a group of children, check dietary requirements before counting portions. Then choose ice lolly sizes and flavours that work for your group.
| What to consider | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Allergens | Highlighted ingredients and ‘may contain’ information for each recipe in the box. | If any children have dietary requirements, I need to be able to check each ice lolly before serving it; around 36% of consumers would put this need first. |
| Portion size | Mini or standard size, and the quantity per ice lolly if stated. | To serve a small portion without cutting anything up, I check the size of each ice lolly; around 29% of consumers would put this convenience first. |
| Number and flavours | How many ice lollies are in the box and which flavours are included in the assortment. | When several children are taking part, I want enough ice lollies and flavours they can actually eat; around 21% of consumers would make this their main concern. |
| Type of recipe | Product description, main ingredients and whether it has a coating. | If flavour is the main deciding factor, I weigh up a coated ice lolly and a fruity sorbet without assuming they have the same ingredients; around 14% of consumers would make this their main consideration. |
The Oasis sorbet product information checked at Auchan mentions possible traces of milk and other allergens. So the word ‘sorbet’ alone isn’t enough to tell you whether the product is suitable for a particular child.
Check the ingredients and ‘may contain’ information on the exact packaging rather than relying on the flavour or product description.
Ice lollies in the same box may have different coatings and ingredients. One suitable variety doesn’t mean the others are suitable too.
Check the ingredients for each recipe, where these are listed on the packaging, before letting the children choose their ice lollies.
The products shown by Carrefour and Auchan come in different pack sizes. An assortment may also include recipes that aren’t suitable for everyone taking part.
Count the children and the number of ice lollies that meet their dietary requirements before deciding how many boxes to buy.
You may need a separate option if some children can’t eat any of the recipes in your chosen assortment.
The Magnum, Oasis and Auchan product information checked states that the products should be stored at −18 °C; the Auchan listing says not to refreeze the product once thawed.
Follow the packaging instructions for transport and storage, then take the ice lollies out when you’re ready to serve them.
These examples can help you compare pack sizes and recipes; always check the ingredients of the specific product you choose.
Coated ice lollies and mini ice lollies to consider if individual portions and chocolate flavours are important to you.
Mini assortments and boxes of ice lollies to compare by size and number of portions.
Boxes of mini and standard ice lollies that let you compare portion numbers for a group.
An individual fruity sorbet option to consider if the children prefer this type of recipe to coated ice lollies.
Individual double-coated ice lollies and mini ice lollies to consider, depending on the size and flavour you’re looking for.
This selection includes individual fruit sorbets and ice lollies in strawberry and vanilla or melon flavours. Before choosing a box for your workshop, compare the number of ice lollies with the group’s dietary requirements.
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A box of 8 mini sorbet ice lollies for serving individual portions in lemon and blood orange flavours.
Before serving to a child with an allergy, check the ‘may contain’ information on the packaging, particularly for milk, soya, peanuts and nuts.
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A mini sorbet ice lolly coated in dark chocolate for children who enjoy combining fruity flavours with chocolate; the box contains 6.
The product contains soya, and its description mentions possible traces of other allergens, including milk and nuts. It also states that it isn’t suitable for children under 36 months.
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Four individual mango sorbet ice lollies: a pack to consider if this number of portions suits your group.
The description mentions possible traces of milk and other allergens; check the packaging if any children have relevant dietary requirements. It also states that the product isn’t suitable for children under 36 months.
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Six individual ice lollies combining strawberry and vanilla flavours. Count them before planning one portion per child.
The product contains milk and may contain nuts and peanuts. Its description says to store at −18 °C or below and not to refreeze once thawed.
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A box of 8 individual melon ice lollies, ready to serve without cutting.
The product contains milk: check all allergen and ‘may contain’ information on the packaging before serving. Its description also mentions the colour E102, which may have an adverse effect on children’s activity and attention.
Yes. The mini size doesn’t tell you what’s in them. The DGCCRF states that allergens in prepacked food must be highlighted in the ingredients list. Read the ingredients for the product you buy, and check the ‘may contain’ information and the different recipes in an assortment too.
No. The product information for the Oasis peach and apple sorbet listed by Auchan mentions possible traces of milk. If you’re choosing a product for a child with an allergy, check the ingredients and ‘may contain’ information on the exact packaging.
First count the participants and plan one portion that meets each child’s known dietary requirements. Then compare the total with the number of ice lollies in each box. The pack sizes listed by Carrefour and Auchan vary by product, and an assortment may not mean that every child can have every ice lolly in the box.
Follow the storage instructions on the box you choose and keep the time outside the freezer to a minimum. The Magnum, Oasis and Auchan product information checked states −18 °C; the Auchan listing says not to refreeze a product once thawed.