Households sharing several frozen treats
If several people will be having ice lollies during the week, count how many you’ll need and check the net weight and the space available in your freezer.
Who are these formats for?
Anyone who likes a choice of flavours
A selection of mini ice lollies lets you offer several recipes in one box. Before you choose, though, check how many of each flavour are included.
Anyone keeping an eye on ingredients
If you need to avoid an ingredient, check the allergens and details for each recipe. You can also compare the nutritional information per 100 g or 100 ml, depending on the unit shown.
What should you look for in a multipack?
| Criteria | What to check | Who it’s for |
|---|---|---|
| Number of portions to share | Count the ice lollies and compare the net weight with the space available in your freezer. | When several people will be helping themselves throughout the week, I want a box with enough for the occasions we plan to share them. Around 36% of consumers prioritise quantity. |
| Flavours and portion size | Check which recipes are included and the volume or weight of each ice lolly. | If people at home like different flavours, I’d prefer to offer a choice of recipes without buying several boxes. Around 29% of consumers prioritise variety or a mini format over other criteria. |
| Ingredients and nutritional information | Read the allergens for each recipe and compare the nutritional values per 100 g or 100 ml, as shown on the label. | If I need to avoid an ingredient, the ingredients in each flavour determine my choice. Around 21% of consumers make this their top priority. |
| Storage and transport | Make sure you have space in the freezer and can keep the product frozen on the way home. | If I’m planning to take an ice lolly with me, I need to be able to keep it cold during transport and while I wait. Around 14% of consumers put this planning first. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Choosing the box with the most ice lollies without looking at anything else
The number of ice lollies doesn’t tell you whether everyone will like the flavours or portion sizes. A large box also needs plenty of freezer space.
Compare the number of ice lollies, net weight, recipes and ingredients, then make sure you can store the whole box properly.
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Confusing ‘gluten-free’ with ‘allergen-free’
A gluten-free claim doesn’t tell you about other ingredients. Carrefour’s product information for Solero Exotic and Berry Bliss mini ice lollies lists milk, lactose and milk proteins.
If you have an allergy or intolerance, read the ingredients list, highlighted allergens and warnings on the specific box you’re buying.
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Packing an ice lolly for lunch without a way to keep it cold
An ice lolly is a frozen product, and an ordinary lunchbox won’t keep it frozen all day. The DGCCRF recommends storing ice cream at −18 °C and advises against refreezing food once it has thawed.
Pick up frozen food at the end of your shop, keep the journey short and use an insulated bag if possible. Only plan to take an ice lolly away from home if you can keep it frozen until you eat it or put it in a freezer.
Brands to know when comparing formats
Magnum
Magnum offers a selection of six 55 ml mini ice lollies, with Classic, Almond and White Chocolate recipes.
- Three recipes in one box can be handy when people have different tastes.
- The Almond recipe and any ‘may contain’ statements call for a careful look at the label if you have a nut allergy.
Carrefour Extra / Carrefour Classic'
Carrefour’s range includes an Extra selection of eight mini ice lollies and a Classic' box of twelve chocolate and vanilla ice lollies.
- The number of ice lollies gives you a choice of box to suit the portions you have planned for the week.
- Check the ingredients and flavours for the specific product: the number of ice lollies doesn’t tell you what they are.
Auchan
Auchan offers a selection of eight mini ice lollies, with a net weight of 258 g.
- Eight portions are one option for sharing without choosing a box of twenty.
- The recipes listed include milk and soya, and one contains almonds. Check the allergens on the box.
Solero
The Mini Exotic and Berry Bliss selection contains six 50 ml ice lollies. Carrefour’s product information describes it as ‘gluten-free’.
- Its fruity recipes offer a different flavour choice among the mini ice lollies featured here.
- The product information also lists milk, lactose and milk proteins: the gluten-free claim doesn’t apply to these ingredients.
Smicy
E.Leclerc offers a Smicy selection of twenty sticks weighing 850 g.
- The number of ice lollies may suit you if you plan to share them regularly during the week.
- Before choosing this box, check its flavours, ingredients and allergens on the exact product listing.
Multipacks to consider on Joybuy
These boxes contain between eight and twelve individual ice lollies. Some offer a choice of flavours, while the two Melona options each contain just one recipe. Choose according to the portions you want to share and the ingredients that suit your household. Whichever box you choose, you’ll still need to keep the ice lollies cold during transport.
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Maison de la Glace Water Ice Pops, 12 pieces, 1 200 g
A good choice for sharing several portions and trying different flavours: the box contains twelve ice lollies in five flavours. Check the allergen information on the exact packaging before serving.
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POP POLO Water Ice Lollies, 10 pieces, 700 g
A handy way to have several portions with a choice of flavours: this pack contains ten ice lollies in five flavours. Store at −18 °C and don’t refreeze the product once it has thawed.
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CAPRI-SUN Orange & Cherry Ice Pops, 12 pieces, 444 g
A box of twelve portions in orange and cherry flavours. Traces of gluten, peanuts, soya, milk and nuts are listed: check the label if you have an allergy.
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Binggrae Melona Melon Ice Bar, 8 × 70 ml
A box of eight ice lollies for sharing when everyone likes melon, rather than a selection of flavours. This product contains milk. Check the warning about the colour E102 on the label too, especially if you’re buying it for children.
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Binggrae Melona Coconut Ice Cream Bar, 8 × 70 ml
A box of eight coconut-flavoured portions, without the need to choose several recipes in one box. If ingredients or allergens affect your choice, check the packaging for this product before buying.
Frequently asked questions
How do you compare two multipacks with different weights?
First, count how many portions you need, then compare the net weight of the boxes. The DGCCRF says nutritional values are given per 100 g or 100 ml, so use the same unit when comparing two products.
Is a ‘gluten-free’ selection suitable if you need to avoid milk?
No. ‘Gluten-free’ doesn’t mean ‘milk-free’. Carrefour’s product information for Solero Exotic and Berry Bliss mini ice lollies lists milk, lactose and milk proteins. Always check the specific box you’re buying.
Can you keep an ice lolly in a lunchbox all day?
Not in an ordinary lunchbox that can’t keep it frozen. The DGCCRF says ice cream should be stored at −18 °C and recommends keeping transport time to a minimum, preferably using an insulated bag. Food that has thawed shouldn’t be refrozen.
What should you check on the label before choosing a box?
Check the number of pieces, net quantity, ingredients list, allergens and storage instructions for the product you’ve chosen. The DGCCRF specifies that allergens must be highlighted on prepacked food and that nutritional information is given per 100 g or 100 ml, depending on the product.