Hosts who want to count out the portions
If you want to serve each guest an individual ice cream without cutting it up or scooping it out, compare the number of lollies and the stated weight of each one with your guest list.
Who are these sizes for?
Hosts who want to offer a choice of flavours
An assortment lets you serve several flavours from one box. However, check the ingredients and allergens in each recipe before sharing it with your guests.
Hosts mindful of allergens and transport
If any guests need to avoid certain ingredients, or you’re doing the shopping before the party, check the product labels and plan to transport the ice creams in an insulated bag.
What should you look for?
To plan how you’ll serve them, start with the number of lollies and their size. Then check the flavours, ingredients and storage instructions for the products you’re considering.
| What to consider | What to check | Who is this for? |
|---|---|---|
| Number of portions | Number of lollies and weight per lolly, where stated. | I want to offer every guest a lolly without running short when it’s time to serve; around 31% of consumers put portion count at the top of their list. |
| Choice of flavours | Flavours included and the number of lollies in each flavour. | If my guests don’t all like the same coatings, I’d rather give them a choice in the box; variety is the top priority for around 25% of consumers. |
| Comparing boxes | Net weight and number of lollies to compare different pack sizes. | I’m looking for an amount that suits my group, rather than judging by the size of the box alone; around 25% of consumers would prioritise this comparison. |
| Ingredients and keeping them cold | Ingredients, allergens listed and storage instructions. | Before serving, I need to take account of ingredients some guests may need to avoid and keep the ice creams frozen; around 19% of consumers would put these checks first. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Assuming a fruit-flavoured coating is dairy-free
The Trium product listed by E.Leclerc combines vanilla ice cream with a fruit sorbet coating and contains dairy ingredients. A fruity flavour alone doesn’t tell you what’s in the product.
Check the ingredients list and allergens on the exact pack before serving.
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Choosing an assortment without checking each recipe
Depending on the product, chocolate assortments may contain milk, soya or almonds, as well as traces of other allergens.
Ask about any allergies your guests may have and check the allergen information for each flavour separately.
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Leaving the ice creams out of the freezer
The DGCCRF advises that a rise in temperature breaks the cold chain. The journey and time spent on the buffet are therefore just as important as keeping the ice creams frozen before the party.
As recommended by Anses, buy frozen products at the end of your shop and carry them in an insulated bag. Serve small amounts at a time and follow the instructions on the packaging.
Brands to know
Magnum
Magnum France offers an assortment of 6 mini ice cream lollies, each 55 ml, with Classic, Almond and White Chocolate flavours.
- Several recipes in one box give guests a choice of flavour.
- The product contains milk and may contain nuts: check the label before serving.
Carrefour Extra
Carrefour France offers an assortment of 8 mini ice cream lollies weighing 32 g each, with milk, dark or white chocolate coatings.
- The number of lollies and weight per lolly make it easier to plan portions.
- The product information lists milk, soya and almonds, as well as possible traces of other allergens.
MUCCI
ALDI France offers a box of 12 MUCCI mini ice cream lollies, with a net weight of 429 g.
- The stated number of lollies helps you plan to serve one to each guest.
- Check the ingredients on the pack you choose before serving the ice creams to your guests.
Trium
E.Leclerc offers Trium vanilla mini ice cream lollies with a fruit sorbet coating, in a box of 8 weighing 300 g.
- The fruity coating offers a different flavour from chocolate-coated options.
- The recipe contains milk, despite the sorbet coating.
Products to help you put together a platter
These Joybuy products include mini ice cream lollies and other individual frozen treats. If you’re looking specifically for small portions to serve at a drinks party, distinguish products clearly labelled as mini from other ice cream bars and ice pops.
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Pop Fruit Mini Sorbet Sticks raspberry and white chocolate, 6 pieces, 282 g
An individual mini format to consider if you’d like to add a fruity flavour to your platter.
The box contains 6 pieces weighing 282 g in total. 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 is a good choice if you’d like to offer several chocolate-coated varieties in one box.
It contains 6 mini ice cream lollies weighing 254 g in total. Joybuy’s product information lists milk and possible traces of nuts; check the packaging, especially if anyone has an allergy.
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CAPRI-SUN Orange & Cherry Ice Pops, 12 pieces, 444 g
These individual ice pops are another way to count out portions, but the product name doesn’t confirm that they’re mini ice cream lollies.
The box contains 12 pieces weighing 444 g in total. If the format and allergens matter to your choice, check the packaging.
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Binggrae Melona Coconut Ice Cream Bar, 8 × 70 ml
These individual coconut bars can add variety to your selection, as long as their size suits the way you plan to serve them.
The box contains 8 bars of 70 ml each. Check their size and the allergens on the packaging before offering them to your guests.
Frequently asked questions
How many mini ice cream lollies should I buy for a birthday drinks party?
First, count the guests you’d like to offer a lolly to, then compare that number with the quantity stated on the box. If the ice cream is just a sweet treat alongside other food, one per person is a useful starting point for planning, with extra portions for any second helpings you expect to serve.
Is the number of lollies enough to compare two boxes?
No. The number of pieces helps you plan how to serve them, while their weight and the total weight of the box tell you more about the quantity. The DGCCRF points out that the amount of air incorporated into ice cream can affect its weight, even when the volume is the same.
Is a mini ice cream lolly with a fruit coating dairy-free?
Not necessarily. The Trium product listed by E.Leclerc combines a fruit sorbet coating with vanilla ice cream containing milk. Check the ingredients and allergens on the exact pack before serving.
How should I transport the ice creams to the party?
Buy them at the end of your shop and use an insulated bag to get them to a freezer as quickly as possible. These precautions follow Anses guidance on maintaining the cold chain; after that, follow the storage instructions on each pack.