For a revision break with a defined portion, compare the weight per stick before looking at the number of lollies in the box, then check the nutritional information per portion. If you choose an assortment to enjoy a variety of flavours, check the ingredients and allergens for each recipe too: the word ‘mini’ doesn’t tell you everything you need to know.
An individual lolly means you don’t have to serve a portion from a tub. To compare boxes, check the weight per lolly, then the energy and sugars listed per portion: ‘mini’ doesn’t refer to a standard size.
An assortment lets you choose a different flavour for each break or for whoever’s having a lolly. This variety means you’ll need to check the ingredients for each recipe, especially if it contains almonds.
A smaller size doesn’t make it any less important to read the label. The assortments described by Carrefour, Auchan, E.Leclerc and Magnum contain milk; depending on the recipe, they may also list soya, almonds or possible traces of other allergens.
Start with the size of the portion you plan to eat, then compare the boxes by their flavours and recipe ingredients.
| Criterion | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Individual portion | Compare the net weight and number of lollies in the same box, then check the nutritional values per portion. | For my break, I want to know how much one lolly weighs rather than relying on the word ‘mini’. Around 40% of consumers rank a clearly defined portion as their top priority. |
| Flavours and box size | Check the number of lollies and the flavours included, without assuming that every one has the same recipe. | If the box is for several breaks or people, I want enough lollies and flavours to suit everyone. This is a priority for around 30% of consumers. |
| Ingredients and allergens | Read the ingredients and any ‘contains’ or ‘may contain’ statements on the box you’re buying. | If a recipe needs to be suitable for someone with an allergy, its ingredients matter more than the choice of flavours or size. This is the main priority for around 30% of consumers. |
Across the boxes described by Carrefour, Auchan, Aldi, E.Leclerc and Auchan for Magnum, the nominal weight per lolly ranges from 32 g to around 42.3 g. So the number of lollies alone isn’t enough to compare portions.
Divide the net weight of the box by the number of lollies, then check the nutritional information for the portion size of each product.
The flavours in the same box may have different ingredients. The assortments described by Carrefour, Auchan, E.Leclerc and Magnum include milk, soya or almonds, depending on the recipe, as well as some ‘may contain traces’ statements.
Check the ingredients and allergens on the pack you’ve bought before offering a flavour to someone with an allergy.
E.Leclerc says that the TRIUM product described isn’t sold on its website and advises customers to contact their local store to check availability.
If you’re looking for a particular box, check with your store or look at its local catalogue before making a special trip.
Transport is an important practical consideration when choosing a frozen product. ANSES recommends maintaining the cold chain; the Joybuy listing for the Magnum Mini Classic, Almond and White Chocolate assortment says not to refreeze the product after thawing.
Pick up frozen food at the end of your shop, use an insulated bag and put it in the freezer as soon as you get home.
The Mini Classic, Almond and White Chocolate assortment described by Auchan contains six lollies and weighs 254 g.
Carrefour describes an assortment of eight mini lollies, each weighing 32 g.
Auchan offers an assortment of eight mini lollies weighing 258 g in total.
The product listed by E.Leclerc contains eight mini lollies and weighs 287.5 g, giving an average nominal weight of around 35.9 g each.
ALDI France describes a box of twelve MUCCI mini lollies weighing 429 g.
These Joybuy products include Magnum mini ice lollies and CAPRI-SUN fruit juice ice pops. The latter aren’t milk-based ice lollies, so first decide which type of product you want, then compare the individual portions and information on each box.
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A fruity ice pop for a break, rather than a milk-based ice lolly. The 444 g box contains twelve units, giving a nominal weight of 37 g per pop.
If you have an allergy to consider, check the warnings about possible traces on the box.
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An assortment to enjoy different flavours across several breaks. The 254 g box contains six lollies, giving a nominal weight of around 42.3 g each.
Check the allergens for each flavour and the nutritional values per lolly on the pack if they’ll help you decide.
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Six individually wrapped lollies for separate breaks. The 330 g box gives a nominal weight of 55 g per lolly, so bear this size in mind if you’re looking for a small portion.
Check the allergens and nutritional information per portion on the box before comparing this recipe with another.
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A box of six if you’d like to enjoy this flavour over several breaks. The 282 g box gives a nominal weight of 47 g per lolly.
Read the soya and nut information on the pack, along with the nutritional values per portion if you’re comparing recipes.
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A box of six Classic lollies if you’d rather have one flavour than an assortment. Each lolly is listed by volume as 55 ml; this figure can’t be directly compared with portions measured in grams.
Check the weight, nutritional information per portion and any relevant allergen information on the pack before choosing.
No: ‘mini’ doesn’t tell you the weight of a lolly. Check the weight per unit on the box, or calculate it from the net weight and number of lollies, then read the nutritional values for that portion.
Check the allergens for each recipe on the box you buy: the assortments described by Carrefour, Auchan, E.Leclerc and Magnum contain milk, and some recipes also list soya, almonds or possible traces of nuts. The French Ministry of Economy says that allergenic ingredients in prepacked foods must be highlighted on the label.
Check the net quantity, number of lollies, ingredients, allergens and nutritional information, taking care to distinguish values per 100 g from those per portion. If lollies are listed in millilitres, don’t convert the volume into grams unless you have the corresponding weight for that same product.
Keep them cold on the way home: ANSES advises picking up frozen food at the end of your shop and keeping it from warming up. The Joybuy listing for the Magnum Mini Classic, Almond and White Chocolate assortment says to store it at −18 °C or below and not to refreeze it after thawing.