People hosting several friends
If everyone needs their own ice lolly, count the portions before choosing a box size. The products featured by Carrefour, Auchan, E.Leclerc and ALDI come in packs of 4 to 20.
Who is this guide for?
Groups with different tastes or dietary needs
If your guests don’t all want the same flavour, check what’s actually in the assortment. If anyone has an allergy, check the ingredients and allergens on each box: the Magnum mini almond recipe featured by Carrefour contains milk and almonds, among other ingredients.
What should you check?
Start with the number of people you’re serving, then look at the size of the ice lollies, the recipes and how you’ll transport them.
| What to consider | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Number of portions | Count the ice lollies listed on the box and decide whether you’re planning a second round. | I’m having several friends over and want everyone to have a portion without having to open a second box unexpectedly. Around 40% of consumers would prioritise the number of ice lollies. |
| Flavours and allergens | Check the flavours, ingredients list and allergens for the exact product. | If people have different tastes or someone needs to avoid an ingredient, I want to know what’s in each option. Recipe suitability would be the main concern for around 30% of consumers. |
| Individual size | Compare mini and standard sizes, and check the amount per ice lolly if it’s listed. | For a small dessert with coffee, I’d rather know whether each ice lolly is the portion size I’m looking for. Individual size would be the priority for around 20% of consumers. |
| Transport and storage | Make room in your freezer, take an insulated bag and keep the journey as short as possible. | When I buy ice lollies before going to see my friends, keeping them cold shapes how I plan the trip. This would be the main concern for around 10% of consumers. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Judging by the size of the packaging
A large box doesn’t tell you how many desserts it will serve: the packs featured by the retailers mentioned range from 4 to 20 ice lollies.
Check the number of items, then the net weight and individual size if you want to compare portions.
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Assuming allergens based on the brand
Ingredients vary from one product to another. Carrefour lists milk and almonds in the Magnum mini almond recipe it features, for example; this doesn’t apply to every Magnum box.
For every box you’re considering, check its own ingredients list and allergen information.
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Picking up frozen food too early while shopping
The journey and time spent out of the freezer matter when the ice lollies need to stay frozen until serving.
Anses recommends picking up frozen food at the end of your shop, using an insulated bag and keeping transport time to a minimum.
Ice lolly brands to know
Magnum
Classic and mini ice lollies, including a 10-piece mini assortment featured by Auchan and a 6-piece mini vanilla, chocolate and almond box featured by Carrefour.
- The mini size makes it easy to offer smaller individual portions.
- Ingredients vary by product: Carrefour lists milk and almonds in its mini almond box.
Carrefour Classic’ et Carrefour Sensation
Carrefour features a 12-piece Classic’ box, as well as Sensation products in packs of 4 or 6.
- These different pack sizes can suit groups of various sizes.
- Check the recipe and amount per ice lolly: the products aren’t interchangeable.
Marque Repère, Smicy et Trium
E.Leclerc features a 20-piece Smicy assortment weighing 850 g, as well as Trium ice lollies in packs of 4.
- A 20-piece pack could serve a larger group or provide several rounds.
- Make sure you have enough freezer space before choosing a large pack.
MUCCI
ALDI features MUCCI ice lollies with a double coating in boxes of 4, with chocolate, caramel and raspberry varieties.
- A box of 4 is a good fit for a smaller number of portions.
- If you’re serving more people, check how many boxes you’ll need and which flavours they contain.
Multipacks available on Joybuy
These boxes of ice lollies and sorbet lollies offer between 4 and 12 individual portions. Choose according to the number of guests, the size you’re after and the flavours in the specific box.
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CAPRI-SUN Orange & Cherry Ice Pops, 12 pieces, 444 g
The box of 12 individually wrapped ice lollies could be a good choice for serving a group. If any guests have allergies, check the allergen information on the exact product packaging.
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Maison de la Glace Water Ice Pops, 5 flavours, 12 pieces, 1 200 g
The 12 ice lollies give you individual portions in a choice of flavours. If you’re looking for smaller portions, check the size of each ice lolly.
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Binggrae Melona Coconut Ice Cream Bar, 8 × 70 ml
Eight individual coconut ice lollies for a group that would prefer this flavour to an assortment. Check the ingredients and allergens on the exact box before serving it to anyone with an allergy.
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Magnum Mini Classic, Amande et Chocolat blanc, 6 pièces, 254 g
Six mini ice lollies offer smaller portions and a choice of recipes. Before choosing this assortment for your group, check its specific allergen information and the size of the ice lollies.
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POP FRUIT Sorbet Sticks 100% Coconut, 4 × 70 g
Four individual coconut sorbets could suit a small group or complement other boxes. Before serving, check the allergen information on the exact product packaging.
Frequently asked questions
How many ice lollies should I get for coffee with friends?
Allow at least one ice lolly per person, and add a few extra only if you’re planning a second round. Check the number of pieces listed on the box: the packs featured by Carrefour, Auchan, E.Leclerc and ALDI range from 4 to 20 ice lollies.
Where can I check allergens and nutritional information?
Check the label on the exact box for its ingredients and allergens. The French Ministry for the Economy outlines the information requirements for prepacked food sold in France. The DGCCRF explains that nutritional information includes energy, fat, sugars, protein and salt, among other details.
Can you take ice lollies in a lunchbox?
Only if you can keep them frozen until you’re ready to eat them; an ordinary lunchbox won’t guarantee this. For the journey home after shopping, Anses recommends picking up frozen food at the end of your shop, using an insulated bag and keeping transport time to a minimum.