For drinks with friends, first choose a pack with enough ice lollies for your group, then check which flavours are actually included and the net weight. An assortment offers something for different tastes, while a pack with more lollies prioritises the number of portions. In either case, check the allergens on the packaging of the product you buy and plan how to keep it cold on the way home.
If your guests don't all like the same flavour, check the assortment and number of lollies before choosing. Product listings from Auchan and Carrefour show that packs of a similar size can contain different recipes.
For a group, compare the number of ice lollies and the net weight together. The 8, 10 or 12-piece packs listed by Carrefour, Auchan, ALDI and E.Leclerc don't necessarily contain the same amount per lolly.
If a guest mentions an allergy or another dietary requirement, check the ingredients list and any 'may contain' information on the specific pack. The flavour or generic name of the dessert isn't enough to establish what's in it.
First decide how many ice lollies you need, then compare the packs based on their flavours and your guests' dietary requirements.
| Criteria | What to check | Who it's for |
|---|---|---|
| Number of lollies and flavours | Count the ice lollies and check which flavours are included: a larger pack isn't necessarily an assortment. | If my guests have different tastes, I want enough lollies for the group without having to serve just one flavour; around 42% of consumers put this need first. |
| Net weight and pack size | Compare the net weight with the number of lollies, rather than assuming that two packs of a similar size offer the same number of portions. | When I'm planning several portions, I want to know what's in each pack before deciding how many to buy; around 33% of consumers put this need first. |
| Ingredients and allergens | Read the ingredients list and any 'may contain' information on the packaging of the product you're buying. | If a guest needs to avoid an ingredient, I need to check the exact recipe rather than rely on the flavour; around 25% of consumers prioritise this check. |
Eight, ten or twelve ice lollies don't necessarily mean the same net weight or the same choice of flavours. Carrefour Extra lists eight 32 g lollies, Auchan lists a 10-piece Magnum assortment weighing 423 g, and ALDI offers a 12-piece MUCCI pack weighing 429 g.
Compare the number of lollies, net weight and recipes included, based on what you plan to serve.
A chocolate assortment may contain almonds or other allergens. A fruit flavour doesn't automatically mean there are no cross-contamination warnings related to how it's made.
Ask guests with dietary requirements which ingredients they need to avoid, then check the ingredients list and any 'may contain' information on the pack you choose.
Frozen mini ice lollies need to be transported and stored appropriately. The DGCCRF recommends putting frozen products in an insulated bag.
Pick up the ice lollies last, keep the journey home as short as possible before putting them in the freezer, and follow the instructions on the packaging.
These products give you a range of pack sizes and recipes to compare. Their inclusion here doesn't mean that every product is suitable for the same group.
Its chocolate-coated mini ice lolly assortments may appeal to a group looking to choose between different coatings.
If you're comparing Carrefour's own-brand options, the documented Carrefour Extra product offers an assortment of eight mini ice lollies.
The range includes ice lollies and mini formats, with different numbers of lollies and recipes to choose from.
Its mini ice lolly range lets you compare assortments and packs with different numbers of lollies.
The MUCCI product is worth considering if the number of mini ice lollies in a pack is a deciding factor.
Lidl features ice cream in its frozen food range.
This selection includes fruity ice lollies, individual portions and products that need to be frozen before serving. Check how each one is prepared: they aren't all suitable if you're looking for ice lollies that are ready to put in the freezer.
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This pack contains 12 ice lollies in five flavours, giving the group plenty of choice.
If a guest needs to avoid an allergen, check the information on the exact packaging before buying.
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This pack of eight mini ice lollies is a good choice if you'd like to offer fruity flavours alongside other options.
For a larger group, work out how many packs you'll need. If anyone has an allergy, check the packaging for any 'may contain' information.
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The 12 individual portions make sharing easy, with orange and cherry flavours.
Don't assume the pack contains two separate varieties just because it lists two flavours. If a guest has an allergy, check for any 'may contain' information too.
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This assorted-flavour product is worth considering if you can prepare the portions in advance.
It needs to be frozen before eating, so don't choose it as a substitute for a pack of ice lollies that's ready to serve after purchase. Check the packaging if anyone has a dietary requirement.
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The advertised pack of 64 portions may be a good option if you're planning to serve a large group.
Before planning how to serve them, check the flavours and the storage and preparation instructions on the packaging.
Start with the number of guests and consider what part the ice lollies will play in the meal, then decide how many you'd like to serve. The 8 to 12-piece packs listed by Carrefour, Auchan, ALDI and E.Leclerc make it easier to work out how many packs you'll need. Net weight alone won't tell you how many portions there are.
Don't assume it is without checking the packaging of the product you've chosen. The Carrefour Extra product listing mentions almonds and possible traces of other nuts. Check the ingredients and any 'may contain' information for each product.
For frozen ice lollies, pick them up last and carry them in an insulated bag, as the DGCCRF recommends for frozen products. Put them in the freezer as soon as you can and follow the instructions on the packaging. A product that needs to be frozen before eating requires different preparation.
Read the ingredients list and any 'may contain' information on the pack you've actually bought. Anses advises that substances that cause allergies or intolerances must be highlighted in the ingredients list of prepacked foods. The flavour name isn't a substitute for checking the label.