Organisers of small team breaks
For a few colleagues, a box of six mini ice lollies gives you one per person, as long as your group has no more than six people. Magnum France, for example, offers an assortment of three flavours in this format.
Who are these pack sizes for?
People organising a meeting for a larger group
If more people are attending, the number of lollies is a useful starting point. Auchan France offers an assortment of eight Magnum lollies, while ALDI France also lists a box of twelve MUCCI® minis. You’ll still need to compare portion sizes.
People checking ingredients
If anyone attending has an allergy, keep the packaging for each product to hand. The DGCCRF reminds shoppers that allergens must be highlighted in the ingredients list on pre-packed foods.
What should you check before choosing?
For a meeting break, start with the number of people and whether you want mini or standard lollies. Then check the flavours, total quantity and serving arrangements.
| What to consider | What to check | Who is this for? |
|---|---|---|
| Number and size of portions | Count the lollies and check whether they’re mini or standard size. | If I’m serving a group, I want everyone to have a portion that suits the length of the break. Around 33% of consumers would prioritise this. |
| Flavour choice | Check the flavours listed and, if shown on the box, how many of each there are. | When the group has different preferences, I’d like to offer a choice of flavours rather than assume what’s inside from the picture. Around 25% of consumers would prioritise variety. |
| Quantity in the box | Compare the total weight or volume with the number of lollies. Two boxes that look the same size may contain different-sized portions. | When planning what to serve, I need to know how much each box contains, not just how many lollies it says are inside. Around 25% of consumers would put this comparison first. |
| Ingredients and storage | Check the exact packaging for allergens and any ‘may contain’ warnings, then make sure the lollies stay frozen until serving. | If someone has an allergy or there’s a long journey to the meeting, I need to be able to check the packaging and store the lollies correctly. This would be the main concern for around 17% of consumers. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Going by the number of lollies alone
Twelve minis and eight standard lollies don’t offer the same portion size. So the number of lollies alone won’t tell you what each person will get.
Check whether they’re mini or standard, how many there are, and the total weight or volume.
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Assuming every flavour has the same ingredients
Similar recipes may contain milk or almonds, or carry a warning that they may contain traces of nuts. Sharing an assortment doesn’t mean you can skip checking each product you serve.
Check the ingredients and any ‘may contain’ warnings on the box you buy, then leave the packaging where people can see it during the break.
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Taking the lollies out of the freezer too early
The journey and wait before the meeting can interrupt the cold chain. Anses recommends keeping frozen food out of the freezer for as little time as possible and never refreezing food once it has thawed.
Use an insulated bag for the journey, put the products in the freezer as soon as you arrive, and take them out only when you’re ready to serve.
Brands and retailers to know
Magnum
Magnum France offers an assortment of six Classic, Almond and White Chocolate mini ice lollies. Auchan France also offers an assortment of eight lollies.
- The two formats let you choose between mini portions and a box of eight lollies.
- Check the ingredients and any nut warnings on the assortment you choose.
Carrefour Extra
Carrefour France offers a box of four Carrefour Extra lollies in vanilla, milk chocolate and almond flavours.
- Four lollies are worth considering for a small group.
- The product listing includes milk and almonds, among other ingredients. Check the label on the box you serve.
MUCCI®
ALDI France lists, among other products, a 429 g box of twelve MUCCI® mini ice lollies.
- The number of lollies gives you a useful starting point when planning for a group.
- Compare the size of the minis and check the ingredients of the product you choose.
Auchan
Auchan is a retailer where you can compare different ice lollies and mini lollies, rather than a single ice lolly brand.
- Its listing for an eight-piece Magnum assortment specifies that it contains four flavours.
- Check the details of each box rather than assuming that all the pack sizes on the shelf are equivalent.
Multipacks available on Joybuy
This selection includes ice lolly multipacks and portions that need freezing before serving. Choose according to the number of lollies, the flavours and how much you can prepare before the meeting.
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CAPRI-SUN Orange & Cherry Ice Pops, 12 pieces, 444 g
Worth considering if you’d like to serve individual portions in two flavours: orange and cherry.
If anyone has an allergy, check the box for any allergen warnings.
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Maison de la Glace Water Ice Pops, five flavours, 12 pieces, 1,200 g
Twelve lollies and five flavours are listed, making this a good option for a group that wants a choice of flavours.
Before serving these to anyone with an allergy, check the ingredients and allergens on the exact packaging.
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Magnum Mini Classic, Almond and White Chocolate, six lollies, 254 g
Six assorted mini lollies are a good fit for a small break if one portion per person is enough.
If anyone has dietary requirements, check the ingredients and nut warnings on the box before serving.
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ABC JELLY Fruity Jelly Bar Assorted, portions to freeze
This assorted product is suitable for a break where you can prepare the portions in the freezer beforehand.
Check the net quantity on the packaging and allow enough time and freezer space for them to freeze.
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Binggrae Melona Coconut Ice Cream Bar, 8 × 70 ml
Eight 70 ml lollies give you a useful guide for serving one to each person in a group of a similar size.
Coconut is the only flavour listed. If anyone has an allergy, check the ingredients on the packaging before serving.
Frequently asked questions
How many ice lollies should I get for a meeting?
Start with one portion per person, then check whether the pack contains minis or standard lollies. For example, Magnum France offers a box of six minis, Auchan France has an assortment of eight Magnum lollies, and ALDI France lists a box of twelve MUCCI® minis. These counts don’t represent the same portion size.
How do I compare two boxes with different numbers of lollies?
Compare the number of lollies with their size and the total weight or volume shown. A box of twelve minis won’t necessarily give each person as large a portion as a box of eight standard lollies.
Which allergens should I check before sharing an assortment?
Check the ingredients and any ‘may contain’ warnings on every box you plan to serve, especially if anyone has mentioned an allergy to milk or nuts. The DGCCRF says allergens must be highlighted in the ingredients list on pre-packed foods. Ingredients may vary from one flavour to another.
Can I lay the lollies out on the table before everyone arrives?
Keep frozen products cold and take them out when you’re ready to serve, rather than leaving them on the table. For transport, Anses recommends minimising time out of the freezer, using an insulated bag and never refreezing food once it has thawed.