People hosting at Easter
If you’re serving several guests, count the lollies and check whether the selection includes flavours they’ll enjoy. An x8 pack could provide eight servings, but that doesn’t guarantee everyone will like every flavour.
Who are these formats for?
Parents planning smaller portions
Mini ice lollies make it easier to serve smaller portions: Carrefour lists eight 32 g lollies in its Carrefour Extra selection. For a lunchbox, also check that the journey and waiting time will allow you to keep the ice lolly at the required temperature.
People checking for allergens
Check the ingredients and any ‘may contain’ warnings on the specific pack you’re buying, for each flavour. Products mentioned by Carrefour and Magnum include ingredients such as milk, soya or almonds, depending on the product.
What should you look for?
Start by considering how many desserts you need to serve and what size portions you’d like. The ingredients and flavours can then help you choose between packs of the same size.
Mini selection
Choose this: if everyone wants a small portion or you’d like a choice of flavours.
Bear in mind: a mini lolly may be too small for anyone expecting a standard-sized dessert.
Standard x4 ice lollies
Choose this: if four portions are enough and you’ve already decided on the flavour.
Bear in mind: the Magnum Almonds x4 pack comes in just one flavour and won’t serve more than four people.
x8 multipack
Choose this: if you’re planning eight portions, for one meal or several occasions.
Bear in mind: make room in the freezer and check the flavours before choosing a single-flavour pack.
| Factor | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Number of portions | Count how many lollies you’ll need for the meal and any desserts afterwards; distinguish between mini and standard sizes. | If I’m hosting several people, I want to serve everyone without buying a pack that’s far too large for this one meal. Around 33% of consumers would put the number of portions first. |
| Allergens | Read the ingredients and ‘may contain’ warnings on the exact product, including for each flavour in a selection. | If a guest needs to avoid an ingredient, I must rule out any pack that includes a flavour they can’t have. For around 25% of consumers, allergen suitability would be the main deciding factor. |
| Ice lolly size | Compare the amount per lolly in the same units, where stated; a box of eight mini lollies isn’t the same as eight standard portions. | When sharing smaller portions between children, I prefer to know the size of each lolly. Around 25% of consumers would put size first; if the ice lollies are going in a lunchbox, I also need to be able to keep them cold. |
| Flavours | Check which flavours are included and whether they contain pieces such as almonds, rather than relying on the selection’s name alone. | When people around the table like different flavours, I want to avoid having a large pack of one flavour left unfinished. Around 17% of consumers would put flavour choice first. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Judging portions by the size of the box
Eight 32 g Carrefour Extra mini lollies aren’t the same as four Magnum Almonds lollies of 100 ml each: the number of items alone doesn’t tell you the portion size.
Count your guests, then check the number of lollies and the amount per lolly on each pack.
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Assuming a selection suits everyone
According to the products featured by Carrefour and Magnum, chocolate-flavoured varieties may contain milk, soya or almonds, with other allergens listed as possible traces.
Read the label on the specific pack before buying, and choose another dessert for any guest if the ingredients aren’t suitable for them.
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Buying ice lollies too early in your shop
Frozen ice lollies need to be kept at the storage temperature stated on the packaging. The DGCCRF gives −18 °C as a guideline for frozen ice cream.
Pick them up at the end of your shop, use an insulated bag if possible and put them in the freezer as soon as you get home.
Brands to consider
Magnum
Depending on the product, Magnum offers standard ice lollies and mini selections. The Almonds x4 pack and x8 packs cater for different numbers of portions.
- The Almonds x4 pack lists 100 ml per lolly; according to the corresponding Joybuy product listing, an x8 selection includes Classic, Almond and White Chocolate.
- The Almonds version contains milk and almonds. Check the ingredients on each pack, especially if it includes several flavours.
Carrefour Extra
Its selection of eight mini ice lollies is suited to serving smaller portions rather than standard-sized lollies.
- Carrefour lists eight 32 g lollies for this product.
- The ingredients include milk, soya and almonds, and the product may also contain traces of eggs and other nuts.
Simpl
The mini selection featured by Carrefour contains eight ice lollies weighing 284 g in total, with milk, dark and white chocolate varieties.
- The eight lollies let you plan one individual serving for each person.
- The selection includes milk and an almond variety; Carrefour also warns that it may contain traces of other nuts.
Multipacks available on Joybuy
These x8 and x12 packs let you plan several ice lollies for Easter, with fruity, chocolate or melon flavours. If you’re looking for a smaller portion or something for a lunchbox, check the amount per lolly and storage instructions before choosing.
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CAPRI-SUN Orange & Cherry Ice Pops x12, 444 g
Share orange- and cherry-flavoured ice lollies between several people. The pack contains 12 lollies and weighs 444 g; if you’re taking them out with you, make sure you keep them at the recommended storage temperature. Check the ingredients and any trace warnings if a guest needs to avoid certain allergens.
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MAGNUM Vanilla Almond, ice cream bars x8, 600 g
Serve eight portions to guests who enjoy the combination of vanilla and almonds. The pack weighs 600 g; check the label for the amount per lolly. It contains milk and almonds, and may contain other nuts. Take particular care with the almond pieces if serving young children.
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MAGNUM White Chocolate, ice cream bars x8, 600 g
Plan eight desserts if white chocolate is a hit with your guests. The pack weighs 600 g; check the amount per lolly if portion size matters to you. It contains milk and may contain almonds or pistachios, so check the label before sharing.
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MAGNUM Classic, ice cream bars x8, 600 g
Share dessert with everyone enjoying the Classic flavour, rather than choosing a selection. The box contains eight lollies and weighs 600 g; check the amount per lolly if you’re comparing portion sizes. It contains milk and may contain nuts.
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Binggrae Melona Melon Ice Bar, 8 x 70 ml
Serve eight melon ice lollies, each listed as 70 ml. The product contains milk; check the full label for any other allergens and the warning about the E102 colourant if children will be eating them.
Frequently asked questions
How do you check allergens in an ice lolly selection?
Read the ingredients list and any trace warnings on the specific pack; don’t assume what’s in it from the flavour alone. The DGCCRF points out that allergens present in the ingredients of prepacked foods must be highlighted. In the selections mentioned here, ingredients vary between products and ice lollies.
Is a mini ice lolly suitable for a lunchbox?
Its smaller size may suit the portion you’re looking for, but only if you can keep it at the stated storage temperature until it’s ready to eat. The Carrefour Extra selection contains eight 32 g lollies; this size doesn’t remove the need to check transport and storage conditions.
How should you bring ice lollies home after your Easter shop?
Keep the time between buying them and putting them in the freezer to a minimum, and use an insulated bag for the journey if possible. The DGCCRF gives −18 °C as a guideline for storing frozen ice cream; follow the temperature stated on the packaging.
Can you refreeze an ice lolly once it has thawed?
No, don’t refreeze an ice lolly once it has thawed. The DGCCRF advises against refreezing thawed food, and the Auchan product listing for Magnum Mini Classic carries the same warning.