If you’re serving several individual desserts over the October half-term, start by working out how many portions you need. Then choose between mini ice lollies, mixed boxes and standard-sized lollies, depending on everyone’s tastes and the portion size you want. Check the ingredients and allergens for each product, and remember to carry frozen products home in an insulated bag after shopping.
If you’re planning to serve ice lollies at several afternoon snacks or after meals, compare the number of lollies in each box and the size of each one. The boxes shown by Carrefour, ALDI and E.Leclerc illustrate how the same number of lollies can come in different sizes.
A mixed box lets you offer several flavours without opening lots of different boxes. Magnum, for example, offers a box of six mini lollies with Classic, Almond and White Chocolate flavours. However, check how the flavours are divided up if everyone wants to choose their own.
Check the exact product rather than relying on the brand or range name. Magnum offers a Vegan Almond product, while the product listing for SMICY vanilla lollies x12 mentions milk, lactose and milk proteins. In France, the DGCCRF says that allergens must be highlighted in the ingredients list on prepacked foods.
First work out how many desserts you’ll be serving, then compare the boxes by flavour, portion size and ingredients.
| Factor | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Number of portions and budget | Work out how many lollies you need, then compare the number of items and the total quantity across similar sizes. | If I’m serving several desserts over the holiday, I want a box with enough in it for the occasions I have planned. Around 40% of consumers would prioritise the number of portions and the budget. |
| Variety and size | Check the flavours listed and distinguish between mini lollies and standard portions. | When tastes differ, I’d rather offer a choice in one box, even if that means choosing smaller portions. Variety would be the main priority for around 30% of consumers. |
| Ingredients and allergens | Read the ingredients list and check the highlighted allergens on the exact product you’re considering. | If someone has an allergy or follows a particular diet, I need to check the recipe before serving it. Around 30% of consumers would put this compatibility first. |
The box size alone doesn’t tell you how many individual desserts it contains. The sizes shown by Carrefour, ALDI and E.Leclerc contain different numbers of lollies.
Plan how many occasions you’ll be serving them, then check the number of lollies listed on each pack.
The Magnum mini assortment shown contains six 55 ml lollies. So, the same number of items doesn’t necessarily mean portions of the same size.
As well as checking the total number of lollies, compare the volume or weight per item where it’s listed.
A plant-based product doesn’t tell you what’s in the other products in the range. For example, the SMICY vanilla lollies x12 listing mentions milk, lactose and milk proteins.
If you have an allergy or dietary restriction, check the ingredients and allergens on the pack you’ve chosen.
How you transport frozen food and store it is part of choosing a practical frozen dessert, especially if you have other shopping to do.
Anses recommends picking up frozen food last and using an insulated bag. Then follow the storage instructions on the pack.
The range includes standard-sized lollies, mini assortments and a Vegan Almond product from Magnum.
Carrefour offers own-brand ice lollies in a range of sizes and recipes.
E.Leclerc offers SMICY products including vanilla lollies x12 and an assortment of sticks x20.
ALDI offers MUCCI ice creams, including a box of 12 mini lollies weighing 429 g.
Auchan offers lollies and mini lollies, including Auchan Bio products and assorted boxes from other brands.
This selection includes ice lollies, sorbet lollies and individual ice pops. To compare them, first check the number of items, the flavours listed and any product-specific precautions.
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Six mini caramel lollies for individual servings. The box contains 330 g in total; it isn’t a mixed-flavour selection. The product description mentions milk and possible traces of nuts. Check the pack if you have an allergy.
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Twelve individual orange and cherry ice pops, weighing 444 g in total. This is a combination of flavours, not two separate flavours to choose from in the box. The product listing notes possible traces of gluten, peanuts, soya, milk and nuts. Check the pack if needed.
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Eight individual melon lollies, each with a stated volume of 70 ml. The recipe contains milk. The product listing also notes the colour E102 and includes a warning about possible effects on children’s activity and attention. Read the label before serving this product.
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Four coconut sorbet lollies, weighing 70 g each, so this box gives you four servings. The product listing says they’re made in a facility that also handles milk, nuts, soya and peanuts. It also states that the product is not suitable for children under 36 months. Check these details on the pack.
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Twelve ice pops in five listed flavours, offering several options in one box. The product listing advises against serving this product to anyone at risk of an allergic reaction. Check the exact labelling before serving it to them.
Start by working out how many lollies you need, then compare their size and the flavours on offer. A box of mini lollies and a box of standard portions may not suit the same occasion, even if they contain the same number of items.
Read the ingredients list on the pack for the exact product. In France, the DGCCRF says allergens in prepacked foods must be highlighted in the ingredients list. Don’t assume they’re absent based only on a brand or range name.
Pick up frozen food at the end of your shopping trip and carry it in an insulated bag, as Anses recommends. Keep your journey time to a minimum and follow the storage instructions on the pack.
No. A plant-based label doesn’t mean the product is free from all allergens. Check the ingredients and allergen information for the specific product, even if it’s labelled as vegan.