For a little frozen treat
If you want just one ice lolly in the evening, compare the volume of each mini lolly with a standard-size one, even when both are sold in a box.
Who are these sizes for?
For choosing by ingredients
If you’re looking for a plant-based recipe or need to avoid certain ingredients, check the allergens and any ‘may contain’ warnings for the exact product. Plant-based recipes can contain nuts, for example.
For keeping a few portions in the freezer
If you’re buying a box to enjoy over several evenings, check the number and size of the lollies, and make sure you can store them as instructed.
What should you look for?
Start with the portion you want, then narrow down the recipes that suit your needs before choosing a box size. Here, ‘single bar’ means an ice lolly or frozen bar intended to be eaten by one person, not necessarily one sold individually.
| Criteria | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Portion size | Volume or weight per lolly; number of lollies in the box. | If I just want a small ice lolly before bed, the size of each one matters more to me than the size of the pack. Around 31% of consumers would prioritise portion size. |
| Ingredients and allergens | Ingredients list, allergens and ‘may contain’ warnings for the exact product. | A plant-based recipe might appeal to me, but I also need to know if it contains almonds or warns of traces of other allergens. Around 31% of consumers would prioritise ingredient suitability. |
| Pack size and storage | Number of ice lollies, freezer space and storage instructions. | If I’m planning to spread a box over several evenings, I want to be able to store every portion without breaking the cold chain. Around 23% of consumers would put this need first. |
| Flavour and texture | Frozen base, coating and inclusions, then nutritional values per portion if they matter to you. | For a treat that feels more like a dessert, I mainly choose based on the flavour and whether it has chocolate or pieces in it. This would be the top consideration for around 15% of consumers. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Confusing an individual portion with a single-item sale
A box often contains several ice lollies, even though each one is eaten individually. The number of lollies alone won’t tell you how generous your treat will be.
Check the weight or volume per lolly, and choose a number of portions you’ll be able to store.
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Assuming plant-based means allergen-free
Magnum Vegan Almond contains almonds; Magnum France says it may also contain milk, soya and other nuts.
If you have an allergy or need to avoid an ingredient, check the ingredients and any trace warnings on the exact packaging.
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Choosing a box without checking each ice lolly
Two similarly sized boxes may contain different numbers of lollies. A large multipack won’t necessarily give you the portion you want in the evening.
Compare the number of lollies, their size and the freezer space you’ll need.
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Letting your ice lollies warm up on the way home
The DGCCRF reminds shoppers that a rise in temperature breaks the cold chain. The product details for Auchan vanilla ice lollies specify storage at −18 °C and say not to refreeze a product once defrosted.
Pick up frozen food last, get it home promptly and follow the instructions on the packaging.
Brands and retailers to know
Magnum
The range covered here includes classic ice lollies, mini versions and a Vegan Almond product.
- The mini almond multipack featured by Joybuy contains 6 ice lollies of 55 ml; Magnum France lists a 90 ml, 72 g portion for Vegan Almond. These are different products.
- Vegan Almond contains almonds and may contain milk, soya and other nuts. Check the information on each box.
Carrefour
Carrefour’s range includes ice lollies and frozen bars from its Classic’, Sensation and Extra ranges.
- The products featured include a variety of flavours and boxes of 4, 6 or 12.
- Check portion sizes and the selection available at your local store before choosing a box.
E.Leclerc / Marque Repère (Trium, Smicy)
E.Leclerc’s featured products include Trium and Smicy ice lollies, as well as multipacks of sorbets.
- The featured Trium range includes a pack of four vanilla ice lollies coated in milk chocolate and almonds.
- For some products, E.Leclerc advises customers to contact the relevant store to check availability.
Auchan
The product covered here is a box of 12 vanilla ice lollies.
- Auchan’s product details list the ingredients and allergens, and specify freezer storage at −18 °C.
- This product contains milk, hazelnuts and soya, and may contain traces of other nuts.
MUCCI (ALDI)
The MUCCI product featured by ALDI is a box of four ice lollies with a double coating.
- The product details list chocolate, caramel or raspberry flavours, depending on the product.
- Check the flavour in the box and its availability at your chosen store.
Ice lollies and frozen bars on Joybuy
This selection includes ice lollies, frozen bars and a coconut sorbet on a stick, all designed to be enjoyed individually. For a late-night treat, compare the size of each one where stated, then choose the recipe and number of portions you want to keep in the freezer.
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Binggrae Melona Melon Ice Bar, 8 × 70 ml
Choose a melon ice lolly with the size of each one clearly stated: the box contains eight 70 ml lollies.
If you need to avoid certain ingredients, check the ingredients and allergens for this product on the packaging.
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Magnum Ice Cream Sticks White Chocolate Almond, 4 × 100 ml
For a white chocolate and almond treat in 100 ml portions, this box contains four ice lollies.
If you need to avoid allergens, check the ingredients and any trace warnings for this product.
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POP FRUIT Sorbet Sticks 100% Coconut, 4 units (280 g)
Choose a coconut sorbet on a stick instead of a frozen bar: this box contains four portions with a total weight of 280 g.
Check the ingredients list and allergen information on the box if these affect your choice.
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Mars Caramel Ice Bars, 7 units (280 g)
Keep a few caramel frozen bars to hand: this box contains seven, with a total weight of 280 g.
If portion size matters, check the weight of each bar on the packaging. Also check the allergen information.
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Magnum Mini Classic Ice Cream Sticks, 6 × 55 ml
If you’re after a smaller individual portion, this box contains six mini ice lollies of 55 ml each.
Check the ingredients, nutritional information and storage instructions on the packaging for the exact product.
Frequently asked questions
Is a ‘single bar’ ice lolly sold individually?
Not necessarily: ‘single bar’ can mean an ice lolly intended to be eaten by one person, even when the box contains several. For an evening treat, check the weight or volume of each lolly and the total number in the pack.
Does a plant-based ice lolly contain no allergens?
No: Magnum Vegan Almond contains almonds, and Magnum France says it may contain milk, soya and other nuts. Always check the ingredients and trace warnings for the product you’re buying.
How should you transport and store ice lollies?
Keep the cold chain intact while transporting them and follow the temperature stated on the packaging, as recommended by the DGCCRF. The product details for Auchan vanilla ice lollies specify storage at −18 °C and say not to refreeze a product once defrosted.
What does the ‘best before’ date on a box of ice lollies mean?
The minimum durability date, or DDM, relates in part to how well the product retains its quality. The DGCCRF explains that after this date, a product with intact packaging may have lost some of its flavour. In all cases, follow the storage instructions on the box.