Anyone serving a group
If you want every guest to have an ice lolly, count the lollies before choosing a box. Products from Magnum, Auchan, ALDI and E.Leclerc include boxes of 6, 10, 12 and 20.
Who are these formats for?
Hosts looking to offer a choice of flavours
An assortment can bring several recipes together in one box. If you’d also like to offer a fruity flavour, compare its ingredients and number of portions with those of creamy or chocolate ice lollies.
Anyone checking ingredients and allergens
Check the exact product you plan to serve, including any ‘may contain’ warnings. Depending on the recipe, Magnum ice lolly listings from Auchan and Carrefour mention milk, soya or almonds.
What should you check before buying?
Decide whether the ice lollies will be the only dessert or a little treat after the party food. Then compare the number of lollies, flavours and ingredients: the total weight or recipe name alone won’t tell you everything you need to know about a box.
| Criteria | What to check | Who is this for? |
|---|---|---|
| Number of portions | Count the ice lollies in each box and compare the total with the number of portions you need. Don’t rely on the total weight alone. | If I want to serve one ice lolly to each guest, I need to know how many to buy. Around 40% of consumers would prioritise the number of portions. |
| Flavours and textures | Check which recipes are actually included in the assortment and decide whether you’d also like to offer a fruity sorbet. | When guests have different tastes, I’d rather not limit dessert to one flavour. Variety would be the main priority for around 30% of consumers. |
| Ingredients and portion size | Read the ingredients, allergens and ‘may contain’ warnings for each product. Also check the weight or volume of each ice lolly. | If a guest needs to avoid an ingredient or would prefer a smaller portion, the words ‘sorbet’ or ‘mini’ aren’t enough for me. Around 30% of consumers would put these checks first. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Confusing the weight of the box with the number of ice lollies
A heavier box won’t necessarily contain enough ice lollies for the number of portions you need. Products from Magnum, Auchan, ALDI and E.Leclerc include boxes containing between 6 and 20 lollies.
First work out how many portions you need, then compare the contents and flavours of the boxes.
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Assuming a sorbet or mini format is suitable for everyone
Ingredients vary from one recipe to another: ice lollies may contain milk, soya or nuts, while sorbet can contain sugar.
Before serving, check the ingredients, highlighted allergens and any ‘may contain’ warnings on each pack.
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Leaving ice lollies out of the freezer before the party
Getting them home and keeping them frozen until serving time are just as important as choosing the right format. The DGCCRF advises transporting frozen products in an insulated bag and putting them away promptly.
Pick up frozen food towards the end of your shop, then follow the storage and defrosting instructions on each box.
A defrosted product must not be refrozen if the label says not to, as indicated on the product listing for Auchan’s mixed-fruit sorbet ice lollies.
Brands and retailers to consider
Magnum
Magnum offers a Mini Classic, Almond and White Chocolate assortment with six 55 ml ice lollies, giving you three recipes in one box.
- Several flavours for individual portions.
- Ingredients and allergens vary by recipe: listings from Auchan and Carrefour mention milk, soya or almonds, among other ingredients.
AUCHAN
Auchan offers a box of ten mixed-fruit sorbet ice lollies, each weighing 50 g.
- The number of lollies and individual portion size are clearly stated.
- The product listing mentions sugar and fruit juices made from concentrate, so the word ‘sorbet’ is no substitute for checking the ingredients.
POP'FRUIT
The Strawberry product listed by Auchan contains six mini sorbet ice lollies weighing 35 g each.
- The mini format makes it easy to plan a fruity portion for each person.
- Don’t assume the ingredients and information on this product apply to other flavours or formats from the brand.
ALDI — gamme MUCCI®
ALDI offers a box of twelve MUCCI® mini ice lollies in milk chocolate, white chocolate, almond and classic flavours.
- The number of lollies and listed flavours make it easier to plan for sharing.
- Check which product is available locally and read its ingredients before planning portions.
E.Leclerc
E.Leclerc lists, among other options, a 20-stick SMICY assortment for serving a larger group.
- The 20-piece format makes it easy to work out how many boxes you’ll need.
- Check the flavours and ingredients on the listing for your chosen product or on its packaging.
Lidl
Lidl has an ice cream category among its frozen products; the exact ice lolly options depend on what’s available at your local store.
- Worth a look if you’re adding to your frozen food shop.
- Check the format, number of lollies and product label locally before adding them to your party spread.
Individual ice lollies on Joybuy
These boxes include individual ice lollies, assorted flavours and a mango sorbet. Compare the number of lollies with the portions you need for the birthday party, then check the packaging of the product you choose.
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Maison de la Glace Water Ice Pops, 12 pieces, 5 flavours, 1 200 g
The box of twelve ice lollies could be a good fit if you’re planning several portions and would like a choice of flavours.
Check the ingredients and allergens on the packaging before serving.
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PEPPA PIG strawberry and vanilla ice lollies, 6 × 60 ml
This box of six ice lollies is ideal for serving six portions, or for adding to a selection from another box.
The recipe combines strawberry and vanilla. Check the allergens on the packaging before serving.
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Magnum Mini Classic, Almond and White Chocolate, 6 pieces, 254 g
This assortment of six mini ice lollies lets you offer a choice of creamy, chocolatey recipes in individual portions.
The recipe you choose may contain different allergens from another flavour, so check the packaging before serving.
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POP FRUIT mango sorbet, 4 ice lollies, 280 g
These four ice lollies offer a fruity flavour if you’d like to add another box to your selection for the group.
Check the ingredients and any ‘may contain’ warnings on the packaging. Sorbet alone doesn’t guarantee that a product is suitable for guests with allergies.
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Binggrae Melona Banana, 8 ice lollies, 70 ml each
The box contains eight banana-flavoured portions. Choose it if the flavour suits your guests and eight lollies are enough.
Check the ingredients and allergens on the packaging before serving, especially if any guests have allergies.
Frequently asked questions
How many individual ice lollies should I buy for a birthday party?
Start with the number of people you’re serving and decide whether the ice lolly will be the only dessert or a small treat after the party food. Then check how many pieces are in each box. Only plan for a second portion if it suits the way you’re serving them.
Can you refreeze ice lollies once they’ve defrosted?
Don’t refreeze a defrosted product if the label says not to, as Auchan specifies for its mixed-fruit sorbet ice lollies. To keep food frozen, the DGCCRF advises transporting frozen products in an insulated bag and putting them away promptly, following the temperature stated on the packaging.
How should I choose ice lollies if any guests have allergies?
Check the ingredients, allergens and ‘may contain’ warnings on every box you plan to serve. The DGCCRF reminds consumers that allergens must be highlighted in the ingredients list of prepacked food. For example, Carrefour’s listing for Magnum Almond mentions milk and almonds, as well as possible traces of soya and other nuts.