People living alone with limited freezer space
If you want an ice lolly for the celebrations without stocking up, check the number of sticks, the size of each portion and how much room you’ll need to store the rest.
Who is this guide for?
People checking ingredients and allergens
If certain ingredients are a concern, check the ingredients list and allergen information for the product you’ve chosen. Chocolate or vanilla-and-chocolate ice lolly recipes can differ.
People comparing pack sizes and flavours
To choose between two boxes, compare their total quantity, number of portions and ingredients. Attractive packaging alone won’t tell you how big the ice lolly inside is.
What should you look for?
If you’re buying for yourself, start with how many ice lolly sticks you actually plan to eat. Next, check the ingredients and compare pack sizes that meet those first two requirements.
| What to consider | What to check | Who is this for? |
|---|---|---|
| Pack size and storage | Number of sticks, portion size and storage instructions. | I want to enjoy one ice lolly during the celebrations without filling my freezer with the rest; around 36% of consumers would prioritise managing the leftover portions. |
| Ingredients and allergens | The ingredients list and allergen information for the exact product, including any warnings about possible traces. | If certain ingredients are a problem, I need to check the recipe before choosing a flavour; around 29% of consumers would make this their priority. |
| Quantity per box | Total weight or volume and number of ice lolly sticks, so you can compare portions. | Two boxes may contain different quantities when I’m mainly looking to plan several treats; around 21% of consumers would make this their first consideration. |
| Flavour and coating | The ice cream flavour, type of coating and any inclusions listed on the packaging. | Once I’ve taken my dietary requirements into account, I mainly want a flavour I enjoy; around 14% of consumers would put flavour first. |
What should you avoid?
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Confusing an individual portion with a single-stick pack
An ice lolly is enjoyed on its own, but the examples from Carrefour, Magnum, Auchan and Aldi come in multi-packs. So you’ll need to think about what to do with any leftover portions.
Before choosing, compare the number of sticks and the size of each one, then check the storage instructions on the box.
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Comparing boxes without checking what’s inside
A box of four ice lolly sticks and a box of six won’t necessarily contain the same total quantity or portion size.
Look at both the number of sticks and the stated weight or volume, rather than judging by the packaging alone.
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Guessing allergens from the flavour
The products featured by Magnum and Auchan show that vanilla-and-chocolate recipes can list different allergens, including milk, soya or nuts, depending on the product.
Read the ingredients and allergen information on the packaging of the product you buy, including any warnings about possible traces.
Ice lolly brands to know
These examples help you compare pack sizes and recipes. The details given apply to the specific products listed, not every product from each brand.
Magnum
Magnum’s range includes Mini Classic: vanilla ice cream coated in milk chocolate, sold in a box of 6 ice lolly sticks, each 55 ml.
- The Magnum product page gives the portion size, nutritional information and allergens for this product.
- Mini Classic contains milk and may contain several types of nut; check each other recipe separately.
Carrefour Classic’ et Carrefour Sensation
Carrefour’s range includes its own-brand ice lolly sticks in several recipes and pack sizes.
- The products featured give you the option to compare packs of 4 and 12.
- Check the ingredients for the box you choose and whether it’s available at your local store or for click and collect.
Auchan
Auchan offers an assortment of 12 vanilla and chocolate ice lolly sticks, with a total weight of 450 g.
- The number of sticks makes it easy to plan several treats or share them.
- This product lists milk, hazelnuts and soya, and may contain traces of other nuts; 12 sticks may also be more than you need for a single treat.
Mucci (Aldi)
Aldi’s range includes Mucci ice lolly sticks with a double coating, sold in a box of 4.
- Four sticks mean fewer to store than in Auchan’s 12-stick assortment.
- Check the exact product and whether it’s available at the store you plan to visit.
Marque Repère et Trium (E.Leclerc)
E.Leclerc offers Trium vanilla, milk chocolate and almond ice lolly sticks in a box of 4.
- The four-stick pack gives you another option to compare for an occasional treat.
- The ingredients for this product don’t cover the entire range; also check whether it’s available at your local store.
Ice lolly sticks on Joybuy
These products come in boxes of four or six ice lolly sticks. Compare them based on the portion size you want and whether you’ll be able to store any leftovers after Bastille Day. If you have dietary requirements, always check the label on the box you buy.
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POP FRUIT Sorbet Sticks 100% Coconut, 4 × 70 g
Worth considering if you prefer coconut sorbet and want to keep the pack to four ice lolly sticks. The box contains 280 g in total; check the allergen information on the packaging.
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MAGNUM Vanille, enrobage chocolat blanc, 4 × 73,5 g
A vanilla and white chocolate option, with four portions to plan for. The box weighs 294 g. If gluten is a concern, check the packaging before choosing: the information provided for this product is contradictory.
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POPELINO Vanille de Madagascar, chocolat au lait, 4 × 78 g
Worth a look if you’re after a vanilla and milk chocolate recipe in a box of four. The total weight is 312 g; read the ingredients list and allergen information for this product.
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PAW Patrol Vanille et sauce cacao, 6 bâtonnets, 270 g
This pack of six is a good choice if you’re planning more treats after the celebrations. It contains two more ice lolly sticks than the boxes of four featured here; make sure you can store the rest and check the allergen information.
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PEPPA PIG Fraise et vanille, 6 × 60 ml
A strawberry and vanilla recipe if you’re looking for several smaller portions. The box contains six 60 ml ice lolly sticks; check that this is the right number for the treats you have in mind, and check the allergen information on the packaging.
Frequently asked questions
Can you buy a single ice lolly stick for Bastille Day?
It depends on the retailer: the products featured by Carrefour, Magnum, Auchan and Aldi are available in boxes of 4, 6 or 12. If you only want one, check what’s available where you plan to shop, or choose a pack that lets you store the rest.
Which allergens should you check in a chocolate ice lolly?
Check the packaging for the exact product rather than relying on the flavour alone. Magnum Mini Classic contains milk and may contain several types of nut; Auchan’s vanilla-and-chocolate assortment lists milk, hazelnuts and soya. According to the French Ministry of the Economy, allergens must be listed and highlighted on prepacked food.
How do you compare two boxes of different sizes?
Check both the number of ice lolly sticks and the total weight or volume to see what portion sizes you’re buying. If you’re comparing nutritional information, the DGCCRF says that nutrition declarations are given per 100 g or 100 ml, giving you a common basis for comparison.
How should you store leftover ice lolly sticks?
Follow the instructions on the box you buy. For its 12-stick vanilla-and-chocolate assortment, Auchan recommends storing it in the freezer at −18 °C until the date shown on the packaging and says not to refreeze a product once it has thawed.
Does the packaging information have to be in French?
Yes. According to the French Ministry of the Economy, mandatory labelling information on prepacked food sold in France must be written in French. This includes the ingredients and highlighted allergens, so check these details on the product you buy.