Parents organising a group snack
You need enough ice lollies for the children attending, so check the number in the pack before you choose.
Who are these options for?
Adults managing food exclusions
You need to check the ingredients on the exact product before serving it. The DGCCRF advises that allergenic ingredients in prepacked foods must be clearly highlighted in the ingredients list.
Families making snacks with the children
You’d rather use ice-lolly moulds so you can choose the ingredients and make preparing them a shared activity.
What should you look for?
Pack of ice cream sticks
Choose this: when you need ice lollies ready to hand out to a group.
Bear in mind: the flavours and ingredients in the selection need to suit the children you’re serving.
Mini ice cream sticks
Choose this: if you prefer smaller individual portions.
Bear in mind: a mini size alone tells you nothing about the ingredients or allergens.
Homemade ice lollies
Choose this: if the children will help prepare them and you want to select the ingredients.
Bear in mind: you’ll need moulds and time to freeze them, and you’ll need to check every ingredient if a child has to avoid certain foods.
| Criteria | What to check | What matters to shoppers |
|---|---|---|
| Number of portions | Count the ice lollies and check their size before planning how to serve them. | When several children are waiting for an ice lolly, I want to be able to give one to everyone without finding out too late that the pack contains fewer than expected; around 36% of shoppers put portion numbers first. |
| Ingredients and allergens | Read the ingredients list and check which allergens are highlighted on the exact product’s packaging. | If a child needs to avoid milk or another ingredient, I can’t rely on the ice lolly’s flavour alone; for around 29% of shoppers, this check takes priority over other criteria. |
| Serving or preparation | Choose between ready-to-serve portions and moulds to fill, depending on how the activity will run. | For a cooking activity, I’d rather make ice lollies with the children than simply open a box; around 21% of shoppers prioritise how the snack is prepared or served. |
| Transport and storage | Use an insulated bag for frozen products and follow the storage instructions on the packaging. | If the journey home after shopping is long or the freezer is already full, I need to be able to store the ice lollies as instructed; this is a priority for around 14% of shoppers. |
Mistakes to avoid
-
Assuming an ice lolly is milk-free from its name
A flavour or product category isn’t enough to tell you what a recipe contains. The product information for Magnum Mini Double Chocolate, for example, lists milk and concentrated butter.
If a child has an allergy or needs to avoid certain foods, ask the responsible adult to check the ingredients list on the exact product, including whenever the size or recipe changes.
-
Forgetting the journey home after buying
Frozen ice lollies need to be transported and put away without unnecessary delay to maintain the cold chain.
The DGCCRF advises picking up frozen products at the end of your shop, using an insulated bag where possible and keeping transport time to a minimum. Then store the products according to the instructions on their packaging.
Brands and retailers to compare
Carrefour Classic'
A range to consider if you’re looking for a box of chocolate and vanilla ice cream sticks to share between several children.
- Carrefour offers, among other options, a box of 12 chocolate and vanilla ice cream sticks.
- Check the ingredients and allergens on the specific product you plan to serve.
SMICY / Marque Repère E.Leclerc
An assortment to consider when the number of portions is your top priority.
- E.Leclerc offers a SMICY assortment of 20 sticks weighing 850 g.
- E.Leclerc’s product information advises contacting the relevant store to check availability.
Magnum
A brand that offers individual portions, including mini vanilla and chocolate ice cream sticks.
- Magnum describes its Mini Classic x6 as six 55 ml portions of vanilla ice cream coated in milk chocolate.
- Ingredients vary between products, so check the label on the exact product if a child needs to avoid certain foods.
Auchan
A retailer where you can compare ice cream sticks, mini sticks and sizes aimed at children.
- The products on offer include different numbers of ice lollies per box.
- Check the size and label of the product you choose rather than assuming every box will suit the same needs.
MUCCI / ALDI
A range to look out for if you’re after mini ice cream sticks and your local store stocks them.
- ALDI offers MUCCI mini ice cream sticks as part of its frozen dessert range.
- Check which product is available locally, how many are in the pack and what the ingredients list says.
Ice lollies and ice cream sticks on Joybuy
These ready-to-serve or ready-to-freeze products come in different portion sizes for a snack with children. First choose a size that suits your group, then check the preparation and storage instructions and allergen information for the exact product.
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CAPRI-SUN Orange & Cherry Ice Pops x12, 444 g
A pack of 12 ice lollies to freeze before serving at a group snack.
The product information notes that it may contain traces of milk, gluten, peanuts, soya and tree nuts. Check the exact packaging if a child has an allergy. Do not refreeze once defrosted.
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PEPPA PIG Strawberry Vanilla Ice Cream Sticks, 6 × 60 ml
Six strawberry and vanilla ice cream sticks to consider if you’re planning individual portions.
The product information lists milk and notes possible traces of tree nuts and peanuts. Check the exact packaging before serving it to a child with an allergy.
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Maison de la Glace Water Ice Pops, 5 flavours, 12 ice lollies, 1 200 g
An assortment of 12 ice lollies, offering a group a choice of flavours.
If a child has an allergy or needs to avoid certain foods, don’t assume what a flavour contains from the assortment’s name. Check the label on the exact product before serving it.
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PAW Patrol Vanilla Ice Cream Sticks with Cocoa Sauce x6, 270 g
A box of six vanilla ice cream sticks with cocoa sauce, featuring a PAW Patrol theme.
The product information lists milk and notes possible traces of tree nuts, peanuts, egg and soya. Check the exact packaging if a child has an allergy. Do not refreeze the ice cream sticks once defrosted.
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Binggrae Melona Melon Ice Bar, 8 × 70 ml
Eight melon-flavoured ice bars to serve as individual portions.
The product information lists milk and the colour E102, and includes a warning relating to children’s activity and attention. Read the exact label before choosing this product for a children’s snack.
Frequently asked questions
Does milk have to be listed on a prepacked ice lolly sold in France?
Yes. The DGCCRF says allergenic ingredients in prepacked foods must be clearly highlighted in the ingredients list. Check the list on the exact product before serving it to a child with an allergy or who needs to avoid certain foods.
Are ice lollies or sorbets automatically milk-free?
No. The product category name alone doesn’t tell you whether it contains milk. Check the ingredients and allergen information on the packaging of the product you choose.
How should you transport ice lollies after shopping?
Ideally, transport frozen ice lollies in an insulated bag and keep the journey as short as possible. The DGCCRF also recommends picking up frozen products at the end of your shop. When you get home, follow the storage instructions on the packaging.
Can you make homemade ice lollies with children?
Yes. Ice-lolly moulds let you make recipes together using ingredients such as water and fruit. Make sure you have the moulds and enough time to freeze the lollies. If a child needs to avoid certain foods, check every ingredient.