Who are these sizes for?

People buying multipacks for several breaks

You want to keep several sticks in the freezer and are checking both the number of items and the amount in each one.

People who prefer a set portion

For a mid-morning break, you want to know the weight or volume of each stick and, when shown on the packaging, check the nutritional information per portion.

People who check ingredients and allergens

You check the exact recipe, including any information about milk, soya and nuts, rather than relying on the flavour alone.

What should you look for?

Start with the box size and the amount in each stick, then compare recipes by checking their labels. A weight in grams and a volume in millilitres can’t be compared directly.

What to check Look for Who it matters to
Multipack size The number of sticks and the total amount shown on the box. I want to plan several breaks without mistaking a full-looking box for one with small portions. Around 36% of consumers put this need for a multipack first.
Individual portion The weight or volume of each stick and, if shown, the nutritional information per portion. For a short break, I’d rather know what’s in one item than judge the whole box. This portion size comes first for around 29% of consumers.
Ingredients and allergens Nutritional values per 100 g or 100 ml, followed by the ingredients and allergen information for the exact recipe. If I’m buying for someone with an allergy, the ingredients list determines my choice before the pack size. Around 21% of consumers prioritise the ingredients in this way.
Recipe and coating The flavour, type of coating, any inclusions and the amount in each stick. Sometimes I’m looking for a particular recipe, with chocolate or inclusions, even if the portion differs from that of a mini stick. This comes first for around 14% of consumers.

Mistakes to avoid

  • Looking only at the number of sticks

    Two boxes can contain the same number of items without offering the same total amount or the same size portions.

    Check the number of sticks, the total amount and the amount per item, where shown.

  • Assuming mini sticks have a particular nutritional profile

    A small portion doesn’t, by itself, tell you how much sugar, fat or energy the recipe contains.

    Compare the nutritional values per 100 g or 100 ml, and check the values per stick too if they’re shown on the packaging.

  • Assuming vanilla and chocolate recipes contain the same allergens

    Depending on the product, the ingredients list or may-contain information may include milk, soya or nuts.

    Read the ingredients and any ‘may contain’ information on the box you’re buying, even if you already know the brand.

  • Letting your ice lollies melt on the way home

    Getting frozen food home safely is part of keeping it properly stored. Anses recommends picking it up at the end of your shop and using an insulated bag.

    Put the ice lollies back in the freezer promptly and follow the instructions on the packaging. Don’t refreeze a product once it has defrosted.

Brands and retailers to know

Magnum

Carrefour’s listing for a Magnum assortment describes 95 ml sticks featuring a mix of recipes and coatings.

  • Worth considering if the flavour and coating are what guide your choice.
  • Check the exact assortment: whether it contains almonds and any information about other nuts can vary.

Carrefour

The retailer offers several ice cream stick recipes, including its SIMPL and Carrefour Classic’ ranges.

  • The SIMPL listing checked specifies 16 sticks weighing 33.5 g each, making it easy to identify the portion size.
  • Check the ingredients list for each recipe before treating two boxes as equivalent.

E.Leclerc

The Eco+ range includes a box of 16 vanilla and chocolate sticks, weighing 536 g in total, according to its product listing.

  • The number of items and the total weight give you two different ways to assess the pack size.
  • The listing shows a Nutri-Score E and includes milk and soya among the ingredients. Check the label on the box you choose.

Auchan

The POUCE vanilla and chocolate product listing checked contains 12 sticks, weighing 402 g in total.

  • The number of items and the total amount help you compare this pack with other multipacks.
  • The listing mentions milk and soya, as well as possible traces of nuts.

Lidl

A Lidl listing describes a pack of eight strawberry and white chocolate sticks, each weighing 84 g.

  • The weight of each stick helps you gauge the portion size.
  • Check the recipe and the size of the box actually available in your store.

ALDI

The ALDI page checked includes MUCCI mini sticks in a 429 g box.

  • The mini size is worth considering if you’re looking for a small individual treat.
  • Check the number of items, the recipe and the portion information on the packaging.

Ice cream sticks and individual ice lollies on Joybuy

These products offer several ways to plan an individual frozen treat: multipacks of sticks, sorbet on a stick and water ice lollies. To compare them, check the size of each item and the recipe you’re interested in.

Binggrae Melona melon ice cream sticks, box of eight

Binggrae Melona Melon Ice Bar, 8 × 70 ml

Worth considering if you’d like several melon-flavoured sticks, each with a set volume.

The box contains eight sticks, each 70 ml. Read the label to check the ingredients and allergens.

View on Joybuy
CAPRI-SUN Orange and Cherry Ice Pops, box of twelve

CAPRI-SUN Orange & Cherry Ice Pops, 12 pieces, 444 g

This multipack of water ice lollies is a good fit if you’d like to enjoy one at a time.

The box contains 12 pieces and weighs 444 g in total. Check the packaging for information per item and any allergen information.

View on Joybuy
POP FRUIT coconut sorbet sticks, box of four

POP FRUIT Sorbet Sticks 100% Coconut, 4 pieces, 280 g

Worth considering if you’re specifically looking for coconut sorbet on a stick rather than a vanilla and chocolate ice cream.

The box contains four pieces and weighs 280 g in total. Check the ingredients and allergen information for this recipe.

View on Joybuy
PAW Patrol vanilla ice cream sticks with cocoa sauce, box of six

PAW Patrol Vanilla Ice Cream Sticks with Cocoa Sauce, 6 pieces, 270 g

Worth considering if you prefer vanilla with cocoa sauce in a multipack of sticks.

The pack contains six pieces and weighs 270 g in total. To check the portion size, look for the amount per stick on the packaging.

View on Joybuy
Maison de la Glace assorted water ice lollies, box of twelve

Maison de la Glace Water Ice Pops, 5 flavours, 12 pieces, 1 200 g

This multipack is a good choice if you’re looking for a variety of individual water ice lollies.

The pack contains five flavours and 12 pieces, weighing 1 200 g in total. Check the amount per item and the ingredients for each flavour before choosing.

View on Joybuy

Frequently asked questions

How do you compare two different-sized boxes of ice lollies?

Check the total amount, the number of sticks and the amount per item. A box with more items doesn’t necessarily mean each portion is smaller, so compare the units shown before deciding.

Is the Nutri-Score enough to help you choose an ice cream stick?

No. If shown, the Nutri-Score is one useful guide to consider alongside the nutritional values, portion size and ingredients list. To compare two recipes, use the same basis, such as per 100 g or per 100 ml.

Which allergens should you check in a vanilla and chocolate recipe?

Read the ingredients list and any precautionary allergen information for the exact product. Depending on the recipe, the products described here may contain information about milk, soya or nuts. The flavour name alone won’t tell you which allergens are present.

How should you bring ice lollies home after shopping?

Pick up frozen food at the end of your shop and carry it in an insulated bag, following Anses advice on maintaining the cold chain. Put it in the freezer promptly, follow the instructions on the packaging and don’t refreeze a product that has defrosted.