For an individual treat during the school holidays, start by choosing the portion size and recipe: a chocolate-coated ice cream stick if that’s what you fancy, a mini size for a smaller portion, or a fruity ice lolly for something different. Then check the number of pieces, the weight or volume per stick, and the ingredients and allergens for the exact flavour. ‘Individual’ describes the portion, not necessarily a single-item purchase.
If you’re after a single serving of vanilla and chocolate, with or without almonds depending on the recipe, check the volume of each stick. Carrefour’s product listings for the relevant Magnum Classic and Almond products state 100 mL per piece.
A box lets you enjoy one ice lolly at a time during the holidays. The selections featured by Carrefour, E.Leclerc and ALDI include mini sizes and multipacks; check what’s in the box you choose.
If you need to avoid an ingredient, read the list and any ‘may contain’ warnings for the exact product. A fruit-based or plant-based recipe doesn’t automatically mean it’s free from milk, peanuts or tree nuts: the Auchan and Magnum examples have different allergen warnings.
First decide on the portion size and recipe that suit you, then compare the boxes without confusing the number of pieces with the size of each stick. If you need to avoid an allergen, the label on the exact product you buy is what matters.
| Criterion | What to check | Who it’s for |
|---|---|---|
| Generous portion | The weight or volume per stick and the recipe for your chosen flavour. | I’m mainly looking for chocolate-coated ice cream for my break, rather than a water ice lolly; around 20% of consumers put this type of portion first. |
| Portions to spread out | The number of ice lollies, their size and the freezer space they’ll need. | To spread out my treats over the holidays, I want a box I can use one portion at a time. This is a priority for around 33% of consumers. |
| Recipe and allergens | The ingredients list and any ‘may contain’ warnings on the exact box. | If I need to avoid an ingredient, the flavour name or ‘plant-based’ label isn’t enough to choose; around 27% of consumers prioritise checking this. |
| Mini size or fruity recipe | The actual portion size or, for a fruit ice lolly, its product description and ingredients. | I’d rather have a smaller portion or a fruity recipe than chocolate-coated ice cream; this is a priority for around 20% of consumers. |
A higher number of pieces doesn’t mean that the portions are all the same size. The selections featured by Carrefour and E.Leclerc come in different pack sizes, including mini ice lollies.
Compare the number of pieces with the net weight and, where stated, the weight or volume per stick.
The Magnum Vegan Almond product featured by the brand contains almonds and carries warnings about possible traces of milk, soya and other tree nuts. The Auchan fruit ice lolly also warns that traces of allergens may be present.
If you have an allergy or intolerance, check the ingredients and trace warnings on the packaging of the exact product.
The DGCCRF warns that a rise in temperature can compromise food safety. The Auchan fruit ice lolly listing states that it should be stored at −18 °C and that a thawed product must not be refrozen.
Pick up frozen products at the end of your shop, transport them in a cool bag if necessary, and follow the storage instructions on the box.
A mini ice lolly is smaller than the standard size in the same range, but size alone doesn’t tell you about the recipe or its sugar and fat content.
To compare recipes, check the ingredients and nutritional information per 100 g or 100 mL, as well as per portion where this is provided.
The French range includes chocolate-coated ice cream sticks and a plant-based option worth considering.
These Carrefour ranges let you compare a variety of ice lolly recipes and pack sizes.
The range featured by E.Leclerc includes larger boxes and mini ice lollies.
The retailer features fruit ice lollies, which are different from chocolate-coated ice cream.
The range featured by ALDI includes multipacks of ice lollies, including mini sizes.
These products cover individual treats in fruity flavours, coconut and ice cream varieties. The number of ice lollies varies by box, so choose your recipe first, then check the portion and label of the product you select.
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For an individual treat with orange and cherry flavours, with enough in the box to enjoy on several occasions.
The box contains 12 pieces and has a stated total weight of 444 g. If you need to avoid an allergen, check the ingredients and trace warnings on the packaging.
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For a melon-flavoured individual ice lolly, with eight portions in the box.
This product contains milk. Its description also mentions the colour E102 and includes a warning relating to children’s activity and attention. Read the label before serving.
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A coconut ice lolly for when you fancy something other than chocolate-coated ice cream.
The pack contains four 70 g ice lollies. The listing states that the product is made in a facility that also handles milk, soya, peanuts and tree nuts, among other ingredients, so check the warnings on the packaging. It also states that the product is not suitable for children under 36 months.
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For a vanilla and white chocolate treat, with several ice cream sticks to enjoy over time.
The box contains eight pieces and has a stated total weight of 572 g. Check the volume per stick and the almond warnings on the packaging. The product name and allergen information alone don’t establish the exact composition of the item you buy.
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For a salted caramel and chocolate treat, in a box of three ice cream sticks.
The stated total weight is 222 g. The recipe contains milk and almonds; check the packaging for other allergen warnings and the size of each stick.
Not necessarily: ‘individual’ describes the portion, while the box may contain several ice lollies. Products featured by Carrefour, E.Leclerc, ALDI and Magnum come in different pack sizes, so check the number of pieces and their size before choosing.
No. Check its product description rather than relying on the flavour alone. The DGCCRF distinguishes, among other things, between fruit ice creams and sorbets; the phrase ‘fruit-flavoured’ isn’t enough to tell them apart.
Don’t assume so based on the word ‘plant-based’ alone. The Magnum Vegan Almond listing mentions almonds and the possible presence of milk, soya and other tree nuts. Read the ingredients and trace warnings on the exact box.
Keep them cold while you’re travelling home, then follow the storage temperature and instructions on the packaging. The Auchan fruit ice lolly listing states that it should be stored at −18 °C and that a thawed product must not be refrozen.