For a larger gathering or to keep some portions for packed lunches, start by choosing a multipack with the right number of ice lollies for your needs. If you’re having a small get-together and everyone likes different flavours, an assortment of mini ice lollies may be more practical. In every case, check the portion weights, the ingredients in each recipe and whether you have room to store the multipack in your freezer.
Whether you’re serving dessert to the family or preparing packed lunches for later, work out how many portions you need before choosing a box size. Carrefour and E.Leclerc, for example, offer multipacks of 12 or 16 ice lollies.
If your guests prefer different flavours, check exactly what’s in an assortment rather than looking only at the number of pieces. Magnum and Auchan offer mini sizes, some of which contain a selection of recipes.
If your guests have dietary requirements, check every recipe in the multipack. Products described by Magnum and Auchan, for instance, contain milk or almonds; ingredients vary between products.
Choose this: if several people want a portion, or you’d like to keep some ice lollies for later.
Bear in mind: a large box may contain just one recipe. Also check how much freezer space you have.
Choose this: if sharing a selection of recipes matters more than the size of each portion.
Bear in mind: the number of pieces won’t tell you how many of each flavour are in the box.
Choose this: for a small gathering, when the recipe or coating is the deciding factor.
Bear in mind: a multipack of four to six pieces may not be enough for everyone.
| What to consider | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Number of portions | Work out how many ice lollies you need, then compare the total weight and portion sizes. | For a family meal followed by packed lunches, I want enough ice lollies without choosing an oversized box. Around 36% of consumers would put the number of portions first. |
| Variety to share | Check which recipes are included and how many pieces there are of each kind. | If everyone wants to choose their own flavour at a get-together, a proper assortment matters more to me than a box with just one recipe. Around 36% of consumers would prioritise this variety. |
| Ingredients and storage | Read the ingredients on the exact box you’re buying and plan how you’ll get it home and into the freezer. | If a recipe needs to suit my guests and I have frozen food to take home, I check the ingredients and plan the journey. Around 28% of consumers would put these considerations first. |
Two boxes with the same number of pieces may have different total weights, so they won’t necessarily provide the same number of portions.
Compare the number of ice lollies and the total weight, then consider how many guests you’re serving.
Ingredients vary between recipes. Magnum’s Mini Amandes x6, for example, lists milk and almonds in its ingredients.
Check the ingredients and allergen information on the packaging of the product you choose, even if you’re familiar with another recipe in the range.
A large multipack is still a frozen product. ANSES highlights the importance of keeping food at a low temperature and maintaining the cold chain.
Pick up frozen food at the end of your shop, use a suitable way to transport it if needed, and put it in the freezer as soon as you get home.
A box containing several flavours doesn’t mean every recipe will meet everyone’s dietary requirements.
Check the ingredients in each recipe in the assortment, and have another option ready if one isn’t suitable for a guest.
The brand offers chocolate-coated ice lollies, including Mini x6 multipacks and boxes of four.
The retailer offers ice lollies from its own brands as well as other brands, with different pack sizes available.
The retailer offers a range of marque Repère multipacks, including Smicy and Trium products.
The retailer offers, among other products, an assortment of eight mini ice lollies weighing 258 g.
The retailer offers Mucci ice lollies, including boxes of four and multipacks of twelve mini ice lollies.
These products range from six to twelve ice lollies, with either a single recipe or several flavours mentioned in the product name. Choose one to suit the portions you’re planning for Mother’s Day, then check the ingredients and storage instructions on the exact box.
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A pack of twelve portions to consider for a group or for several occasions. The product name lists five flavours; check the ingredients in each recipe before serving.
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Twelve portions if you’re serving several guests or want to keep some for packed lunches. Orange and cherry describe the advertised flavour, but don’t necessarily mean you can choose two separate flavours.
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A six-piece mini pack for a small gathering. The product name mentions Classic, almond and white chocolate; check the packaging for the ingredients in each ice lolly.
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Eight individual ice lollies if your group would enjoy a banana flavour. This multipack isn’t described as an assortment, so check the ingredients and allergens on the packaging.
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Six mini ice lollies for a small gathering. Check that this recipe is suitable for your guests by reading the ingredients and allergen information on the box.
Count the portions you want to serve, then add any you genuinely plan to keep for packed lunches. Products offered by Carrefour, E.Leclerc and Magnum include packs of 4, 6, 12 or 16 pieces. Compare their total weight too, and make sure you have room to store any leftovers in the freezer.
Read the packaging information for each recipe in the box. Products described by Magnum and Auchan include ingredients such as milk or almonds, so having several flavours in one box doesn’t mean they’ll all suit the same guests.
Keep them out of the freezer for as little time as possible, and put frozen products away promptly after the journey home. ANSES recommends keeping food at a low temperature and maintaining the cold chain.