Who are these ice lollies for?

Someone looking for a pronounced cocoa flavour

They’ll want to know whether the stated cocoa content applies to the coating or the ice cream itself. Auchan’s product information for Magnum Intense Dark specifies that the 70% cocoa content refers to the dark coating.

Someone who enjoys a bit of crunch

The inclusions may help them decide: Auchan’s product information for Ferrero Rondnoir mentions cocoa pieces, while the NUII Dark Chocolate and Brazil Nut listing describes pieces of roasted Brazil nuts.

Someone planning a dessert to share

They’ll need to make sure there are enough lollies for everyone and check the allergens on the pack. The number of lollies and net weight are more useful for planning than the picture on the box alone.

What should you look for first?

For a Mother’s Day dessert, start with the preferences of the person you’re buying for, then check that the recipe and pack size are suitable for everyone sharing it.

Criteria What to check Who is this for?
Desired cocoa flavour Check which part of the recipe the stated cocoa percentage applies to, then read the description of the ice cream inside. If I want to avoid an ice lolly where only the outside seems to be dark chocolate, I look for clear information about its composition. Around 40% of consumers prioritise this.
Crunch and allergens Look for inclusions in the ingredients list and check the allergen information on the box. If I want a contrast in textures, I might prefer cocoa pieces or nuts, provided they’re suitable for the person I’m inviting. This is the top priority for around 30% of consumers.
Pack size and transport Check the number of ice lollies and the net weight; plan how to keep them cold on the way home. When several people will be sharing dessert, I want enough portions and a way to get the box home without letting it warm up. Around 30% of consumers prioritise these practical considerations.

Mistakes to avoid

  • Assuming “dark chocolate” means “dairy-free”

    Auchan’s product information for Magnum Intense Dark, NUII Dark Chocolate and Brazil Nut, and Ferrero Rondnoir lists milk in all three. NUII also contains Brazil nuts.

    Before giving the box as a gift, read the ingredients and allergen information on the pack you actually buy, especially if you’re unsure about the recipient’s dietary requirements.

  • Assuming the cocoa percentage applies to the whole ice lolly

    According to Auchan, the 70% cocoa stated for Magnum Intense Dark refers to its dark coating; it doesn’t describe the milk chocolate ice cream inside.

    Check the coating’s composition and the description of the ice cream separately, then choose according to which part of the recipe matters most to you.

  • Judging by the apparent size of the box alone

    Volume alone doesn’t tell you the weight of the ice cream: the DGCCRF notes that the amount of air incorporated can affect the weight of products with the same volume.

    To plan portions, compare the number of ice lollies and the net weight. When comparing nutritional information, use the same basis, such as the values per 100 g.

  • Letting the ice lollies warm up on the way home

    Getting your dessert home safely is part of choosing a frozen treat, especially if you’re shopping before a meal or travelling afterwards.

    Anses recommends buying frozen foods at the end of your shop and using an insulated bag to transport them. Put the box back in the freezer as soon as you get home.

Brands to know for this choice

Magnum

The Intense Dark option pairs milk chocolate ice cream with a dark chocolate coating, in a box of three ice lollies.

  • Auchan’s product information states that the dark coating contains 70% cocoa.
  • This figure doesn’t apply to the whole ice lolly. The listing specifies milk and soya, and notes that it may contain almonds.

NUII

The Dark Chocolate and Brazil Nut option combines a dark coating with pieces of roasted nuts.

  • Auchan’s product information describes pieces of roasted Brazil nuts, for anyone looking for that texture.
  • It lists milk, soya, Brazil nuts, barley and wheat, among other ingredients; check the “may contain” information too.

Ferrero

Rondnoir combines cocoa ice cream, a dark chocolate shell and cocoa pieces, in a box of four ice lollies.

  • Auchan’s product information lists 32.6% dark chocolate in the ingredients and mentions cocoa pieces.
  • It lists milk and soya, as well as several allergens that may be present in trace amounts.

Joybuy products to consider

These two boxes are both suitable for sharing, but offer different treats: fruit sorbet coated in dark chocolate, or dark chocolate ice lollies. If cocoa content is a deciding factor for your gift, check the packaging before choosing.

PopFruit Mini Sorbet Sticks mango, passion fruit and dark chocolate

PopFruit Mini Sorbet Sticks mango, passion fruit and dark chocolate, x6, 282 g

A dessert to share if you’d prefer fruit sorbet to chocolate ice cream. The box contains six mini ice lollies and weighs 282 g; check the label if cocoa content or allergens affect your choice.

View on Joybuy
POPELINO Intense Dark Chocolate Ice Lollies, four ice lollies

POPELINO Intense Dark Chocolate Ice Lollies, x4, 312 g

For sharing four dark chocolate ice lollies rather than choosing a fruity sorbet. The box weighs 312 g; check the packaging for the exact ingredients and allergens if these are important to you.

View on Joybuy

Frequently asked questions

Are dark chocolate ice lollies always dairy-free?

No: Auchan’s product information for Magnum Intense Dark, NUII Dark Chocolate and Brazil Nut, and Ferrero Rondnoir lists milk in all three. Check the allergen information on the exact pack you plan to give as a gift; the DGCCRF notes that this information must be provided in writing for frozen products.

How do I compare boxes labelled in grams and millilitres?

Start with the number of ice lollies, then check the net weight to compare how much ice cream you’re getting. According to the DGCCRF, the amount of air incorporated can affect the weight of products with the same volume. To compare nutritional values, use the same basis, such as the values per 100 g.

How should I bring ice lollies home for a celebration meal?

Buy them at the end of your shop, carry them in an insulated bag and put them in the freezer as soon as you get home, following Anses’ advice for frozen foods. Take your journey into account when planning this dessert.

Does a product listing guarantee the box will be available at my shop?

No: check availability at the shop or Drive location where you want to collect the product. Viewing a listing without selecting a collection point isn’t enough to plan a purchase for a specific date.