Hosts who want to serve quickly
If you want to hand out dessert without cutting it up or needing extra crockery, allow one ice lolly per person and choose the portion size you want. Boxes of mini lollies are ideal for serving smaller portions.
Who are these sizes best for?
Hosts looking for a choice of flavours
An assorted box lets you offer several recipes in one pack. If you know what your guests like, you can also put together a selection from several products, checking how many lollies are in each box.
Hosts mindful of dietary restrictions
If any of your guests have an allergy or intolerance, check the label on each product, including those in an assorted box. Depending on the recipe, ingredients may include milk, almonds or soya, and the label may also warn that traces are present.
What should you look for?
First decide whether you want smaller portions that are easy to hand out, or classic-sized lollies to serve as the main dessert. Then check what’s in each box and how it needs to be stored: the retailer’s own brand doesn’t, on its own, tell you the size or ingredients.
| What to consider | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Number and size of portions | Count the individual lollies and distinguish between mini and classic sizes; the total weight doesn’t tell you how many desserts are in the box. | If you want to serve each guest without choosing a portion that’s too large, the number of lollies matters more than the size of the box. Around 31% of consumers put portion sizing first. |
| Choice of flavours | Check whether the box includes several recipes and, if stated, how they are divided. | When guests have different tastes, offering a choice of flavours matters more than choosing just one recipe. Variety is the top priority for around 25% of consumers. |
| Quantity per box | Compare the number of lollies with the stated weight or volume, without confusing the total quantity with the size of each portion. | If I’m putting together dessert from several boxes, I want to know how much each one contains and avoid portions that don’t suit the group. Around 19% of consumers prioritise this comparison. |
| Allergens and keeping products frozen | Read the ingredients and any may-contain warnings for the exact product; plan to keep it at −18 °C until serving. | Having an allergic guest or serving outdoors means you need to factor these requirements in before choosing flavours. For around 25% of consumers, they come first. |
Mistakes to avoid
-
Choosing by weight without counting the lollies
Two boxes of a similar weight can contain different numbers of portions, particularly if one has mini lollies and the other classic-sized ones.
Start with the number of guests, then check the number and size of the lollies in each box.
-
Assuming an assorted box suits every guest
Different recipes in the same box can have different ingredients. Some products contain milk, almonds or soya, and may-contain warnings also need your attention.
Check the label on the exact product for each dietary restriction. A “may contain” warning doesn’t guarantee that the allergen in question is absent.
-
Taking all the ice lollies out before serving
When you’re serving outdoors, it’s harder to keep products frozen once they’ve been taken out of the freezer.
Keep the ice lollies at −18 °C until serving and take the boxes out as you need them. For transport, use an insulated bag or cool box. The DGCCRF advises that food which has been defrosted should not be refrozen.
Brands and retailers to know
Magnum
The range includes classic-sized and mini ice lollies, including assorted boxes offering a choice of flavours.
- Magnum offers Mini Almond lollies in boxes of six, among other products; Auchan also stocks an assorted box of ten Magnum mini lollies.
- An almond recipe contains different ingredients from a classic one, so check each label if anyone has dietary restrictions.
Carrefour
Carrefour’s ice cream and sorbet range includes ice lollies and mini formats, from its own-label and national brands.
- The range of sizes makes it easier to compare the number of lollies and ingredients available at your chosen store.
- Check the exact product before relying on a particular size or flavour.
Auchan
Auchan stocks an assorted box of its own-brand mini lollies, with eight in a 258 g pack.
- The pack of eight makes it easier to plan individual servings.
- If you’re choosing an assorted box, check the ingredients and allergens in every recipe before serving it to guests with dietary restrictions.
Products for individual servings
This selection includes assorted mini lollies, single-flavour lollies and other individual frozen desserts. Check how many are in each pack and whether any preparation is needed: lollies that need freezing aren’t ready to serve in the same way as products already stored in the freezer.
Image unavailable
Magnum Mini Classic, Almond and White Chocolate, 6 pieces, 254 g
A box of six mini lollies for smaller portions, with three advertised recipes. Check how the flavours are divided if that matters for your group, and read the label for milk and nuts. Store at −18 °C or below and do not refreeze after defrosting.
Image unavailable
Maison de la Glace Water Ice Pops, 5 flavours, 12 pieces, 1 200 g
The pack of twelve makes it easy to count portions for a group. The five advertised flavours are aniseed, cola, raspberry, lemon and mint. If anyone has an allergy, check the label before serving. Keep the lollies at −18 °C or below and do not refreeze after defrosting.
Image unavailable
Binggrae Melona melon, 8 × 70 ml
These eight individual melon lollies are a good choice if you want to serve just one flavour. The recipe contains milk. The label also lists the colour E102 and includes a warning about children’s activity and attention. Store at −18 °C or below and do not refreeze after defrosting.
Image unavailable
CAPRI-SUN Orange & Cherry Ice Pops, 12 × 37 g
This pack of twelve orange and cherry lollies needs to be frozen before serving, so make sure you allow time for this before your guests arrive. The product may contain traces of gluten, peanuts, soya, milk and nuts; check the label if any guests have allergies. Once frozen, store at −18 °C or below and do not refreeze after defrosting.
Image unavailable
POP FRUIT Sorbet Sticks 100% Coconut, 4 × 70 g
Four coconut sorbet sticks make four portions of the same flavour. The product is made in a facility that also handles milk, nuts, gluten, soya and peanuts, among other allergens, so check the label if anyone has an allergy. Not suitable for children under 36 months. Store at −18 °C and do not refreeze after defrosting.
Frequently asked questions
How many ice lollies should I plan for a garden party?
Count the people you want to serve, then add up the number of lollies shown on the boxes you’ve chosen. The number varies between products stocked by different retailers, so the box weight isn’t a substitute for counting them.
Should I choose mini lollies rather than classic-sized ones?
Mini lollies are a good choice if you want smaller portions or a selection of flavours; a classic-sized lolly makes for a more substantial individual dessert. Either way, check the number of lollies so you have enough for all the guests you want to serve.
How should I choose if a guest has a food allergy?
Read the ingredients and any may-contain warnings on the label of the exact product, including each recipe in an assorted box. The European Commission reminds consumers that allergens used as ingredients must be clearly identified on prepacked foods sold in the European Union. Check any “may contain” warning separately.
How do I keep ice lollies frozen during a gathering?
Keep the ice lollies at −18 °C until you’re ready to serve them, and take the boxes out a few at a time. Use insulated transport if needed; the DGCCRF advises that food which has been defrosted should never be refrozen.