Anyone putting together a 24-day calendar
If you’re planning one ice lolly a day, the number in each box determines how many boxes you’ll need. The packs of 6, 8 and 12 listed by Carrefour and Auchan will each let you reach exactly 24 portions.
Who is this choice for?
Anyone looking for a small individual portion
The word ‘mini’ doesn’t tell you the portion size on its own: Carrefour lists its Extra assortment at 32 g per lolly, while a Magnum Mini product is listed as 55 mL per lolly. These different units mean you can’t compare their weights directly.
Households mindful of allergens
An assortment may include several recipes. Before handing out the lollies, check the ingredients and any ‘may contain’ information on each box, particularly for milk, soya and nuts.
What should you check?
Before choosing an assortment, make sure you can transport the lollies without breaking the cold chain and keep all the boxes in the freezer throughout Advent.
| Criterion | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | Available freezer space and transport in an insulated bag after purchase, following advice from Anses. | I need to be able to keep all the lollies frozen and take out just one each day. Around 36% of consumers are said to prioritise this kind of planning. |
| Number of portions | Number of lollies per box: for 24 days, plan for two boxes of 12, three of 8 or four of 6, based on the pack sizes listed by Auchan and Carrefour. | I want to prepare all 24 days without running out of lollies or buying more packs than I need. Getting the exact number is said to be the priority for around 29% of consumers. |
| Ingredients and allergens | Ingredients list and any ‘may contain’ information for the exact product, including in an assortment. | For a shared calendar, I need to know which recipe each person can have. This is said to be the main concern for around 21% of consumers. |
| Portion size and flavours | Weight or volume per lolly, followed by the assortment’s contents; don’t compare grams and millilitres directly. | I prefer a small daily treat and flavours the recipient enjoys. This combination is said to come first for around 14% of consumers. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Assuming ‘mini’ means the same size everywhere
A Carrefour Extra lolly is listed at 32 g, while the Magnum Mini product listed by Carrefour is 55 mL per lolly: the format name alone isn’t enough to judge the portion size.
Check the quantity per lolly on each box, and remember that weight and volume are different measurements.
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Relying on a single box for all 24 days
The packs of 6, 8 or 12 listed by Carrefour and Auchan won’t cover a calendar with one ice lolly a day on their own.
Count the lollies before you buy, then plan for four, three or two boxes respectively.
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Handing out an assortment without checking each recipe
Ingredients can vary from one lolly to another in the same assortment, particularly if one variety contains almonds.
Read the label on the box you buy and identify the recipes before handing them out to different people.
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Preparing the calendar at room temperature
Unlike a calendar filled with dried goods, an ice lolly calendar can’t be left out on a piece of furniture.
Anses advises buying frozen food at the end of your shop, carrying it in an insulated bag and keeping the journey to the freezer as short as possible. Then take out each ice lolly when you’re ready to serve it.
Brands to consider
Magnum
Magnum France lists, among other products, a Mini Classic, Almond and White Chocolate assortment containing 6 × 55 mL lollies.
- The assortment listed by Magnum France includes three varieties.
- Check the ingredients and any ‘may contain’ information carefully for the almond variety before using it in a shared calendar.
Carrefour Extra
Carrefour lists an assortment of 8 mini ice lollies, weighing 32 g each.
- Three boxes of 8 give you one lolly for each of the 24 days.
- Check the ingredients and any ‘may contain’ information on the exact assortment before sharing it.
Auchan
Auchan lists an assortment of 8 mini ice lollies with a stated total weight of 258 g.
- With three packs of 8, you’ll have 24 portions.
- Read the ingredients for the different recipes before handing out the lollies to several people.
Pouce
Auchan lists a box of 12 Pouce mini ice lollies with a stated total weight of 414 g.
- Two boxes give you the 24 lollies needed for a daily calendar.
- The assortment includes an almond variety, among others. Check the ingredients and any ‘may contain’ information on the box you buy.
Joybuy products for an ice lolly calendar
This selection includes Magnum Mini and two other individual frozen treats. For the latter, check whether the portion matches the ‘mini’ size you’re looking for before planning your 24 days.
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Magnum Mini Classic, 6 × 55 mL
If you’re looking for a lolly explicitly labelled as mini, four boxes of 6 will give you 24. Each lolly is listed as 55 mL; check the ingredients and allergen information on the box before adding it to your calendar.
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CAPRI-SUN Orange & Cherry Ice Pops, 12 pieces, 444 g
With 12 ice pops per box, two boxes will give you 24 frozen portions. This product isn’t marketed as a mini ice lolly, so check that its shape and portion size suit the calendar you have in mind, and check the allergen information on the packaging.
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Binggrae Melona Melon, 8 × 70 mL
For a calendar with one lolly a day, three boxes of 8 give you 24. Each lolly is listed as 70 mL; check whether this portion size matches the smaller format you’re looking for, and read the allergen information on the box.
Frequently asked questions
How many boxes do you need for 24 days?
You’ll need two boxes of 12, three of 8 or four of 6 to serve one ice lolly each day. Count the lollies listed on the pack you choose rather than relying on its total weight alone.
Can you leave mini ice lollies in a calendar on a piece of furniture?
No. A calendar filled with ice lollies needs to stay in the freezer, with one lolly taken out when you’re ready to serve it. Anses also advises buying frozen food at the end of your shop, using an insulated bag and keeping transport time to a minimum.
Is an assortment suitable for someone with a nut allergy?
Don’t choose one without checking the label for the exact product. Some assortments listed by Magnum and Auchan include almond varieties; also check any ‘may contain’ information and the other ingredients in each box.