For the October half-term holidays, start by choosing a recipe and pack size that suit the people you’re serving. Pick an ice lolly with a sauce and coating if you’re after several elements in one dessert, or a selection of flavours and portions if tastes vary. Magnum, Carrefour Sensation and Trium all have recipes worth comparing, but the range name is no substitute for checking the ingredients, allergens and quantity per lolly.
You’d like to serve an individual frozen dessert with a recipe that combines elements such as a coating, sauce or inclusions. Magnum France describes combinations like these in some of its products, so check the ingredients of the ice lolly you choose.
When several people are sharing a box, the flavours, number of lollies and their size matter just as much as the range name. The selections listed by Auchan and the recipes featured by Carrefour France and E.Leclerc offer different formats to compare.
If the ingredients in a dessert matter to your guests, check each pack before choosing: ingredients, highlighted allergens, net quantity and nutritional information. The DGCCRF advises that allergens in frozen products must be stated in writing.
For a frozen dessert to serve over the October half-term, start with the group’s tastes and how many portions you need. Then check the exact recipe, the label and how you’ll keep the lollies frozen on the way home.
| Criteria | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Indulgent recipe | Ice cream flavour, coating, sauce and any inclusions; check the ingredients listed on the pack. | If the lolly is taking the place of dessert after a meal, I might look for a recipe with several components rather than a single flavour; around 36% of consumers would put their choice of recipe first. |
| Flavours and portions | Flavours included, number of lollies and quantity per lolly, especially for mini formats. | When tastes or appetites differ across the group, I prefer a box that lets everyone choose a portion to suit them; around 29% of consumers would put this variety ahead of other criteria. |
| Quantity to serve | Net quantity in the box and number of lollies, without assuming they are all the same size. | When planning dessert for several guests, I need to know what each box actually contains; around 21% of consumers would prioritise quantity and format. |
| Ingredients and storage | Allergens and ingredients for each flavour; stated storage temperature and journey home to the freezer. | If a guest needs to avoid an ingredient or the journey is a long one, I check the label and plan how to transport the lollies before choosing a recipe; this would be the top priority for around 14% of consumers. |
An indulgent-looking design or range name doesn’t tell you the ingredients or nutritional information of the lolly.
Choose the type of recipe you want, then compare the product names, ingredients lists and net quantities of the options you’re considering.
A selection of mini lollies and a box of standard-size portions may not meet the same needs, even if the number of pieces looks similar.
Check both the number of pieces and the total quantity before planning portions for the group.
A recipe can combine several ingredients, including chocolate, biscuit or nuts. The DGCCRF advises that allergens in frozen products must be stated in writing.
Read the highlighted allergens on every pack and keep it until you serve the lollies, even if you’ve chosen a fruity recipe.
According to the DGCCRF, a rise in temperature can increase the risks associated with food storage. So, if you’re travelling to a holiday home, keeping the lollies frozen is an important practical consideration.
Pick up frozen food at the end of your shop, transport it in a cool bag and put it in the freezer promptly, following the storage instructions on the pack.
These brands and ranges are a useful starting point for comparing recipes and formats. Always choose by checking the specific product and its label, rather than going by the brand alone.
Magnum France features chocolate-coated ice lollies, including products in its Signature and Double ranges.
Carrefour France features several ice lollies in this range, including double chocolate and salted caramel.
E.Leclerc’s Marque Repère range includes ice lollies in a variety of recipes and formats.
ALDI France features Mucci frozen desserts, including ice lollies with a double coating.
Auchan’s range of ice lollies gives you the chance to compare selections and mini formats.
These products come in a range of flavours and are generally sold in boxes of two to four. For the October half-term holidays, compare the recipe and format, then check the label on your chosen product before serving.
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Worth considering if you’d like to offer a red fruit flavour rather than a chocolate-only recipe. The box contains four ice lollies and weighs 284 g.
Check the allergens on the pack and follow the storage instructions before serving.
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This two-piece pack could suit you if you’re planning a frozen dessert for a small group. The product title gives the box weight as 110 g.
Check the ingredients list and allergens before serving this recipe.
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Consider this option if your group prefers the combination of white chocolate and biscuit to fruity flavours. The pack contains three ice lollies and weighs 270 g.
Check the label for the ingredients, allergens and storage instructions for this box.
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The hazelnut flavour could help you choose if you’re planning dessert for guests who enjoy it. The product title gives the pack contents as four ice lollies weighing 276 g.
Hazelnut is part of the recipe, so check the label for allergens and storage instructions before serving.
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This product combines mango and coconut flavours for anyone who’d like something other than a mainly chocolate-based recipe. The box contains four ice lollies.
To compare portion sizes, check the net quantity on the pack. Also check the allergens and storage instructions.
No. The term alone doesn’t tell you what’s in it. To compare two ice lollies, read their product names, ingredients, net quantities and nutritional information on the packaging.
Check the allergens listed on the pack for each flavour, even if the recipe name sounds familiar. The DGCCRF advises that allergens in frozen products must be stated in writing. Don’t assume you know the ingredients of a sorbet or fruit-flavoured lolly from its flavour name alone.
Pick them up at the end of your shop, keep the journey as short as possible and ideally carry them in an insulated bag before putting them in the freezer promptly. Follow the storage instructions on the box; the DGCCRF highlights the importance of maintaining the cold chain.