For regular snacks to share, start with a box that contains the right number of ice lollies for the portions you have planned. A mini size is a better choice if you want smaller individual portions. Then check the ingredients and allergens for the exact product, along with the storage requirements to keep the ice lollies frozen until you’re ready to eat them.
If several people want an ice lolly, or you’re planning snacks for a few days, the number of lollies matters just as much as the size of each one. Carrefour and Auchan list boxes of 12, while E.Leclerc stocks an assortment of 20 Smicy sticks.
A mini portion may be just the right size for snack time. Joybuy has a Magnum Mini pack of 6 × 55 ml, for example. Only pack an ice lolly in a lunchbox if you can keep it frozen until it’s time to eat.
If the snack needs to suit several people, check the ingredients in each recipe rather than just counting the ice lollies. Carrefour and Joybuy product listings for some Magnum products mention milk, nuts or possible traces, depending on the product.
When choosing a multipack for snack time, start with the portions you actually need. Then check their size and the ingredients in the specific box.
| What to consider | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Number of portions | Count how many ice lollies you’ll need for the snacks you have planned. If it’s an assortment, check which flavours are in the box. | When sharing snacks with several people, I want enough lollies without choosing flavours nobody will eat; around 42% of consumers put this first. |
| Size of the ice lollies | Check the volume or weight of each lolly, not just the number on the box. | For a smaller individual portion, I’d choose a mini lolly rather than a standard size; around 33% of consumers share this priority. |
| Ingredients and allergens | Read the ingredients list, declared allergens and any ‘may contain’ information for the exact product. | If a snack needs to take account of a known allergy or an ingredient to avoid, I need to be able to check each recipe; around 25% of consumers make this their top priority. |
Ingredients and ‘may contain’ information can vary between flavours. For a Magnum Mini chocolate-caramel product, Carrefour notes possible traces of soya and several nuts; a Magnum almond listing on Joybuy states that it contains milk and almonds.
Check the information on the exact box before sharing it, particularly if someone needs to avoid an ingredient.
An ice lolly can’t be transported like a snack kept at room temperature. The DGCCRF notes that the cold chain must also be maintained when transporting food.
After shopping, pick up frozen food last, use an insulated bag and put it in the freezer as soon as possible. For a lunchbox, check that you’ll be able to follow the storage instructions on the packaging until it’s time to eat.
An assortment with lots of lollies won’t necessarily suit everyone in the household. Some may end up left in the freezer while the flavours people like have already run out.
Before choosing a box of 12 or 20, check the varieties included and how many snacks you’re planning to prepare.
Mini and standard-sized ice lollies let you choose the portion that suits you.
A range to consider when the number of portions for your household is your main priority.
Vanilla and fruit ice lolly packs to compare based on the number of snacks you need and the flavours you’re after.
Two Marque Repère ranges listed by E.Leclerc, with different numbers of lollies in each box.
These boxes suit different snack plans: packs of 12 ice lollies, a mid-sized pack of 8, 6 minis and a box of 4 sorbets. Start by choosing the portion size and recipe that suit your needs.
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Worth considering if you’re planning several snacks and want an assortment of water ice lollies. The box lists five flavours; check the ingredients and storage instructions on the packaging.
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A box of 12 ice lollies in orange and cherry flavours, ideal for planning several portions. Check the ingredients, allergens and storage instructions for the box you choose.
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A pack of 8 melon ice lollies if you don’t need a box of 12 portions. Check the ingredients and warnings on the packaging, especially if these snacks are for children.
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The mini size is a good choice if you’re looking for a smaller individual portion. The box contains 6 ice lollies; check the label for allergens and storage instructions.
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A box of 4 coconut sorbet sticks if you’re planning just a few portions. Check the ingredients, allergen information and age guidance on the packaging before sharing.
Choose a box with enough ice lollies for the portions you plan to serve. Carrefour and Auchan each list a pack of 12, while E.Leclerc stocks an assortment of 20 Smicy sticks. For smaller portions, you could also consider a pack of 6 minis.
Only if you can meet the product’s storage requirements until it’s time to eat it. A mini size changes the portion, but you still need to keep it cold. The DGCCRF notes that the cold chain must also be maintained during transport.
Read the ingredients list and allergen information for the exact product, including every variety in an assortment. A Magnum almond listing on Joybuy states that it contains milk and almonds, and may contain traces of other nuts. The flavour name or appearance of an ice lolly is no substitute for checking the label.