Households looking for a frozen dessert to share
A box of lollies makes it easy to plan one dessert per person. Check the number of lollies, as well as the size of each one, before choosing a pack.
Who is this choice for?
People who pay attention to ingredients
If ingredients or allergens matter to you, check the label on the exact product you’re buying rather than relying on the range name: recipes and ‘may contain’ warnings can vary.
People preparing toast
If you want to spread something on bread alongside jam, look for a spread. Frozen lollies are for a different purpose.
What should you look for?
First decide whether you’re looking for something to spread on toast or a frozen dessert. For lollies, compare the pack size and recipe of each box, without assuming you can work out its ingredients from the number of lollies alone.
| What to consider | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Number and size of portions | Number of lollies and net quantity; size per lolly, if stated. | If I’m serving dessert to several people, I want to know how many portions are in the box and whether they’re the right size for me. Around 40% of consumers are said to prioritise this. |
| Quantity for the pack size | Net quantity and number of items, compared on the same basis across boxes. | If I’m choosing between two pack sizes, I want to distinguish the total quantity from the quantity per lolly. This is said to be the main priority for around 30% of consumers. |
| Ingredients and nutritional information | Ingredients, allergens and ‘may contain’ warnings; values per 100 g or 100 mL and, if shown on the packaging, per portion. | When the exact recipe matters to me, I need to be able to check the ingredients and compare nutritional information without relying on the product name alone. Around 30% of consumers are said to prioritise this. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Choosing a frozen lolly to top toast
A frozen lolly needs to be kept in the freezer and is served as a dessert; it doesn’t do the same job as jam.
Before comparing boxes, decide whether you’re looking for an individual dessert or something to spread on bread.
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Assuming every recipe from a brand is the same
Whether a product contains milk or nuts, or carries a ‘may contain’ warning, depends on the specific product and its recipe.
Read the ingredients and allergen information on the box you choose, even if you’re switching flavour or pack size.
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Letting the lollies warm up during the journey home
Keeping frozen desserts cold is important. The DGCCRF warns that a rise in temperature can increase risks related to food storage; the Auchan vanilla lolly box mentioned here says to store at −18 °C and not to refreeze the product after thawing.
Pick up frozen food at the end of your shop, take it home promptly and follow the storage instructions on the packaging you buy.
Frozen dessert brands to know
Magnum
The range includes Classic lollies and mini versions, with a choice of coatings.
- These formats let you choose between different portion sizes.
- The Magnum Classic recipe mentioned contains milk and carries a warning that it may contain several types of nuts; check the packaging for any other product.
Carrefour Classic' / Carrefour Sensation
Carrefour’s product listings include boxes of 12 lollies, with chocolate and caramel recipes among the options.
- The number of lollies and the recipe can help you choose the right pack.
- The ingredients in one product don’t tell you what’s in the whole range.
Marque Repère / TRIUM (E.Leclerc)
E.Leclerc’s frozen dessert range includes ice cream bars and cones, with several items in each box.
- These products offer a choice of individual dessert styles.
- A cone or ice cream bar may not be comparable to a lolly: check the product category and quantity for the one you choose.
Auchan
The products listed include vanilla, fruit and pistachio lollies, in a range of pack sizes.
- The vanilla product mentioned comes in a box of 12 lollies, coated with cocoa and hazelnuts.
- Its recipe, allergen warnings and storage instructions shouldn’t be assumed to apply to other Auchan lollies.
MUCCI (ALDI)
ALDI’s MUCCI range includes boxes of four lollies, mini lollies and recipes with a double coating.
- The pack size and type of coating help distinguish the products listed.
- If you’re choosing based on ingredients or allergens, check the packaging for the exact product.
Products ranked by scenario
This order brings together three products for different needs: a box of 12, a box of eight and a box of four with a double coating. The rankings aren’t a quality test or a nutritional comparison; the details come from the Auchan, Joybuy and ALDI listings respectively.
| Rank | Product | Features | Why choose this pack? | Retailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Auchan Vanilla Ice Lollies, 12 pieces, 450 g | 70.3% vanilla ice cream, 26.6% low-fat cocoa coating and 3.1% roasted chopped hazelnuts. | The Auchan listing describes a box of 12 portions for anyone planning to serve several individual desserts. Check the allergens on the packaging. | Auchan |
| 2 | Magnum Classic, ice cream lollies x8, 600 g | Eight vanilla ice cream lollies coated in milk chocolate. | The Joybuy listing features a box of eight for anyone looking for this vanilla-and-chocolate recipe. It contains milk and carries a warning that it may contain nuts, so check the label. | Joybuy |
| 3 | MUCCI, four lollies with a double coating | Box of four lollies with a double coating. | ALDI offers a pack of four for anyone who prefers a smaller box; check the recipe on the packaging for the exact product. | ALDI |
Joybuy products
Products related to this topic will be available soon.
Frequently asked questions
Can an individual ice lolly replace jam on toast?
No. An ice lolly is a frozen dessert that needs to be kept in the freezer, not something to spread. To top bread, choose jam or another spread.
What should you compare on two boxes of frozen lollies?
Compare the number of lollies and the net quantity, then check the ingredients, allergens and nutritional information for each product. To compare nutritional values, use the same basis, such as per 100 g or per 100 mL.
How do you check the allergens in a frozen lolly?
Read the label for the exact product, including any ‘may contain’ warnings. The Magnum Classic product mentioned contains milk and warns that it may contain several types of nuts; this information doesn’t apply to every Magnum recipe.
How should you transport and store these desserts after buying them?
Keep the lollies cold on the way home and follow the instructions on the packaging. The Auchan vanilla product mentioned says to store at −18 °C and not to refreeze the product after thawing.