Hosts expecting a large group
You want enough portions without having to open lots of boxes. The number of ice lollies and the net weight can help you compare the options available from retailers such as Carrefour and E.Leclerc.
Who are these pack sizes for?
Hosts who want to offer a choice of flavours
You’d rather have several flavours in one box than buy a separate pack for each one. Auchan and Magnum offer assorted mini ice lollies to give your guests more choice.
People checking ingredients and keeping products frozen
You need to be able to check the allergen information for each flavour and keep the boxes frozen during transport and storage, right up until you serve them outdoors.
What should you check before buying?
Work out how many portions you’ll need before choosing the flavours. Then check the ingredients and storage instructions for the specific product. A fruity assortment still needs the same checks as any other option.
| What to consider | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Number of portions | Check how many ice lollies are in each box against the number of guests you’re expecting, then look at the net weight. This alone won’t tell you how many portions there are. | If I’m hosting a large group, I want to serve everyone without opening too many boxes; around 33% of consumers would put the number of portions first. |
| Choice of flavours | Check which flavours are included and, if stated, how many of each are in the box. | When my guests have different preferences, I’d rather offer several flavours in one purchase; around 27% of consumers would put variety first. |
| Ingredients and allergens | Read the ingredients list and allergen information, including any possible traces, on the pack you choose. | If a guest needs to avoid certain ingredients, I need to be able to identify a suitable flavour for them; around 20% of consumers would put this check first. |
| Keeping products frozen | Check the storage instructions for each product and make sure you have space in the freezer until you’re ready to serve. | If I’m serving them outdoors, I need to be able to keep the ice lollies frozen until I take them out; around 20% of consumers would put this first. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Choosing a box based on its appearance
Boxes that look similar can contain different numbers of ice lollies. A heavier box won’t necessarily serve more people.
Check the number of ice lollies before the net weight, then compare it with the number of guests you’re expecting.
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Assuming a fruity flavour means there’s no milk
According to Auchan’s product information, PILPA Sun red and exotic fruit mini ice lollies contain milk and may contain traces of other allergens. You can’t tell what’s in a product from its flavour alone.
Check the ingredients and trace allergen information on the box you buy, especially if one of your guests has an allergy.
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Buying lots of boxes without planning how to keep them frozen
For outdoor serving, you need to be able to keep the products frozen. Auchan’s product information for Magnum Mini Classic, 6 pieces, 264 g, says to store at −18 °C and not to refreeze once thawed.
Plan how you’ll transport the ice lollies and where you’ll store them in the freezer before buying. Then take them out as you need them, following the instructions on each pack.
Brands and ranges to consider
Magnum
Mini Classic ice lollies and chocolate assortments, available in multipacks.
- Magnum offers a Mini Classic, Almond and White Chocolate assortment with 6 pieces.
- Ingredients and possible traces of nuts vary by product, so check the box you choose.
Carrefour Classic’ et Carrefour Sensation
Carrefour multipacks to consider based on the number of ice lollies and flavours you’re looking for.
- Carrefour offers a Classic’ chocolate and vanilla-chocolate pack with 12 ice lollies.
- Check the ingredients of the product you choose rather than assuming all Carrefour flavours are the same.
E.Leclerc – Marque Repère (Smicy)
E.Leclerc offers an 850 g assortment of 20 ice lollies for anyone looking for plenty of portions in one pack.
- With 20 ice lollies in the pack, you can easily work out how many portions to allow for.
- Check the flavours and allergen information for the product before choosing it.
Auchan
Assorted mini ice lollies, including an 8-piece pack, for offering a choice of flavours.
- An assorted pack brings several flavours together, so you don’t have to buy a separate box of each.
- Check the ingredients of the exact assortment, as they may differ from one flavour to another.
PILPA
Assortments of 8 mini ice lollies, including PILPA Sun red and exotic fruit, available from Auchan.
- PILPA Sun adds two fruity flavours to your selection of ice lollies.
- This product contains milk and may contain traces of allergens listed on the packaging.
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Frequently asked questions
How many ice lollies should I get for a garden party?
Start with the number of people you’re expecting, then add up the ice lollies in the boxes you’re considering. Carrefour offers a pack of 12, for example, while E.Leclerc has a Smicy assortment of 20. However, the number of pieces alone doesn’t tell you how big each ice lolly is.
Should I choose an assortment or a large pack of one flavour?
Choose an assortment if offering a variety of flavours matters more than having lots of one kind. A large pack of one flavour is a good option if your guests like that flavour and you’d rather keep the number of boxes down. Whichever you choose, check the ingredients of the specific product.
How can I keep ice lollies frozen while serving them?
Follow the storage instructions on each box and only take out as many as you’re ready to serve. Auchan’s product information for Magnum Mini Classic, 6 pieces, 264 g, says to store at −18 °C and not to refreeze once thawed. Check the instructions for any other products you choose.
Where can I check the allergens in an assortment?
Check the ingredients list and trace allergen information on the packaging of the pack you buy. For pre-packed food sold in France, the Ministry of the Economy says that allergenic ingredients must be listed and highlighted. So it’s worth checking every flavour in an assortment.