Housemates who share
If several people will be dipping into the same box, work out how many portions you’ll need and check that there’s room for the pack in the shared freezer.
Who are these pack sizes for?
Students with a compact freezer
If you live alone or have a small freezer compartment, check the box size before choosing a large number of ice lollies. Also plan how you’ll keep them cold on the journey from the shop to your new home.
People who check ingredients
If tastes or allergies will affect what you can share, check the ingredients and allergen information for the exact product, especially if it’s an assortment.
What should you check before buying?
When buying ice lollies as you move into student accommodation, start with how you plan to enjoy them: a pack to share, a few portions for yourself or a recipe that suits everyone who’ll be eating them. The number of lollies doesn’t tell you how much room the box will take up or what’s in it.
| What to consider | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Sharing and freezer space | Number of ice lollies, net weight and space available in the freezer. | If I’m in a shared house, I want enough portions for several people without taking over the shared freezer. Around 40% of consumers would make sharing their priority. |
| How much you’ll eat | Box size and how often you’ll eat its portions. | If I live alone, I’d rather choose a box of ice lollies I’ll get through than leave a pack in the freezer for a long time. Around 30% of consumers would put choosing the right quantity first. |
| Ingredients and allergens | Ingredients list, allergen information and ingredients in each variety in an assortment. | Before sharing a box, I need to know whether its different recipes are suitable for everyone who’ll be eating them. Around 30% of consumers would make ingredients their top priority. |
Mistakes to avoid when moving in
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Choosing a pack based only on the number of ice lollies
Boxes of 12 or 16 may work well for regular sharing, but the number of portions doesn’t tell you how much freezer space they’ll take up. Weight and ingredients also vary between products.
Work out how many people will be eating them, then check the weight and available freezer space before choosing a large pack.
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Leaving the ice lollies with the moving boxes during the journey
Moving can mean spending longer out of the freezer. The DGCCRF recommends keeping this time to a minimum and preferably using an insulated bag to transport frozen food.
Buy the ice lollies last, go straight to your new home and put them in the freezer as soon as you can, following the instructions on the packaging.
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Relying on the flavour name to check for allergens
Two ice lollies in the same assortment may have different ingredients. A flavour name is no substitute for checking the allergen information and any ‘may contain’ warnings.
Check the label on the exact box and the information for each variety before offering them to other people.
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Assuming a product will be available without checking with the shop
A catalogue offer may be available for a limited time or vary by store. Lidl says some items may not be available in smaller stores; an ALDI listing for a four-piece pack of ice lollies showed that it was temporarily unavailable.
Check the relevant store’s information before planning to buy it as part of your moving-day shop.
Brands and retailers to consider
These products give you a range of pack sizes and recipes to compare. Always check the exact box and whether it’s available from the retailer in question.
Magnum
Branded ice lollies in packs of eight, including Classic and an assortment sold by Auchan.
- A pack of eight gives you several portions without committing to a box of 12 or 16 straight away.
- Check the recipe you choose: the ingredients in one variety won’t necessarily apply to the whole range.
Carrefour
The Carrefour Classic’ range includes boxes of 12 ice lollies, including a vanilla and chocolate variety.
- A box of 12 could work well for sharing, if you have enough freezer space.
- For an assortment, check the ingredients of each variety rather than relying on the name of the box.
E.Leclerc
E.Leclerc’s SMICY and ECO+ products include boxes of 12 and 16 ice lollies respectively.
- The ECO+ box of 16 contains eight vanilla and eight chocolate ice lollies.
- A larger number of portions needs more freezer space. Also check the ingredients of the product you choose.
Auchan
Auchan offers, among other options, a box of 12 vanilla ice lollies and an eight-piece Magnum assortment.
- These two pack sizes give you useful options to compare when buying for several people.
- Auchan’s vanilla ice lolly listing says to store at −18 °C and not to refreeze once thawed.
Lidl
You can check Lidl’s frozen food range and catalogues if you’re planning to shop near your new home.
- The catalogues show how long their offers are available for.
- Check the product and store in question before counting on a particular pack size.
ALDI / MUCCI®
MUCCI® is ALDI’s ice cream and sorbet brand. The retailer offers, among other products, ice lollies in a box of four.
- Four ice lollies could be a good option if you only need a small quantity.
- An ALDI listing for a four-piece pack of ice lollies showed that it was temporarily unavailable, so check with your local store.
Ice lolly multipacks on Joybuy
These three boxes of eight or 12 portions are best suited to sharing or keeping a small stock when you move in. The product names alone won’t tell you how much space they’ll take up in your freezer, so check before buying.
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CAPRI-SUN Orange & Cherry, 12 ice lollies, 444 g
Worth considering if you’re looking for 12 frozen portions to share. Check that the box fits in your freezer and read the label before offering them to someone with an allergy.
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MAGNUM Classic, 8 ice cream sticks, 600 g
This pack of eight could be a good choice for sharing dessert if you’re after the Classic recipe. Check that you have enough freezer space and read the allergen information on the exact packaging.
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Binggrae Melona Melon, 8 ice lollies, 70 ml each
A good option for sharing eight melon ice lollies, each 70 ml. The portion size doesn’t tell you how big the box is, so check how much room it’ll take up and read the ingredients on the label.
Frequently asked questions
What temperature should these ice lollies be stored at?
Follow the instructions on the box you buy. Auchan’s listing for its box of 12 vanilla ice lollies says to store them at −18 °C and not to refreeze once thawed. Check the instructions for any other product you choose.
How should I transport ice lollies when moving home?
Keep the journey from the shop to your new home’s freezer as short as possible. The DGCCRF recommends using an insulated bag where possible and putting frozen food away promptly when you arrive. Don’t leave the ice lollies with the moving boxes while you unpack.
Should I check the allergens in an assorted box?
Yes. Check the information for each variety before sharing the box. In its guidance on food labelling dated 14 March 2025, the Ministry of the Economy reminds consumers that allergenic ingredients must be listed and highlighted. Also check the exact packaging for any ‘may contain’ warnings.
Will a multipack advertised in a Lidl catalogue or at ALDI be available in my local store?
Not necessarily. Check when the offer runs and whether your local store stocks it before you make a trip. Lidl says some items may not be available in smaller stores, while an ALDI listing for a four-piece pack of ice lollies showed that it was temporarily unavailable.