Households sharing with a group
If several people will be helping themselves over the weekend, count how many ice lollies you’ll need before choosing a box. Net weight and the space available in your freezer matter too.
Who are these pack sizes for?
Shoppers looking for individual assortments
If your guests prefer different flavours or portion sizes, check exactly what’s in the assortment rather than looking only at the number of ice lollies.
Households that check food labels
Before sharing a box, check the ingredients, allergens and nutritional information for each variety, especially if the ice lollies aren’t all the same.
What should you check before buying?
For a weekend get-together, first work out how many servings and flavours you need, then check the labels and how you’ll transport the ice lollies.
| What to consider | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Number of servings | Count the ice lollies and compare the net weight of each box. | When several people are helping themselves, I want the box to have enough portions for everyone. Around 33% of consumers would put the number of ice lollies first. |
| Flavours and sizes | Check which flavours are included and how many of each there are; distinguish mini ice lollies from standard sizes. | If everyone around the table likes different things, I’d rather be able to offer a choice of varieties or smaller portions. Around 25% of consumers would put this variety first. |
| Ingredients | Read the ingredients, allergens and ‘may contain’ statements for each variety; compare the nutritional values per serving. | Before serving a box to guests with dietary requirements, I need to be able to check every variety. Around 25% of consumers would prioritise this check. |
| Transport and storage | Plan the journey home with an insulated bag and follow the storage instructions on the box. | If it takes a while to get home from the shops or the freezer is already full, I need to be able to transport and store the box properly. Around 17% of consumers would put this first. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Choosing the biggest box without checking what’s inside
Boxes can contain different numbers of ice lollies and have different net weights. A higher count also doesn’t tell you whether everyone will like all the flavours.
Count the portions you’ll be serving, and check the flavours and net weight before choosing.
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Assuming every ice lolly in an assortment has the same ingredients
Ingredients and allergen information can vary from one flavour to another. The Directorate-General for Competition, Consumer Affairs and Fraud Control reminds shoppers that allergenic ingredients must be emphasised on the label.
Check the ingredients and warnings for every variety in the box before sharing it.
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Leaving the ice lollies in your trolley while you do the rest of your shopping
A long journey makes it harder to keep them cold. The product information for Auchan x12 ice lollies says not to refreeze a product once it has thawed.
Anses recommends picking up frozen foods at the end of your shop and using an insulated bag to transport them. Then store the box according to the instructions on the packaging.
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Making ice lollies the only thing you have for breakfast
Manger Bouger points out that ice cream can be high in sugar and fat. So a box to share isn’t a complete breakfast on its own.
Treat ice lollies as a shared dessert, and check the nutritional information per serving when comparing similar products.
Brands to compare pack sizes
These products show a range of box sizes and assortments. Check the exact ingredients rather than assuming all products from a brand are the same.
Magnum
Magnum and Auchan offer products including boxes of 4 or 8 ice lollies and an assortment of 10 mini ice lollies.
- The x8 packs and mini ice lolly assortment offer two ways to share: more portions or a choice of varieties.
- Ingredients and allergens vary by product, so check the label on the box you choose.
Carrefour Classic'
Carrefour offers a box of 12 ice lollies in vanilla and chocolate flavours, weighing 450 g in total.
- Two varieties in one box give you a choice of flavours.
- Carrefour’s product information flags possible traces of allergens; check the details for the ice lollies you’re buying.
Auchan
Auchan offers, among other products, a box of 12 vanilla ice lollies weighing 450 g and an 8-piece fruit-flavoured option.
- These two pack sizes let you choose an amount to suit your plans.
- Check the ingredients and allergens for the product you choose; the box of 12 vanilla ice lollies lists milk, hazelnuts and soya among its ingredients.
SMICY / E.Leclerc
E.Leclerc offers a SMICY assortment of 20 ice lollies, weighing 850 g in total.
- The number of ice lollies is worth considering for a larger group or several occasions.
- Before sharing, check the ingredients and allergens on the product information page or packaging.
MUCCI / ALDI
ALDI offers a MUCCI box of 4 double-coated ice lollies, weighing 288 g.
- A four-piece pack is suited to a smaller get-together than a family-sized box.
- Check the ingredients and allergens for this product before serving.
Joybuy products by number of servings
These products let you compare boxes of 4, 8 or 12 servings for a weekend get-together. CAPRI-SUN products are frozen in their packaging; don’t mistake them for ice lollies on sticks.
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Maison de la Glace Water Ice Pops, 5 flavours, x12
For offering a choice of flavours to share from one box. The total weight shown is 1 200 g.
If anyone has an allergy, check the ingredients and packaging warnings before serving these ice lollies.
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CAPRI-SUN Orange & Cherry Ice Pops x12
For keeping individual ice pops in the freezer in their packaging. The box states a total weight of 444 g.
This product isn’t described as an ice lolly on a stick. Check the allergen information on the packaging before sharing.
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MAGNUM Classic, 8 ice lollies
For sharing eight portions of the same product over the weekend. The total weight shown is 600 g.
Check the ingredients and nut information on the label of this box.
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Binggrae Melona Melon, 8 ice lollies
For sharing eight portions of the same flavour. Each ice lolly is listed as 70 ml.
The product contains milk and the colour E102, with a warning about children’s activity and attention. Read the label, including the allergen information, before serving.
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Solero Berry, 4 frozen bars, 90 ml each
For serving four portions instead of opening a large box. Check the ingredients list and allergen information for this product before sharing.
Frequently asked questions
Can ice lollies make up a whole breakfast?
No, a box of ice lollies isn’t a complete breakfast on its own. Manger Bouger points out that ice cream can be high in sugar and fat; check the nutritional information for the product you choose.
Should you check every flavour in an assortment?
Yes, the ingredients and allergen information can vary within the same box. Read the ingredients and warnings for each variety; the Directorate-General for Competition, Consumer Affairs and Fraud Control reminds shoppers that allergenic ingredients must be emphasised on the label.
How should you get a multipack of ice lollies home?
Pick up frozen foods at the end of your shop and carry them in an insulated bag, as Anses recommends. Store the box in the freezer according to the instructions; the Auchan x12 product information says not to refreeze a product once it has thawed.
Is the number of ice lollies all you need to consider?
No: check the net weight, portion size and included flavours too. A box of 12 is suited to a different quantity of servings than a small pack of 4 or an assortment of 10 mini ice lollies.