If you’re hosting several people over the October half-term holidays, first decide how many portions you need and what kind of ice lolly you want: a large multipack of water ice lollies is ideal when you need plenty, while an assortment of mini lollies gives you smaller portions and a choice of flavours. A small pack is a good fit if only a few people will want a frozen dessert. Whichever you choose, check the allergens on the packaging and make sure the lollies stay frozen until you’re ready to serve them.
If everyone wants to choose their own flavour at snack time, count the portions you’ll need before picking a box. E.Leclerc lists a SMICY assortment of 20 water ice lollies, while Auchan stocks multipacks that include 10 mini lollies. These packs contain different types of ice lolly.
A mini assortment lets you serve an individual lolly and offer a choice of flavours. Carrefour lists a pack of eight mini lollies, each weighing 32 g, while Magnum describes a six-piece mini assortment.
A box of four and an assortment of twenty won’t suit the same number of guests. Compare the number of lollies and the weight shown on each box, then make sure you have enough room in your freezer.
Decide how many lollies you’ll serve, then choose between water ice lollies, assorted mini lollies and a small pack of frozen desserts. If you plan to take them out with you, keeping them frozen until you’re ready to eat them matters more than the size of the box.
| What to consider | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Number of portions | Count the lollies and check how much freezer space you’ll need. | If I’m hosting several children or guests, I want to serve everyone without having to buy multiple boxes; around 33% of consumers would put having enough portions first. |
| Size and flavours | Check the weight of each lolly and the flavours in the assortment. | For a snack where everyone chooses their own lolly, I prefer smaller portions and a choice of flavours; around 25% of consumers would have this as their priority. |
| Pack size for your needs | Match the number of lollies to the number of people and occasions you have in mind. | If there are only a few of us, I don’t want to buy a large pack that will sit in the freezer for ages; around 25% of consumers would prioritise choosing a pack that suits how they’ll use it. |
| Allergens and keeping them frozen | Read the allergen information on the box you choose and make sure the lollies can stay frozen until you serve them. | If I’m sharing with someone who has an allergy or planning an outing, I need to check the ingredients and keep the lollies frozen; this would be the priority for around 17% of consumers. |
Two assortments may contain different ingredients and allergen information. A mini size doesn’t tell you whether a product is suitable for someone with an allergy.
Read the ingredients and allergen information on the packaging of each product before sharing it. The French Directorate-General for Competition, Consumer Affairs and Fraud Control reminds shoppers that allergens must be highlighted on the labels of prepacked foods.
A lunch box that doesn’t keep food cold won’t keep a lolly frozen until snack time.
Only take ice lollies on outings where you can keep them frozen until you’re ready to serve them; otherwise, choose a different snack. The French Ministry of Agriculture advises against refreezing food once it has thawed.
If a lolly thaws on the way, you may not be able to serve it as planned.
A product featured in a one-off promotion may not be available during the October half-term holidays.
Check the dates of the offer and confirm that the product is available at the shop or for the delivery or collection service you plan to use.
Magnum describes an assortment of six mini lollies in Classic, Almond and White Chocolate flavours; Auchan also stocks a 10-piece Magnum assortment.
Carrefour lists, among other options, an assortment of eight CARREFOUR EXTRA mini lollies, each weighing 32 g.
E.Leclerc lists the SMICY assortment of 20 water ice lollies, with a stated weight of 850 g.
Auchan’s frozen aisle has lollies and mini lollies in a range of pack sizes, including a 10-piece Magnum assortment.
Lidl has featured a pack of eight strawberry and white chocolate ice lollies in a one-off promotion.
ALDI lists MUCCI double-coated lollies in a box of four, with a stated weight of 288 g.
These products are mainly multipacks of water or fruit ice lollies, along with an assortment of fruit bars that need to be frozen before serving. The number of pieces and any preparation required can help you choose between a larger get-together and a snack for a smaller group.
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Worth considering for a group if you have enough room in your freezer.
The title lists an assortment of 24 pieces in a pack of four. Keep the lollies frozen until you’re ready to serve them.
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A box of 12 to consider if several people would like to choose from five flavours.
Check the ingredients and allergen information on the packaging before sharing, then keep the lollies frozen until you’re ready to serve them.
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This pack could be a good fit if you need 10 individual portions and a choice of flavours.
Keep the lollies frozen until you’re ready to serve them.
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Consider this if you can freeze the product before serving, rather than looking for lollies that are ready to eat.
Check the number of pieces and the net weight on the packaging to help plan how to share them.
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This pack of 12 is a good option if your guests like orange and cherry flavours.
Check the allergen information on the packaging and keep the lollies frozen until you’re ready to serve them.
Yes, but only if you can keep it frozen until you’re ready to eat it. A regular lunch box that doesn’t keep food cold isn’t enough; the French Ministry of Agriculture recommends putting frozen foods back in the freezer promptly after shopping.
Read the ingredients and allergen information on the box you’re buying, rather than relying on the flavour names alone. The French Directorate-General for Competition, Consumer Affairs and Fraud Control says that allergens must be highlighted on prepacked food labels.
No. The French Ministry of Agriculture advises against refreezing food once it has thawed. You should also follow the storage instructions on the packaging.
Check with your chosen store or delivery or collection service before planning your purchase. For example, the E.Leclerc listing for the SMICY assortment advises customers to contact their local store to check availability. An old one-off offer also doesn’t confirm that a product will be available for October half-term.