People planning several coffee breaks
If you’re keeping a box for the week, consider its net weight and number of sticks alongside the space it will take up in your freezer.
Who are these pack sizes for?
Fans of small chocolate treats
A mini stick may be just right if you fancy a little ice cream with your coffee. Check the portion size for the specific product, as the word ‘mini’ doesn’t tell you how much it weighs.
People who pay attention to ingredients
To compare recipes or check for allergens, read the ingredients, any allergens highlighted and the nutritional information on the box you choose.
What should you check before choosing?
Start with the number of breaks you’re planning, then compare portion sizes and recipes. Check the ingredients separately, especially if an allergen affects your choice.
| Criteria | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Number of breaks | Number of sticks and net weight of the box; available freezer space. | If I’m planning to have an ice lolly with several coffees, I want a box that suits my routine without needing to buy more. Around 45% of consumers prioritise having portions for repeated breaks. |
| Portion and recipe | Weight or volume per stick, followed by the flavours in the selection. | With my coffee, I might prefer a small portion or be looking specifically for a chocolate recipe. This is the top priority for around 33% of consumers. |
| Ingredients and allergens | Ingredients list, allergens highlighted and nutritional values per 100 g or 100 ml. | If I need to avoid an ingredient or compare sugar and fat content, the exact recipe matters more than the pack size. Around 22% of consumers put this check first. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Looking only at the number of sticks
Two boxes with the same number of sticks may contain different-sized portions. The number alone won’t tell you how much you’ll get for each break.
Check the net weight and, where given, the weight or volume per stick.
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Guessing allergens from the flavour
A chocolate and almond recipe may contain milk and almonds, for example, but the ingredients and any possible traces depend on the specific product.
Check the allergens highlighted on the packaging of the box you’re buying.
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Choosing based on the Nutri-Score alone
If shown on a box, the Nutri-Score doesn’t replace the ingredients list, allergen information or nutritional values.
When comparing two pack sizes, also check the nutritional information per 100 g or 100 ml.
Brands to know when comparing pack sizes
Carrefour, SIMPL et Carrefour Classic’
The Carrefour products mentioned include vanilla and chocolate sticks and almond sticks in boxes of 6 to 12.
- Different pack sizes let you choose according to how often you take a break.
- Check the net weight and recipe of the specific box: these pack sizes aren’t interchangeable.
Trium et Smicy, Marque Repère E.Leclerc
The range featured includes Trium sticks, as well as Smicy selections and sorbets.
- The 20-stick Smicy selection weighs 850 g; check the flavours before choosing this pack size.
- Recipes, weights and numbers of sticks vary by product.
Auchan
Auchan’s range includes ice lolly sticks, mini sticks and ice cream bars, including products from different brands.
- These categories make it easier to look for a pack size that suits the portion and recipe you want.
- An ice cream bar, a sorbet and a vanilla and chocolate stick may not satisfy the same craving.
MUCCI, chez ALDI
MUCCI offers mini sticks and ice lolly sticks, including recipes with a double coating.
- Boxes of mini sticks and double-coated options suit different portion and recipe preferences.
- Compare the weight and number of sticks in the product you’re considering rather than relying on the range name alone.
Magnum
The range includes classic chocolate-coated sticks and mini sticks, including an almond recipe.
- Magnum France gives a portion size of 55 ml for its Mini Amande x6; this applies to that specific product.
- Check the portion size and allergens for each box. Don’t assume the details for Mini Amande apply to other pack sizes.
Ice lolly sticks on Joybuy
These boxes of ice lolly sticks and stick-format sorbets offer different portion counts and recipes to enjoy with a coffee break. Compare their net weight, then check the portion size and label of the product you’re interested in.
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Maison de la Glace Water Ice Pops, 5 flavours, 12 pieces, 1 200 g
Consider this box if you’re planning several breaks and are happy with a selection of flavours.
The weight shown is for the whole box. Check the size of each stick if it’s important to your choice.
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CAPRI-SUN Orange & Cherry Ice Pops x12, 444 g
This pack gives you several ice lolly sticks in orange and cherry flavours for multiple breaks.
The box contains 12 pieces and has a stated total weight of 444 g. Check the packaging for ingredients and allergens.
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MAGNUM Vanilla Almond Ice Cream Bars x8, 600 g
A vanilla and almond recipe to consider if that flavour matters more to you than having a selection.
The box contains 8 sticks, with a total weight of 600 g. Check the ingredients and allergens on the label for this product.
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POP FRUIT Sorbet Sticks 100% Coconut x4, 280 g
This coconut sorbet on a stick offers a different recipe to enjoy over four breaks.
The box contains 4 pieces, with a total weight of 280 g. If ingredients matter to your choice, read the ingredients list and allergens on the packaging.
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PAW Patrol Vanilla Ice Cream Sticks with Cocoa Sauce x6, 270 g
Consider this box if you’re looking for six vanilla sticks with cocoa sauce.
The stated total weight is 270 g. Check the packaging to assess portion size and ingredients.
Frequently asked questions
How do I choose a box for several coffee breaks?
Compare the number of sticks with the net weight, then check the portion size if it’s listed. A large selection will also need space in your freezer, and you’ll need to be happy with all its different flavours.
How can I compare the ingredients in boxes of different sizes?
Read the nutritional values per 100 g or 100 ml to compare like for like, then consider the portion you plan to eat. Ingredients and allergens provide different information; any Nutri-Score shown doesn’t replace them.
Which allergens should I check in a chocolate and almond stick?
Check the allergens highlighted on the packaging of the exact product, particularly milk and nuts if they’re included in the recipe. For example, the information for Magnum Mini Amande x6 shouldn’t be applied to all chocolate and almond sticks.
How should I store ice lollies after shopping?
Follow the storage instructions and date shown on the box you’ve bought. Stick to the guidance for that specific product rather than assuming all frozen desserts carry the same instructions.