Anyone organising a standing buffet
Individual ice lollies are easy to hand out without cutting or needing a spoon. The number of pieces shown on the box helps you work out how many to serve at a time.
Who are these formats suitable for?
Groups with different tastes
An assortment lets you offer several flavours in one box. Check which flavours are included and how many pieces the assortment contains.
Anyone keeping an eye on ingredients and allergens
Chocolate ice cream, water ice lollies and sorbet don’t necessarily contain the same ingredients. Check the label on the specific product you buy, including any warnings about possible traces.
What should you look for?
When planning dessert, start with the number of portions you want to serve. Then choose your flavours and check the ingredients in the boxes you’re considering.
| Criteria | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Serving and portions | Count the pieces in each box and distinguish between mini ice lollies and bite-sized treats without sticks. | For a standing buffet, I want to hand out portions without cutting them up and know how many to serve at a time. Around 45 % of consumers would prioritise this serving requirement. |
| Flavours and quantity | Compare the flavours listed and the number of pieces, which varies from box to box. | If guests have different tastes, I’m looking for an assortment that gives them a choice without needing lots of boxes. Variety would be the main criterion for around 33 % of consumers. |
| Ingredients and allergens | Read the ingredients, highlighted allergens and ‘may contain’ warnings for the specific product. | When the ingredients matter to my guests, I can’t rely on the flavour name or the word ‘sorbet’ alone. Around 22 % of consumers would put this check ahead of other criteria. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Assuming all small formats are suitable for the same guests
The chocolate products reviewed include milk, while some assortments contain almonds or warn that they may contain traces of other allergens. Sorbet can also carry warnings about possible traces.
Before serving, read the ingredients list and ‘may contain’ warnings on each box rather than relying on words such as ‘fruit’, ‘mini’ or ‘sorbet’.
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Choosing a box without counting the pieces
Depending on the product, the options featured by Auchan, Carrefour and ALDI France contain between 6 and 12 pieces. The number of boxes you need will therefore depend on the format you choose.
Work out how many portions you want, then compare the number of pieces and the flavours listed on each box.
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Taking all the ice creams out at the start of the party
When serving outdoors, remember to follow the storage instructions for each product. France’s Directorate-General for Competition Policy, Consumer Affairs and Fraud Control highlights the importance of keeping products cold right through to the consumer.
Keep the boxes in the freezer until you’re ready to serve. If needed, use an insulated bag for transport and take the portions out in small batches.
Brands to consider
Magnum
Chocolate-coated mini ice lollies, including an assortment of Classic, Almond and White Chocolate flavours, available from Auchan in a box of 10.
- Several flavours in one box of individual portions.
- Check for milk and almonds, as well as any warnings about traces, on the product you buy.
Oasis
Auchan’s Tropical sorbet comes in a box of 10 ice lollies.
- A fruity option to compare with ice cream lollies.
- The recipe contains sugar and warns that it may contain traces of several allergens; check the label.
AUCHAN BIO
Fruity Mix is a box of 6 fruit-flavoured water ices, weighing 350 g in total, presented by Auchan with the Euroleaf and AB organic labels.
- Worth considering if you’re specifically looking for organic water ices.
- Count the 6 pieces when working out how many boxes you’ll need.
PILPA
Auchan offers an assortment of 8 vanilla mini ice lollies with chocolate coatings, including an almond version.
- Different coatings in one assortment.
- Check the allergens listed for each recipe and any warnings about possible traces.
MUCCI
ALDI France offers a box of 12 mini ice lollies weighing 429 g.
- The 12-piece count makes it easier to work out how many portions you’ll need.
- Check the ingredients on the specific box before serving these to guests.
Products for individual servings
These Joybuy products include mini ice lollies and other ice lollies that are easy to serve individually. If you’re looking for very small portions, check the size of products that aren’t described as mini.
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Magnum Mini Classic, Almond and White Chocolate, 6 pieces, 254 g
An assortment of mini ice lollies, ideal for offering several flavours in individual portions.
The box contains 6 pieces. Check the allergens on the packaging; Joybuy’s product information states that it should be stored at −18 °C or below.
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CAPRI-SUN Orange & Cherry Ice Pops, 12 pieces, 444 g
Individual ice pops to consider if you’re prioritising the number of portions; whether they’re mini-sized isn’t specified.
The title lists Orange & Cherry, but check the flavours on the packaging before choosing: the recipe information doesn’t clearly match this description. Check the allergens listed too.
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Magnum Double Billionaire's Mini, 6 ice lollies, 282 g
A box of mini ice lollies for serving individual portions at a buffet.
Before planning transport and serving, check the allergens and storage instructions for this product on the packaging.
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Binggrae Melona Coconut, 8 ice lollies of 70 ml
Eight individual coconut-flavoured ice lollies to consider if you want to serve them without cutting them up.
If mini size is important, check how large they are, as well as the ingredients and allergens on the packaging.
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POP FRUIT Sorbet Sticks 100% Coconut, 4 pieces, 280 g
Coconut sorbet on sticks for individual servings.
The box contains 4 pieces; check their size if you’re looking for mini portions. Also check the allergen information on the packaging.
Frequently asked questions
How many mini ice lollies should I buy for a garden party?
Start with the number of guests and how many portions you want to offer each person, then count the pieces listed on the boxes. Depending on the product, the options featured by Auchan, Carrefour and ALDI France contain between 6 and 12 pieces; keep the boxes in the freezer until you’re ready to serve.
Is sorbet always suitable for someone with a milk or nut allergy?
No. The word ‘sorbet’ alone doesn’t confirm that a product is suitable for someone with an allergy. Some fruit products featured by Auchan warn that they may contain traces of allergens; check the ingredients and ‘may contain’ warnings on the specific box before serving.
Can I leave the ice creams out on the table for the whole party?
It’s best to serve them in small batches and follow the storage instructions on each box. France’s Directorate-General for Competition Policy, Consumer Affairs and Fraud Control recommends keeping products cold; for its 6-piece Magnum Mini assortment, Joybuy states that it should be stored at −18 °C or below.