Who is this choice for ?

Parents looking for a regular snack

If you’re choosing everyday snacks for a child under 3, start with foods that are suitable for their age. Manger Bouger advises limiting sugary foods, and ameli recommends limiting sugar and fatty foods.

Parents considering an occasional ice lolly

If you’re buying a chocolate-coated ice lolly as an occasional treat, check the ingredients, the portion size and how to store the frozen product. The word ‘mini’ alone doesn’t tell you whether it’s suitable for your child.

Parents who need to avoid an allergen

Check the exact product before buying: the Carrefour, Auchan and Magnum product listings mentioned here show different ingredients and ‘may contain’ information. The DGCCRF reminds consumers that allergens must be highlighted in the ingredients list of pre-packed foods.

What should you look for ?

First decide whether you’re looking for an everyday snack or an occasional treat. An ice lolly is a frozen product; a box of chocolates has different storage requirements.

Criteria What to check Who is it for ?
Everyday snack Distinguish between a regular snack and an occasional dessert; compare sugars and fat per 100 g or 100 ml across similar products. If I’m preparing everyday snacks, I want to avoid making ice cream or chocolates a regular habit. Around 50 % of consumers would put this need first.
Allergens Read the ingredients, highlighted allergens and ‘may contain’ information on the packaging of the product you’re buying. If an ingredient needs to be avoided, I need to be able to check the exact recipe rather than rely on the brand. This would be the top priority for around 33 % of consumers.
Quantity and storage Check the net quantity and number of pieces; for an ice lolly, follow the storage instructions on the packaging. For a one-off occasion, I want to choose how much to serve and, if I buy an ice lolly, be able to keep it frozen. Around 17 % of consumers would put this concern first.

Mistakes to avoid

  • Confusing an occasional dessert with an everyday snack

    A small ice lolly or piece of chocolate is still a sugary food. Manger Bouger advises introducing sugary foods as late as possible and in limited quantities.

    Decide how you plan to use it before comparing products: for a regular snack, don’t start with a box of chocolates or a box of ice lollies.

  • Relying on allergen information for a different recipe

    The product listings for Carrefour and Magnum ice lollies and an Auchan ice cream show different ingredients and ‘may contain’ information.

    Read the packaging for the flavour you’re buying, including any ‘may contain’ information, especially if an allergen needs to be avoided.

  • Assuming ‘mini’ means it’s suitable for your child’s age

    The size describes the individual portion, not its nutritional composition or the abilities needed to eat it.

    Check the nutritional values per 100 g or 100 ml and, where shown on the packaging, per portion. Also take your child’s age and abilities into account.

  • Refreezing ice cream after it has thawed

    The Auchan product listings consulted for chocolate ice cream state that it should be stored at −18 °C and that a thawed product must not be refrozen.

    Plan how you’ll transport the frozen product and follow the storage instructions on the packaging you buy.

    If thawed ice cream cannot be refrozen, you may not be able to keep it for another occasion.

Brands to know when comparing labels

Magnum

The Mini Classic product listed by Auchan is a vanilla ice lolly coated in milk chocolate.

  • The product listing provides the ingredients and storage instructions for this product.
  • This product contains milk and soya and may contain almonds. Its mini size doesn’t show that it’s suitable for a toddler.

Carrefour Sensation

Carrefour includes speculoos and chocolate ice lollies in a 280 g box.

  • The product listing gives the ingredients, allergens and nutritional values to check before buying.
  • The recipe consulted contains milk and wheat and may contain traces of nuts. This information doesn’t apply to every recipe from the brand.

Auchan

The chocolate ice cream with flakes listed by Auchan comes in a tub, not as an ice lolly.

  • Its product listing gives the ingredients and says to store it at −18 °C, with instructions not to refreeze it after thawing.
  • This recipe contains milk and soya and may contain traces of several other ingredients. Check the ingredients of any Auchan ice lolly separately.

Joybuy products

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

Can a chocolate ice lolly be a toddler’s regular snack ?

It’s not the best choice for a regular snack: Manger Bouger advises introducing sugary foods as late as possible and in limited quantities, while ameli recommends limiting sugar and fatty foods for children under 3. Even for an occasional treat, check the ingredients and consider your child’s individual needs.

What should I check on a pre-packed ice lolly or box of chocolates ?

Read the ingredients list, highlighted allergens, net quantity and nutritional information for the product you’ve chosen. When comparing similar products, the DGCCRF says nutritional information is given per 100 g or 100 ml; pay particular attention to sugars and fat.

Is a ‘mini’ ice cream automatically suitable for a toddler ?

No: ‘mini’ describes the size, not whether it’s suitable for your child’s age or needs. For one specific recipe, the Auchan listing for the Magnum Mini Classic says it contains milk and soya and may contain almonds.

How should I store a chocolate ice cream after buying it ?

Follow the instructions on the packaging of the product you’ve bought and keep it frozen during transport. The Auchan listing for chocolate ice cream with flakes says to store it at −18 °C and never to refreeze it once thawed.