Who is this choice for?

Anyone looking for a “sugar-free” option

You need your chosen ice lolly to meet the threshold for this claim. Check the sugar content listed for the exact product, rather than relying on the words “no added sugars” alone.

Hosts avoiding added sugars

You’re happy with sugars naturally present in fruit ingredients, but want to choose an ice lolly labelled “no added sugars”. Check the “of which sugars” line and the allergen information too.

Anyone preparing dessert to share

For Mother’s Day, you’ll need enough lollies for your guests and a way to keep them frozen until serving. Flavours and allergens matter too, even if finding a “sugar-free” option isn’t your main priority.

What should you check?

First, decide whether you’re looking for a “sugar-free” option or one with no added sugars: these claims don’t mean the same thing. Then choose a pack size that suits the number of guests and check the storage instructions.

What to look for Check Who is it for?
Genuinely “sugar-free” The “sugar-free” claim and the “of which sugars” line: no more than 0.5 g per 100 g or 100 ml, in line with the threshold set out by EUR-Lex. I want a dessert that meets a specific “sugar-free” requirement, even if that means ruling out other flavours. Around 50% of consumers would put this first.
No added sugars The exact claim, followed by the total sugar content per 100 g or 100 ml. “No added sugars” doesn’t mean “sugar-free”. A fruity ice lolly works for me if no sugar has been added, even if the product still contains sugars. This would be the priority for around 30% of consumers.
Dessert to share The number of lollies in the pack, any stated allergens and possible traces, and the storage instructions for the pack you choose. I need to serve several people without overlooking their allergies or letting the ice lollies melt before the meal. Around 20% of consumers would put this practical consideration first.

Mistakes to avoid

  • Confusing “no added sugars” with “sugar-free”

    Auchan’s fruit ice lollies carry the first claim, but their product listings show 17 g or 19 g of sugars per 100 g. They therefore don’t meet the “sugar-free” threshold set out by EUR-Lex.

    If a “sugar-free” option is essential, check both the claim and the “of which sugars” line on the exact product.

  • Choosing an assorted pack without checking the allergens

    The recipe affects what you can serve: Auchan’s fruit ice lolly listings warn that traces of peanuts and other nuts may be present, while E.Leclerc’s Eco+ vanilla ice lolly contains milk, soya and almonds.

    Before buying and serving, read the ingredients list and any “may contain” warnings on the pack you choose.

  • Letting the ice lollies thaw in transit

    Auchan’s ice lolly sorbet listings state that the products should be kept at −18 °C and must not be refrozen once thawed.

    Use an insulated bag for the journey, then put the products in the freezer as soon as you get home, following the instructions on the packaging.

Brands and retailers to know

Auchan

The retailer offers fruit ice lolly sorbets labelled “no added sugars”, among other products.

  • The product listings for the mango and passion fruit and strawberry flavours give their nutritional values per 100 g.
  • According to Auchan, they contain 19 g and 17 g of sugars per 100 g respectively. Their listings also warn that traces of allergens may be present.

Carrefour

The retailer’s ice lolly search includes a “no added sugars” filter.

  • This filter helps you find products with a claim that’s different from “sugar-free”.
  • For each ice lolly you’re considering, check the exact claim and sugar content on the product listing or packaging.

E.Leclerc

The retailer offers Eco+ ice lollies in multipacks, including a pack of six maxi vanilla ice lollies.

  • The number of ice lollies in the pack helps you plan a dessert to share.
  • E.Leclerc’s listing for the Eco+ maxi vanilla ice lollies gives 25.7 g of sugars per 100 g and lists sugar and glucose syrup among the ingredients.

Magnum

The brand offers chocolate-coated ice lollies.

  • The type of coating can help you choose flavours for a dessert to share.
  • If you’re looking for a “sugar-free” option, check the claim and nutritional information for the specific product rather than relying on the brand name.

Aldi / Mucci

ALDI describes Mucci as a range of ice creams and sorbets that includes ice lollies.

  • ALDI lists packs of 12 mini ice lollies and packs of 4 double-coated ice lollies, among other options.
  • Pack size doesn’t tell you the sugar content. If this matters to you, check the label on the specific product you choose.

Joybuy products

Products related to this topic will be available soon.

Frequently asked questions

Does “no added sugars” mean “sugar-free”?

No. In the EU, the “sugar-free” claim means no more than 0.5 g of sugars per 100 g or 100 ml, according to EUR-Lex. A product with “no added sugars” can still contain sugars. For example, Auchan’s mango and passion fruit ice lolly carries this claim but contains 19 g of sugars per 100 g.

How can I compare the sugar content of two ice lollies?

Compare the “of which sugars” line on the same basis of 100 g or 100 ml, then check the portion sizes. The DGCCRF says that nutrition information shown per 100 g or 100 ml makes it easier to compare pre-packaged foods. Also check the ingredients and allergens for each product.

How should I store ice lollies before the meal?

Follow the temperature and storage instructions on the pack you choose, and keep the time out of the freezer to a minimum. Auchan’s ice lolly sorbet listings recommend storage at −18 °C and say not to refreeze a product once it has thawed.

Does a fruit sorbet avoid the risks associated with nuts or peanuts?

No. Auchan’s fruit ice lolly listings warn that traces of peanuts and other nuts may be present. If any of your guests have allergies, check the allergen information on the exact product packaging before serving.