If you regularly share a coffee break with several people, start by counting how many portions you’ll need: a box of 12 to 16 ice lollies contains more than an assortment of 6 to 10 mini lollies. For a small group with different tastes, an assortment lets you offer a choice of flavours, but make sure you check the ingredients for each variety. In either case, also consider portion sizes, allergens and how much freezer space you have.
If several people take their break at the same time, count the portions before choosing a box. E.Leclerc, for example, offers a 16-ice-lolly pack, while Carrefour has 12-piece options. The right number depends on the usual size of your group and the space you have in your freezer.
An assortment saves you from having to choose just one flavour for everyone. The mini ice lolly boxes described by Magnum and Carrefour contain several varieties; check how they’re divided up and what they contain before sharing them.
If you don’t know the group’s dietary requirements in advance, the label on the box you choose is essential. Carrefour’s product information for some assortments lists milk, almonds or soya, as well as possible traces of other allergens, depending on the product.
First, work out how many people you’ll be serving, then choose between quantity, variety and portion size. Check the ingredients and storage instructions before sharing the box.
| What to consider | What to check | Who it’s for |
|---|---|---|
| Number of portions | Count the people attending and the number of ice lollies in each box; also allow for the space you’ll need in the freezer. | When the whole group takes a break together, I want to be able to serve everyone without opening several boxes. Around 36% of consumers would put the number of portions first. |
| Choice of flavours | Check which flavours are included and how many of each variety come in the assortment. | If everyone around the table has different preferences, I’d rather offer several flavours in one box. Variety would be the priority for around 29% of consumers. |
| Portion size | Compare the weight or volume per item and the total contents, without treating a mini ice lolly as the same as a full-size one. | To go with coffee, I want to know how much each person is getting, not just the number of items. Around 21% of consumers would prioritise portion size. |
| Ingredients and storage | Read the allergens and precautionary ‘may contain’ statements on the exact box; check the stated temperature and transport instructions. | Before serving people whose dietary requirements I don’t know, I need to check the label and make sure I can keep the ice lollies frozen. These checks would come first for around 14% of consumers. |
Several flavours can also mean several different ingredient lists. Carrefour’s product information for some assortments lists milk, almonds or soya, depending on the product.
Ask about the dietary requirements of the people attending, then check the ingredients, allergens and precautionary ‘may contain’ statements on the box you’re going to serve.
A box intended to last for several breaks needs to be transported and stored in the freezer. The DGCCRF stresses the importance of maintaining the cold chain for frozen food.
Check you have enough space before you buy, keep transport time to a minimum and follow the storage instructions on the packaging.
These ranges are examples of packs to compare for a group break; pack size and ingredients depend on the product you choose.
Magnum offers an assortment of mini ice lollies in Classic, Almond and White Chocolate varieties.
Carrefour Extra, Carrefour Classic' and Simpl ranges include ice lollies and mini ice lollies in different pack sizes.
The Eco+ range includes vanilla and chocolate ice lollies, as well as multipacks of mini ice lollies.
Auchan’s selection of ice lollies and frozen bars includes several brands and different pack sizes.
MUCCI is an ice cream range sold by ALDI that includes mini ice lollies.
These products offer individual frozen portions for sharing over coffee, with different pack sizes, flavours and product types. Choose a pack to suit your group and check the label before serving.
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For a group looking for a choice of flavours in one box, this pack contains 12 ice lollies and has a stated total weight of 1 200 g.
If anyone in the group is at risk of an allergic reaction, check the label on the exact box before sharing it.
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If your group enjoys melon, this box contains eight ice lollies, each measuring 70 ml.
Check the ingredients and allergens on the packaging before sharing them.
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For a smaller break where four portions are enough, this box contains coconut sorbet on sticks, weighing 280 g in total.
Check the ‘may contain’ allergen statements on the exact box before serving anyone with an allergy.
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This mung bean ice lolly could appeal to a group looking to offer this flavour over a coffee break.
Check the number of pieces and the ingredients and allergens on the packaging before planning how to serve them.
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For individual coconut-flavoured portions, this box contains eight ice lollies, each measuring 70 ml.
Check the label on the exact box for ingredients and allergens before sharing it.
Start with the usual number of people you’ll be serving, then choose a box with enough pieces for the group. The ranges from Magnum, Carrefour and E.Leclerc include assortments of mini ice lollies and boxes containing up to 16 ice lollies. Also check you have enough freezer space if you don’t finish the box.
Compare the number of pieces, the weight or volume per ice lolly, and the total contents of each box. An assortment of minis may offer several flavours, while a box with more pieces meets a different need: serving more portions.
Before serving, read the ingredients, highlighted allergens and any precautionary ‘may contain’ statements on the exact box. The DGCCRF reminds shoppers that allergens must be emphasised on the labels of prepacked foods. Don’t assume a flavour or another product from the same brand has the same ingredients.
Keep them out of the freezer for as little time as possible and follow the storage temperature on the packaging. The DGCCRF recommends maintaining the cold chain: pick up frozen food at the end of your shop, use suitable transport and put it away promptly.