Organisers without a freezer at the venue
You’ll need to transport the ice lollies and serve them without a long wait. As Anses advises, taking an insulated bag and keeping transport time to a minimum matter more than choosing a small box.
Who are mini ice lollies for?
Groups who want to share out portions
One lolly per person means there’s no need to serve ice cream from a tub. The products featured by Magnum, Carrefour and ALDI contain 6, 8 and 12 pieces respectively. Check the size of each one before choosing, too.
People who check the ingredients
If a guest mentions an allergy or avoids a particular ingredient, check the label on the box you’re considering. The chocolate recipes available from Carrefour and Magnum have different ingredients. The DGCCRF reminds shoppers that allergens must be highlighted on the labels of pre-packed food.
What should you check before buying?
First, plan how you’ll keep the ice lollies cold during transport. Then you can choose the number of portions and a recipe that suits the group’s tastes and any allergies.
| Criterion | What to check | Who is this for? |
|---|---|---|
| Keeping them cold during transport | Take an insulated bag and buy frozen food last, in line with Anses advice. | If I’m travelling to the picnic without a freezer at the venue, I want to be able to transport the ice lollies and hand them out quickly. Around 42% of consumers would prioritise this need. |
| Number and size of portions | Count the pieces and check the weight or volume of each stick. Don’t compare grams directly with millilitres. | If I want to share the box without serving portions with a spoon, I need enough pieces for the group. I shouldn’t choose based on the word ‘mini’ alone. Around 33% of consumers would prioritise this. |
| Recipe and allergens | Check the ingredients and allergens for the exact product. To compare nutritional information, use the values per 100 g or 100 ml, as explained by the DGCCRF. | If guests have preferences or mention an allergy, I need to rule out unsuitable recipes before choosing flavours. Around 25% of consumers would put this check first. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Buying the ice lollies before the rest of your shopping
Even a small portion of frozen food needs to be kept cold on the way to the picnic.
Follow Anses advice: pick up frozen food last, use an insulated bag and keep transport time to a minimum.
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Assuming everyone will enjoy a selection box
Ingredients vary between recipes. The Carrefour selection featured contains milk, soya and almonds, among other ingredients. This may matter more than having a variety of flavours.
Check the label on the exact box you’re buying, and plan another option if a guest mentions an allergy or dietary restriction.
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Relying on a product without checking with the store
A product appearing in an online range or catalogue doesn’t guarantee it will be available at your chosen store. Lidl notes, for example, that some stores may not stock every item in its leaflet.
Check the range at the store or with the grocery service you’re using before planning dessert around a specific product.
Brands and retailers to know
These products give you a useful point of comparison for sizes and recipes. Always check the exact box you’re thinking of buying.
Magnum
The range includes Mini Classic, a box of 6 x 55 ml sticks, according to Magnum.
- The Mini Classic product page provides portion and allergen information for this recipe.
- This information doesn’t automatically apply to other Magnum products.
Carrefour
The Carrefour Extra selection featured contains 8 mini sticks weighing 32 g each.
- Carrefour’s product page lists the number of pieces and ingredients, helping you choose a box to share.
- This recipe contains milk, soya and almonds, among other ingredients. Check the label if anyone in your group needs to avoid these.
Auchan
Auchan’s mini ice lolly range includes chocolate recipes and ice pops, such as Twister mini.
- The range makes it easy to find different types of recipes to suit the group’s tastes.
- Check the product page or packaging for the ingredients and allergens in each product.
ALDI
One MUCCI product featured by ALDI France contains 12 mini sticks, with a total weight of 429 g.
- The number of pieces helps you plan how to share them out among a group.
- Check which product is available at your store and what it contains before buying.
E.Leclerc
The retailer has a range of ice creams and frozen desserts under its own brands.
- This range can be a good starting point when looking for something to share.
- If you’re looking for mini sticks, check the product and the number of pieces actually available.
Lidl
The retailer features its frozen food offers in its catalogues.
- The catalogue lets you check which products are advertised for the period in question.
- Lidl notes that some stores may not stock every item in its leaflet, so check with your store for the product you’re looking for.
Picnic-ready products
These Joybuy products include chocolate mini sticks in boxes of six and individual ice pops in orange and cherry flavours. Start by choosing based on the group’s tastes and how many people you’re catering for, then plan how to keep them cold during transport.
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Magnum Mini Classic, 6 × 55 ml
Handy for sharing out six individual portions if your group enjoys the Mini Classic vanilla and chocolate recipe.
Check the allergens on the packaging, especially if anyone has a milk allergy, and take an insulated bag for the journey.
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Magnum Mini Classic, Almond & White Chocolate, 6 pieces, 254 g
Worth considering if six guests want to share a selection of chocolate-coated flavours.
Check the size of each piece and the allergens on the box you choose before handing them out.
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Magnum Mini Deluxe Caramel, 6 pieces, 330 g
A good option for a group of six who’d prefer mini caramel sticks rather than a selection of flavours.
Check the portion size and allergen list on the packaging, and keep the box cold during transport.
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Magnum Double Billionaire's Mini, 6 pieces, 282 g
A box of six to consider if your guests fancy a caramel and biscuit-flavoured recipe.
Check the label for the size of each piece and the allergens, and plan how to keep them cold during transport.
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CAPRI-SUN Orange & Cherry Ice Pops, 12 pieces, 444 g
Individual ice pops to consider for a group who prefer orange and cherry flavours to chocolate recipes.
Check the ingredients and allergens on the packaging, then take an insulated bag to transport them.
Frequently asked questions
How should I transport mini ice lollies to a picnic?
Buy frozen products at the end of your shop, put them in an insulated bag and keep transport time to a minimum, as Anses recommends. The mini format makes them easier to hand out, but it doesn’t replace keeping them cold.
Does ‘mini’ tell you how big the portion is?
No. Check the weight or volume of each piece, as well as the number of pieces in the box. The Carrefour selection featured lists 32 g per stick, while Magnum Mini Classic is 55 ml per stick. These different units don’t allow you to compare portion sizes directly.
What should I check on the label if guests have allergies?
Before buying, read the ingredients and allergens for the exact product. The DGCCRF reminds shoppers that allergens must be highlighted on the labels of pre-packed food. Don’t assume that two flavours in the same selection have the same ingredients.