If you’re buying several boxes of mini ice lollies, start by working out how many portions you need to serve. A stated volume per lolly makes it easier to plan for one per guest, while an assortment lets you offer a choice of flavours. Also compare the number of pieces, net weight, ingredients for each recipe and the space available in your freezer. ‘Mini’ doesn’t guarantee that every product is the same size.
For an afternoon treat, a party or a group meal, counting out the lollies you’ll serve saves you having to split larger ice creams. The number of pieces and, where stated, the volume of each one can help you plan what to serve.
If your guests prefer different coatings, an assorted box can bring several recipes together. Before buying several boxes, though, check how many pieces of each variety are included.
When stocking up for a group, the label for each recipe and the capacity of your freezer matter just as much as the number of pieces. Remember to plan how you’ll get the frozen products home, too.
First, work out how many portions you’ll be serving, then choose between one recipe and a selection of flavours. Check the ingredients and plan how you’ll transport the frozen products before buying more boxes.
| Criteria | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Individual portion size | Check the number of lollies and their individual volume, where stated. Carrefour, for example, lists a box of 6 Magnum Mini Almond lollies, each measuring 55 mL. | If I want to serve one lolly per guest without cutting anything up, I need to know the size of each one; around 33% of consumers would make portion size a priority. |
| Number of pieces and variety | Work out how many pieces you need and check how the recipes are divided across the assortment. Auchan and Pilpa each offer assorted boxes of 8 mini lollies. | When people in the group have different tastes, I look for enough pieces and a choice of flavours; around 27% of consumers would share this priority. |
| Quantity to store | Compare the number of pieces and net weight of similar formats, then work out how many boxes you’ll actually need. | If I’m buying for several occasions, I want to avoid ending up with boxes we won’t use; around 20% of consumers would make storage quantity their top criterion. |
| Ingredients and allergens | Read the ingredients list and allergen information for each recipe on the exact packaging, including any ‘may contain’ warnings. | If any guests have dietary restrictions, I need to choose recipes based on their labels; around 13% of consumers would make suitability a priority. |
| Transport and freezing | Check the space in your freezer and the storage instructions. Anses recommends buying frozen food at the end of your shopping trip, using an insulated bag and keeping transport time to a minimum. | If I’m bringing home several boxes, I need to be able to transport them and get them into the freezer quickly; around 7% of consumers would put this planning first. |
Carrefour lists 6 Magnum lollies at 55 mL each, while Auchan and Pilpa offer assortments of 8 pieces with net weights of 258 g and 287.5 g respectively. These details don’t mean that every individual portion is the same size.
Start with the number of people you’re serving, then compare the number of pieces, net weight and volume per lolly where this is listed for the product.
A box may include different coatings and recipes containing almonds. Ingredients and warnings about the possible presence of allergens can vary from one piece to another.
Check the information for each variety on the exact packaging, and plan a separate option if a guest can’t eat any of the recipes included.
You need to be able to transport a multipack of frozen products and put them in the freezer safely afterwards. Anses recommends keeping transport time to a minimum and using insulated bags.
Check you have enough room before you buy, pick up the ice creams at the end of your shopping trip and follow the storage instructions for each product. Don’t refreeze a thawed product if its packaging says not to.
Magnum offers mini lollies in boxes of 6 x 55 mL, including a Classic, Almond and White Chocolate assortment.
Auchan lists an assortment of 8 mini ice lollies weighing 258 g.
E.Leclerc offers Mini Trium vanilla lollies in boxes of 8, weighing 287.5 g, with several types of coating.
Auchan lists an assortment of 8 Pilpa mini ice lollies weighing 287.5 g.
This selection includes mini ice lollies in boxes of 6, as well as ice cream bites. If you want to serve one lolly per guest, distinguish the bites from the stick formats before counting up your portions.
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An assortment to consider if you’d like to offer the group a choice of recipes.
The box contains 6 mini lollies and weighs 254 g. Check the ingredients for each recipe before serving guests with allergies.
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The stated volume of each lolly helps you plan for one per person.
This box contains 6 lollies of 55 mL each. Check the exact label if you need to take allergies into account.
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This bite-size format is better suited to serving differently from individual lollies, so work out how many bites you’ll need before you buy.
The box weighs 168 g. Check the label for ingredients and storage instructions.
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This box gives you 6 lollies with a caramel recipe, rather than an assortment of flavours.
Its net weight is 330 g. If you need to choose based on a specific portion size, check the individual volume on the packaging.
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This pack of 6 lollies can be counted out as individual portions featuring the same recipe.
The box weighs 282 g. Check the ingredients if any guests have allergies, and the volume per lolly if portion size is important.
Start by counting one piece per person, then add more only if you’re planning a second serving. Check the number of pieces in each box: a pack with more pieces won’t necessarily contain lollies in the same format.
Check the product name, net quantity, ingredients list, allergens, nutritional information and storage instructions. The French Directorate-General for Competition, Consumer Affairs and Fraud Control reminds shoppers that allergenic ingredients must be clearly highlighted on the label.
No: suitability depends on each recipe and its allergen warnings. Magnum Mini Almond contains almonds, while Auchan’s product listing for the Pilpa assortment mentions the possible presence of peanuts and other nuts. Check the exact packaging before serving these products.
Use an insulated bag and make sure your freezer has enough room to store the boxes as soon as you get home. Anses recommends buying frozen food at the end of your shopping trip, using insulated bags and keeping journey time to a minimum. Then follow the storage instructions for each product.