Guests looking for a treat with their coffee
If you want a single portion, check the weight or volume per lolly rather than the overall size of the box. A mini ice lolly and a standard-sized one suit different dessert cravings.
Who is this guide for?
Hoteliers stocking frozen desserts
The number of portions, freezer space and clear identification of each recipe all matter when organising service, particularly when the packaging is not handed to the customer.
Guests with a plant-based preference or an allergy
The term ‘vegan’ is no substitute for checking the ingredients and possible traces. For example, according to Magnum France, Magnum Vegan Amande contains almonds and may contain milk, soya and other nuts.
What should you look for before choosing?
First decide whether the ice lolly is simply an accompaniment to coffee or the dessert itself, then check the recipe and serving requirements.
| Criteria | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Individual portion | Compare the number of portions and the amount per lolly. Carrefour Extra, for example, offers a box of 8 mini lollies at 32 g each and a box of 4 lollies at 75 g each. | I want a little something sweet with my coffee, or perhaps a dessert in its own right; portion size would be the top priority for around 36% of consumers. |
| Ingredients and allergens | Read the ingredients list and any ‘may contain’ warnings for the product you plan to serve. According to Magnum France, Vegan Amande contains almonds and may contain milk, soya and other nuts. | If I have a plant-based preference or an allergy to consider, I need to be able to identify the recipe precisely; this would be the top priority for around 29% of consumers. |
| Storage and serving | Follow the temperature shown on the packaging and plan how the product will be moved to the freezer. Carrefour specifies −18 °C for its vanilla and chocolate product; check the instructions for any other product. | To serve ice lollies at a hotel, I need to be able to store and identify them until service; around 21% of consumers would put these arrangements first. |
| Box size | Check the number of portions and the amount per portion before planning your stock: a box of minis and a box of standard-sized lollies do not provide the same number of servings. | I’m planning several services and want the right number of portions for my stock; packaging would be the main concern for around 14% of consumers. |
Mistakes to avoid when serving
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Assuming ‘vegan’ means ‘allergen-free’
According to Magnum France, Vegan Amande contains almonds and may contain milk, soya and other nuts. A plant-based preference and whether a product is suitable for someone with an allergy are two separate matters.
If someone has an allergy, check the ingredients and any ‘may contain’ warnings for the specific product being served. Don’t rely on its name alone.
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Comparing box sizes alone
Carrefour Extra’s assortment of 8 mini lollies at 32 g each and its box of 4 vanilla and chocolate lollies at 75 g each offer different portion sizes.
Decide whether you’re offering a little treat with coffee or an individual dessert, then compare the amount per lolly and the number of servings.
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Leaving frozen products out before putting them away
The DGCCRF advises that a rise in temperature speeds up microbial growth. Carrefour states that its vanilla and chocolate product must not be refrozen once defrosted.
Make room in the freezer before delivery and follow the transport, storage and defrosting instructions on each pack.
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Losing track of an unwrapped ice lolly’s identity
In France, provisions published by Légifrance require consumers to be informed about substances that may cause allergies or intolerances in relevant food products, particularly when they are sold without prepacked packaging.
If the packaging is not provided with the ice lolly, keep the product clearly identifiable and make its allergen information available to the customer.
Brands to consider, depending on the format you want
Magnum
Magnum France offers Vegan Amande in a box of 3 portions of 90 mL, as well as a Mint option in a box of four.
- The portion size of Vegan Amande makes it easy to compare with the mini or standard-sized options you’re looking for.
- Vegan Amande contains almonds and may contain milk, soya and other nuts; check the ingredients if you need to consider an allergy.
Carrefour Extra
Carrefour offers an assortment of 8 mini lollies at 32 g each and a vanilla and chocolate option with 4 lollies at 75 g each.
- These two portion sizes make it easy to choose between something to enjoy with coffee and a more substantial individual dessert.
- Ingredients and possible traces vary by recipe; the mini assortment, for example, carries a warning that it may contain traces of eggs and other nuts.
Auchan
Auchan’s online range includes ice lollies under its own brands and national brands, in a variety of pack sizes.
- The choice of products makes it possible to compare flavours and portion numbers to suit the service you have planned.
- Check the ingredients, allergens and pack size on the product listing for the specific item before choosing it.
MUCCI
ALDI offers a box of 4 double-coated lollies under its MUCCI brand, weighing 288 g in total.
- The number of portions and total weight make it easier to factor this pack into your stock planning.
- Check the ingredients and allergens on the packaging of the product you choose before serving it.
Joybuy products for individual portions
This selection includes ice lollies and ice pops in multipacks. When serving them with coffee, check the size of each portion and how it is presented before choosing between a little treat and an individual dessert.
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MIKO Donut Chocolate & Cookies ice lollies, 4 × 62 ml
The pack of four makes it easy to serve individual lollies with coffee.
Each lolly is listed as 62 ml. Before serving, check the allergens on the packaging and follow the storage instructions.
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Binggrae Melona Melon Ice Bar, 8 × 70 ml
The box of eight portions is well suited to serving ice lollies individually.
Each lolly is listed as 70 ml. The recipe contains milk; check all ingredient and allergen information on the packaging before serving.
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POP FRUIT Sorbet Sticks 100% Coconut, × 4, 280 g
This sorbet on a stick offers a different kind of frozen dessert to serve individually with coffee.
The box contains four portions, weighing 280 g in total. If someone has an allergy, check the labelling on the product being served, including any ‘may contain’ warnings.
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CAPRI-SUN Orange & Cherry Ice Pops, × 12, 444 g
These ice pops come in twelve portions and could be served as a little individual treat; they should not be confused with a standard ice cream lolly.
The box weighs 444 g in total. Check how each portion is presented before planning service, and check the allergen information on the packaging.
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Bamboo Tree Mung Bean Ice Cream Bar
This ice cream bar could be served as an individual dessert after coffee.
Check the amount per bar, ingredients and allergens on the packaging before deciding what portion to offer customers.
Frequently asked questions
Mini or standard-sized ice lolly with coffee?
Choose according to the role it plays in your service: a little treat with coffee or an individual dessert. For a guide to portion sizes, Carrefour Extra offers minis at 32 g each and vanilla and chocolate lollies at 75 g each.
Is a vegan ice lolly suitable for someone with an allergy?
Not necessarily: the term ‘vegan’ does not, by itself, tell you about every allergen. According to Magnum France, Vegan Amande contains almonds and may contain milk, soya and other nuts; check the information for the specific product being served.
How should you store ice lollies before serving?
Follow the temperature and instructions on each pack. Carrefour specifies −18 °C for its vanilla and chocolate product and says not to refreeze it once defrosted; the DGCCRF highlights the importance of maintaining the cold chain.
What should you do about allergen information if an ice lolly is served without its packaging?
Keep the product identifiable and make its allergen information available to the customer. In France, provisions published by Légifrance govern the provision of information about substances that may cause allergies or intolerances in relevant food products, particularly those sold without prepacked packaging.