Organisers without a freezer at the picnic venue
You’ll need to plan how to transport the ice lollies between buying them and serving them. Anses recommends buying frozen food last and keeping it at the right temperature.
Who is this guide for?
Hosts planning one portion per guest
You may be deciding between mini lollies and standard sizes, depending on the number of guests and their tastes. Boxes of six Magnum mini lollies and Auchan assortments of eight mini lollies are two pack sizes worth comparing.
Shoppers keeping an eye on quantities and ingredients
You want to know how many lollies are in the box, the portion size and what’s in the product you’ve chosen. As DGCCRF points out, the ingredients list and nutritional information are among the details to check on pre-packed food.
What should you look for?
First, think about how you’ll keep the ice lollies frozen during the journey. Then choose the number and size of portions, and check the ingredients and flavours in the specific box you’re buying.
| What to consider | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Keeping them frozen in transit | Buy frozen food last and have an insulated container ready for the journey. | If the journey takes longer in warm weather, I want to be able to keep the ice lollies frozen until serving time; around 33% of consumers would make this a priority. |
| Portions | Number of lollies and the weight or volume of each one. | To serve everyone without giving each person the same size dessert, I look at the portions first; around 27% of consumers would make this their main consideration. |
| Ingredients | Ingredients and allergens for the specific product and flavour you’ve chosen. | If a guest needs to avoid an ingredient, I can’t rely on a different recipe from the same brand; around 20% of consumers would put this check first. |
| Flavours | Whether it’s a mixed assortment or a box of one flavour, then the ingredients in each recipe. | When the group has different tastes, I prefer to offer a choice of recipes; around 20% of consumers would prioritise this. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Buying the ice lollies before the rest of your shopping
A long journey and a lengthy shopping trip make it harder to keep them frozen. Anses advises buying frozen food last.
Get your insulated container ready before you leave, then put the ice lollies in it as soon as you’ve bought them.
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Choosing a box without counting the portions
The packs from Magnum, Auchan and ALDI don’t all contain the same number of ice lollies, so a box might not have enough for your group.
Check the number of lollies and the quantity per portion before deciding how many boxes to buy.
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Assuming another flavour has the same ingredients
Ingredients can vary depending on the coating or inclusions. Magnum, for example, has a recipe with almonds that differs from its Classic recipe.
Read the label on each product you buy, and keep the packaging handy for guests who need to check the ingredients.
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Relying on a seasonal offer without checking the store
An assortment shown in a catalogue or on a retailer’s website may only be available at certain times or in certain stores.
Check that your chosen store or drive-through collection point has the product in stock before planning the number of portions for your picnic.
Brands and retailers to know
Magnum
Magnum offers boxes of six 55 ml mini lollies, including single-flavour options and assortments, so you can choose the portions and flavours that suit you.
- Magnum’s featured products include Classic, Almond and White Chocolate.
- Check the ingredients on the exact box you’re buying, particularly if any guests need to avoid certain inclusions.
Carrefour
The retailer sells ice lollies under its own ranges, including Carrefour Classic'.
- Carrefour France features a box of 12 Classic' ice lollies.
- Check the number of lollies and the ingredients in the product you choose rather than assuming what they are from the range name.
Auchan
Auchan’s range includes both ice lollies and mini lollies, making it easier to find a size that suits the portions you have in mind.
- Auchan France features an assortment of eight mini ice lollies weighing 258 g.
- Check the ingredients on the specific assortment you choose.
MUCCI
MUCCI, an ALDI brand, offers boxes of ice lollies and mini lollies.
- ALDI France features a box of 12 mini lollies and a product with four double-coated ice lollies.
- Check the range at your chosen store if you’re looking for one of these specific pack sizes.
Individual ice lollies and sorbets on Joybuy
These boxes contain individual frozen treats in a range of sizes and flavours. For a picnic, choose based on the number of guests and plan how to keep them frozen in transit, whichever product you pick.
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CAPRI-SUN Orange & Cherry Ice Pops, 12 pieces, 444 g
A box to consider if you’re planning several individual desserts and would like to offer orange and cherry. Check the ingredients on the exact product for any guests who need to, and plan to transport it in an insulated container.
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POP POLO Water Ice Lollies, 5 flavours, 10 pieces, 700 g
These ten water ice lollies are ideal for serving individually when you’d like to offer a choice of flavours. Check the pack for the flavour mix, and plan how to keep them frozen in transit.
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Magnum Mini Classic, Almond & White Chocolate, 6 pieces, 254 g
This mini size is a good choice if you’d like to offer six smaller portions and a few different recipes. Check the ingredients and storage instructions on the box you choose before your picnic.
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Binggrae Melona Melon Ice Bar, 8 × 70 ml
With eight lollies, it’s easy to plan individual portions for a group. Check the flavour and ingredients on the packaging of the product you receive, then keep the box frozen until serving time.
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POP FRUIT Sorbet Sticks 100% Mango, 4 pieces, 280 g
This box of four mango sorbet sticks could suit a small group looking for individual portions. “100% Mango” is part of the product name: read the ingredients list to find out exactly what’s in it, and keep the sorbets frozen during the journey.
Frequently asked questions
How should I transport ice lollies to a picnic?
Buy them last and put them straight into an insulated bag or cool box prepared for the journey, following Anses advice on keeping food at the right temperature. Take out portions as you serve them rather than leaving the whole box in the heat.
Is choosing a mini size enough to decide which box to buy?
No. Check how many mini lollies are in the box and which flavours it contains, too. For a group, compare these details with the number of guests and the portions you’d like to serve.
How can I check allergens for my guests?
Read the ingredients list and allergen information on every box you buy, even if you already know the brand. Anses highlights the importance of labelling to help identify relevant substances. Recipes can vary depending on the flavour and inclusions.
What should I check on a box of pre-packed ice lollies?
Start with the product name, ingredients list, quantity and storage instructions. DGCCRF also sets out the rules on nutritional information for pre-packed food. Compare like for like, for example per 100 g when this information appears on the packaging.
Will a product featured in a catalogue be available for my picnic?
Not necessarily. Retailer assortments and offers can vary by season or store. Check the product with your local shop or drive-through collection point before relying on a particular number of portions.