Households planning several frozen treats
If you’re stocking the freezer for the week, compare the total weight and number of ice lolly sticks. Four large lollies and twelve small ones won’t necessarily suit the same needs.
Who are these sizes for?
People who prefer to portion them out
A pack of mini ice lolly sticks or an assortment can be a good choice when several people are sharing a box. Check the amount in each lolly too, not just the number in the pack.
People who pay close attention to ingredients and allergens
If the recipe matters to you, read the label for the specific variety you’re buying. Milk, almonds or soya may be present in certain products, but that doesn’t necessarily apply to an entire brand or range.
What should you look for?
Start by working out how many ice lolly sticks you’ll actually get through during the week, then check their size and recipe. These three points help you compare multipacks with different weights and ingredients more accurately.
| What to consider | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| How much you’ll need for the week | Net weight and number of ice lolly sticks, in relation to the desserts you plan to serve. | I want to plan several desserts without choosing a box that’s too big for my household; around 50% of consumers put this useful quantity first. |
| Portion size and variety | Amount per lolly, number of mini ice lolly sticks and flavours in the pack. | If everyone prefers a smaller portion or a different flavour, the contents of each lolly matter as much as the size of the box; this is reportedly the top priority for around 33% of consumers. |
| Ingredients and allergens | Ingredients list and allergens for the exact product; nutrition information per 100 g or 100 ml if you’re comparing recipes. | If I need to check a recipe before serving it, the label for that variety comes before the pack size; this is reportedly the main priority for around 17% of consumers. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Assuming all mini ice lolly sticks are the same
A high number of lollies doesn’t tell you the total amount, the size of each portion or what’s in the pack.
Check the net weight, amount per lolly and flavours before choosing an assortment to share.
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Relying on the ingredients for another recipe from the same brand
Ingredients and allergens vary by product. The Magnum Mini Double Chocolate product information lists milk and notes that it may contain soya and almonds.
Read the packaging of the box you’re buying, especially if an allergen or ingredient affects your choice.
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Picking up ice lollies too early during your shop
Ice lollies should be kept at the storage temperature shown on the packaging. The DGCCRF advises picking up frozen products at the end of your shop and carrying them in an insulated bag.
Leave the frozen-food aisle until last, then put the boxes in the freezer as soon as you get home.
Brands to compare
TRIUM
This E.Leclerc own-brand range includes vanilla ice lolly sticks coated in milk chocolate and almonds.
- E.Leclerc lists a box of four ice lolly sticks with a net weight of 314 g.
- Check that this recipe and number of lollies suit the portions you’re planning for the week.
Carrefour Classic'
The range includes a multipack of twelve chocolate and vanilla ice lolly sticks, listed by Carrefour.
- The number of lollies gives you a useful guide to sharing desserts around the household.
- Check the net weight and ingredients of the box you choose: twelve lollies doesn’t tell you how big they are.
MUCCI
ALDI sells both mini ice lolly sticks and double-coated ice lolly sticks under this brand.
- According to ALDI, the range includes twelve mini ice lolly sticks weighing 429 g and four double-coated sticks weighing 288 g.
- Compare each product separately: the number of lollies and total weight differ from box to box.
Magnum
The brand offers a range of recipes and sizes, including Mini Double Chocolate and Vegan Almond.
- Magnum lists a 50 g portion for its Mini Double Chocolate product, making it easy to check the nutrition information per portion.
- Always check the ingredients and allergen information for the exact variety rather than assuming they’re the same across the brand.
Auchan Bio
Auchan’s range includes Fruity Mix ice lolly sticks.
- The Fruity Mix product listed by Auchan contains six lollies and has a net weight of 350 g.
- Check the recipe on the box you choose if you’re looking for particular flavours or ingredients.
Ice lolly sticks and individual ice lollies on Joybuy
These multipacks of ice lolly sticks and individual ice lollies come in a range of quantities, flavours and pack sizes for your weekly shop. Compare them with the portions you want to serve, and check the packaging for the specific product you choose.
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MIKO Donut Chocolate & Cookies, 4 sticks, 62 ml each
A pack of four to consider if you’re planning four individual portions during the week.
The box states 4 × 62 ml. Check the ingredients and allergens on the packaging you buy.
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Binggrae Melona Melon Ice Bar, 8 × 70 ml
With eight lollies, you can plan several individual portions of melon ice bar.
Each ice lolly is listed as 70 ml. Before serving this product to children, read the warning on the packaging about the effect of colour E102 on their activity and attention.
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CAPRI-SUN Orange & Cherry Ice Pops, 12 lollies, 444 g
This pack is a good choice if you want to share twelve small individual ice lollies over several days of the week.
The box states 444 g for twelve lollies. Check the allergen information on the packaging for the product you buy.
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Maison de la Glace Water Ice Pops, 5 flavours, 12 lollies, 1200 g
This assortment of twelve water ice lollies could be a good choice if several people want to choose from five flavours.
The stated total weight is 1200 g. Check the packaging for each recipe to confirm the ingredients and allergens before serving.
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Magnum Mini Classic, Almond & White Chocolate, 6 lollies, 254 g
This pack of six mini ice lolly sticks could suit you if you’re looking for a mix of flavours in smaller portions.
The stated total weight is 254 g. Read the ingredients and allergen information for the exact assortment on its packaging.
Frequently asked questions
How do I compare two boxes of ice lollies in different sizes?
Compare their net weight, the number of lollies and the amount per portion, if stated. A box of twelve mini ice lolly sticks and one with four larger sticks won’t necessarily contain the same amount of ice cream.
Where can I check the allergens in a packaged ice lolly?
Read the ingredients list and allergen information for the variety you’re buying. For prepacked food sold in France, the DGCCRF says that allergenic ingredients must be emphasised in the list; this information can vary between recipes.
How do I compare nutrition information with the portion I’ll serve?
Use the figures per 100 g or 100 ml to compare two products, then check the per-portion information if it’s shown on the packaging. The DGCCRF explains that nutrition information per 100 g or 100 ml makes it easier to compare prepacked foods.
How should I transport ice lollies after shopping?
Pick them up at the end of your shop, carry them in an insulated bag and put them in the freezer as soon as possible. Follow the storage temperature and instructions on the packaging.