Parents looking to serve individual portions
Individually wrapped lollies mean you don’t have to divide up a larger ice cream. To find the portion size you want, compare the weight or volume per stick rather than relying on the word “mini”.
Who are these formats for?
Households planning several snack times
The number of lollies matters if several children are sharing the box or you’re planning treats over a few days. Depending on the product, Carrefour, Auchan and ALDI offer boxes of six, eight or twelve.
Anyone keeping an eye on allergens
Before serving an assortment, check the ingredients and any “may contain” warnings for each product. Depending on the product, Carrefour and Auchan list milk, almonds, soya or possible traces of other allergens.
What should you compare?
Start with the portion size and the number of lollies you’ll need for your planned treats. Then check the ingredients for each flavour if the box is going to be shared.
| What to compare | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Portion per stick | Check the weight or volume per lolly and, if shown on the pack, the nutritional values per portion. | If I want to serve a lolly of a known size, I need the information per stick rather than relying on the word “mini”; around 40% of consumers prioritise portion size. |
| Number of treats | Count the lollies in the box, based on the children and the days you have in mind. | If I’m planning several treats, I want to know how many individual servings the box will provide; this is the top priority for around 30% of consumers. |
| Ingredients and allergens | Check the ingredients list and allergen information, including for each flavour in an assortment. | When children are sharing a treat, I need to know exactly what’s in it before serving; around 20% of consumers put this check first. |
| Flavour variety | Check which flavours are included and how they’re divided up in the box. | If I want to offer a choice without opening several boxes, I prefer to know what’s in the assortment in advance; this is the top priority for around 10% of consumers. |
What to look out for
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Assuming all “mini” formats are the same size
Carrefour lists its Extra assortment at 32 g per stick, while some Magnum Mini products are listed at 55 mL each. These units can’t be compared directly as if they were both weights.
Check the number of lollies, the quantity per lolly and the nutritional information per portion shown on the pack you choose.
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Assuming a fruit-flavoured coating means there’s no milk
The Pilpa and Trium mini sticks listed by Auchan and E.Leclerc combine a fruit-flavoured coating with vanilla ice cream that contains dairy ingredients.
Read the ingredients and allergen information for the exact product, even if the coating is fruit-flavoured.
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Letting the ice lollies warm up on the way home
For frozen products, the DGCCRF recommends keeping transport time to a minimum and using an insulated bag. The Pilpa product information also says not to refreeze a product once it has thawed.
Pick up the ice lollies last, carry them in an insulated bag, then put them in the freezer as soon as possible, following the instructions on the packaging.
Brands to know in these formats
Magnum
Carrefour and Auchan list boxes of six chocolate-coated mini sticks among their products.
- Some products list 55 mL per stick, helping you assess the portion size.
- The Almond product listed by Auchan contains almonds and milk; check the ingredients for the variety you choose.
Carrefour Extra
The assortment listed by Carrefour contains eight mini sticks, each weighing 32 g.
- The weight per lolly helps you choose based on a clearly stated portion size.
- The product listed contains milk, soya and almonds, and may contain traces of eggs and other nuts.
Pilpa
Auchan lists a box of eight mini sticks with vanilla ice cream and red-fruit or exotic-fruit coatings.
- The box includes two different types of coating.
- The product contains milk; the listing also mentions possible traces of gluten, eggs, peanuts, soya and nuts.
Trium
E.Leclerc lists mini vanilla sticks with fruit-flavoured coatings in a box of eight, weighing 300 g.
- The number of lollies is stated, making it easier to plan your treats.
- The fruit-flavoured coating comes with vanilla ice cream containing dairy ingredients; check the pack you choose.
MUCCI
ALDI France lists a 429 g box of twelve mini sticks, including chocolate and almond varieties.
- The twelve lollies give you enough for twelve individual servings.
- If you choose the almond variety, check the allergen information on the box carefully.
Joybuy products to consider
These products are individual ice treats that you can count out for snack time. Some are explicitly labelled “Mini”, while for others you’ll need to check whether the size of each lolly matches the portion you’re looking for. Water ice lollies, melon ice bars and chocolate-coated ice creams are different types of treat, so check the ingredients before choosing for a group.
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CAPRI-SUN Orange & Cherry Ice Pops, 12 pieces, 444 g
The twelve lollies make it easy to plan several individual treats. The weight shown is for the whole box, so check the portion per lolly and the allergen information on the packaging before serving.
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Binggrae Melona Melon Ice Bar, 8 × 70 ml
At 70 ml per stick, you can check the portion size before dividing up the eight lollies. The recipe contains milk, and the product information warns that the colour E102 may have an adverse effect on children’s activity and attention. Check this warning on the packaging before serving.
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Magnum Mini Classic, 6 × 55 ml
These are explicitly labelled mini, with six 55 ml portions to count out for your planned treats. The product information lists milk and possible traces of almonds; check the label on the pack you choose.
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Maison de la Glace Water Ice Pops, 5 flavours, 12 pieces, 1 200 g
The twelve lollies and five flavours could be a good choice if you want to keep track of portions while offering some variety. If the size of each portion is important, check it on the pack; the product information advises against this product for people at risk of allergies.
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Magnum Mini Classic, Almond & White Chocolate, 6 pieces, 254 g
This assortment of six explicitly mini sticks lets you offer the varieties listed in its name. If the portion size per lolly matters to you, check the packaging; the product information lists milk and possible traces of nuts.
Frequently asked questions
How do you compare the portion size of two mini ice lollies?
Compare the quantity listed per stick, taking account of the unit used. Carrefour lists its Extra assortment at 32 g per lolly, while some Magnum Mini products are listed at 55 mL; don’t convert grams directly into millilitres. Also check the nutritional values per portion, where shown.
Can a mini stick with a fruit-flavoured coating contain milk?
Yes. The Pilpa and Trium products listed by Auchan and E.Leclerc combine a fruit-flavoured coating with vanilla ice cream containing dairy ingredients. If you need to avoid milk, read the ingredients list on the exact pack you’re buying.
How should you bring ice lollies home from the shop?
Carry them in an insulated bag and put them in the freezer as soon as possible. The DGCCRF advises keeping the transport time for frozen products to a minimum; follow the instructions on the packaging too.
Can you refreeze a thawed ice lolly?
Not the Pilpa product listed by Auchan: its product information says never to refreeze a product once it has thawed. Check and follow the storage instructions for the product you’ve bought.