People organising a group treat
You want enough ice lollies for everyone and, if tastes differ, a few flavours in the same box. The number of lollies matters more than the total weight of the pack.
Who are these formats for?
Parents preparing lunchboxes
You want individual portions that are easy to hand out and can be kept cold until they’re ready to eat.
People who check ingredients carefully
You check the ingredients list, allergens and any possible traces for each assortment, rather than assuming what’s in it from the flavour or type of ice lolly.
Which criteria should you prioritise?
First, work out how many portions you need, then choose the right size. Next, check that the flavours, ingredients and storage requirements suit how you plan to use them.
| Criteria | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Sharing and flavours | Number of ice lollies and how the flavours are divided up in the box. | If I’m having several people over, I want enough to serve everyone and a choice of flavours; around 42% of consumers prioritise sharing. |
| Individual portions | Number of lollies, amount per lolly and how to keep them cold until they’re eaten. | When preparing lunchboxes, I prefer portions that are easy to hand out, without overlooking how they need to be stored; small portions are a priority for around 33% of consumers. |
| Ingredients | Ingredients, allergens and traces listed on the pack; nutritional information per 100 g or 100 ml, then per portion. | If certain ingredients need to be avoided, I check each recipe before choosing an assortment; around 25% of consumers put this check first. |
Things to bear in mind
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Assuming eight lollies will serve eight guests
A box of eight won’t be enough if your group is larger or you want to allow for a second portion.
Work out how many portions you need before you buy, then compare the number and size of the lollies rather than looking only at the box’s total weight.
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Assuming the flavour means there are no allergens
Auchan’s listing for its fruit ice lollies warns that they may contain traces of milk, peanuts and nuts. Carrefour Extra’s mini assortment lists milk, soya and almonds, among other ingredients.
If you have an allergy or need to avoid certain ingredients, check the ingredients, highlighted allergens and trace warnings on the actual pack you buy.
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Comparing different-sized lollies using just one figure
A 32 g Carrefour Extra mini lolly and a 100 ml Magnum lolly aren’t the same amount. The DGCCRF says that nutritional information per 100 g or 100 ml provides a basis for comparing products.
First compare values shown on the same basis, then consider how much you’ll have per portion, bearing in mind the difference between grams and millilitres.
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Buying ice lollies without planning how to store them
Auchan’s listing for its fruit ice lollies says to store them at −18 °C and not to refreeze them once they’ve thawed.
Make space in your freezer and plan how to keep them cold in transit, then follow the instructions for the product you choose.
Brands to consider
These examples show different formats. The details given apply to the specific products mentioned, not to every ice lolly from each brand.
Magnum
The range includes multipacks of four ice lollies. The Magnum Mania assortment featured by Auchan contains eight lollies in four flavours.
- The eight-piece assortment offers several flavours in one box.
- The product listing for this assortment states that it contains milk and almonds, and may also contain soya and other nuts.
Carrefour Extra
Its mini ice lolly assortment contains eight lollies, each weighing 32 g.
- Knowing the amount per lolly makes it easier to divide up the portions.
- The product listing mentions milk, soya and almonds, and possible traces of eggs and other nuts.
Auchan
A box of eight fruit ice lollies includes flavours such as pineapple, strawberry, orange, lemon and raspberry.
- The fruit flavours give you a choice in the same pack.
- The product listing warns of possible traces of milk, peanuts and nuts, and says to store the lollies at −18 °C.
MUCCI
This brand, sold by ALDI France, includes a box of four double-coated ice lollies as well as mini ice lollies.
- The box of four suits occasions when you need fewer portions than a pack of eight provides.
- Check the ingredients and nutritional information for the specific product and pack you choose.
Multipacks to discover on Joybuy
These products offer ice lollies or frozen treats in multiple portions, ready to share or hand out individually. Before choosing for your party or lunchboxes, compare the number of lollies, the flavours and the information on the pack.
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CAPRI-SUN Orange & Cherry Ice Pops, 12 pieces, 444 g
Serve individual orange- and cherry-flavoured portions at a group get-together. Check the allergen and trace warnings on the pack before handing them out.
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Pop Fruit Mini Sicilian Lemon & Sicilian Blood Orange Sorbet Sticks, 8 pieces, 280 g
The mini format is handy for individual portions. For a lunchbox, make sure the lollies will stay cold until they’re eaten, and check the trace warnings on the pack.
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Binggrae Melona Melon Ice Bar, 8 × 70 ml
Count out eight melon portions before serving a group; this pack doesn’t offer a variety of flavours. Check the ingredients and the warning about the E102 colourant, especially if these ice lollies are for children.
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Maison de la Glace Water Ice Pops, 5 flavours, 12 pieces, 1 200 g
The number of lollies and choice of flavours could make this a good option for sharing. Check the amount per lolly and the ingredients and allergen information on the pack before working out the portions.
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ABC JELLY Fruity Jelly Bar Assorted – Ice Pops
A possible option if you’re looking for individual frozen portions. Before planning how to serve them, check the number of pieces, net quantity, allergens and freezing instructions on the pack.
Frequently asked questions
How can I tell if one box will be enough for the party?
Count how many people you’ll be serving and how many portions you want to offer before choosing a box. A pack of eight contains eight ice lollies. If you need more portions, adjust the number of boxes and check the size of each lolly.
Are fruit ice lollies necessarily allergen-free?
No. Auchan’s listing for its fruit ice lollies warns that they may contain traces of milk, peanuts and nuts. If you have an allergy, check the ingredients and trace warnings on the pack you buy.
What should I look for on a multipack label?
Check the ingredients list, allergens, net quantity, the date shown and the nutritional information. The DGCCRF says these details form part of the labelling requirements for prepacked foods. If you’re choosing between two boxes, also check the number and size of the ice lollies.
How can I compare the nutritional values of two ice lollies?
Compare nutritional information shown on the same basis, per 100 g or per 100 ml, then take the amount in each portion into account. The DGCCRF identifies values per 100 g or 100 ml as the basis for comparing nutrition declarations; don’t treat figures in grams and millilitres as directly equivalent.
How should I store ice lollies before serving?
Follow the instructions on the pack and keep the ice lollies cold while transporting them and before serving. For its fruit ice lollies, Auchan says to store them at −18 °C and never to refreeze a product that has thawed.