Who is this choice for?

People looking for a “no added sugars” claim

You want to avoid added sugars, while bearing in mind that fruit and fruit preparations can still add sugars to the finished product.

People comparing sugar per ice lolly

You’re planning to have an individual ice lolly and would rather compare the grams of sugar per portion than rely on the claim on the front of the pack alone.

People planning how to transport their picnic treats

You need to keep the ice lollies cold until it’s time to eat. If anyone has an allergy, you’ll also need to check the ingredients and any “may contain” warnings on the pack.

What should you check?

First, check for the claim you’re looking for, then compare the sugar content for the same portion size. Before you set off, make sure you can keep the ice lollies cold during transport.

What to check Look for Who is it for?
Added sugars The exact claim “no added sugars” and the ingredients list. If I want to avoid added sugars, I shouldn’t confuse this claim with having no sugars at all. Around 40% of consumers would put this distinction at the top of their list of concerns.
Sugar per ice lolly The grams of “of which sugars” and the stated portion size. When choosing an individual ice lolly, I check how much sugar is in the whole lolly. The amount per portion would be the main deciding factor for around 30% of consumers.
Transport and allergens Storage instructions, keeping the product cold during transport, and any allergen warnings on the pack. If the journey is long or someone has an allergy, the ice lolly needs to stay cold and its labelling must be suitable for everyone there. These considerations would be the main priority for around 30% of consumers.

Mistakes to avoid

  • Confusing “no added sugars” with “sugar-free”

    This claim doesn’t remove the sugars found in the ingredients. Auchan’s product information lists 10 g of sugars in the strawberry lolly and 11 g in the mango-passion fruit one, each weighing 60 g.

    Compare the “of which sugars” figure per portion before you choose.

  • Overlooking the ingredients in a fruit sorbet

    Both Auchan recipes list concentrated apple juice. So the claim on the front of the pack doesn’t tell you everything about what’s in the product.

    Read the ingredients list alongside the nutritional information, and don’t assume “no added sugars” means “low in sugar”.

  • Planning the ice lollies but not how to transport them

    An ice lolly could melt before your picnic if you can’t keep it cold during the journey. Anses advises buying frozen food last and using an insulated bag to transport it.

    Keep the journey as short as possible and follow the storage instructions on the pack.

  • Assuming a fruit flavour means there are no allergens

    The product information for both Auchan sorbets warns that they may contain traces of cereals containing gluten, peanuts and other nuts.

    If anyone has an allergy, check the information on the pack you buy rather than relying on the recipe name.

Brands to know for this choice

AUCHAN

The range includes two fruit sorbet ice lollies labelled “no added sugars”: strawberry and mango-passion fruit. They come in boxes of four 60 g lollies.

  • Auchan’s product information lists the ingredients and sugar content per lolly, so you can compare the two recipes on the same portion size.
  • However, they contain 10 g and 11 g of sugars per lolly respectively, and the product information warns of possible traces of allergens.

Magnum

Magnum France offers indulgent ice lolly recipes, including varieties with a chocolate coating.

  • The range includes chocolate-coated ice lollies if you’re looking for that style of treat.
  • The Magnum White Chocolate & Cookies product information lists sugar and glucose syrup among the ingredients, as well as 18 g of sugars per stated portion. This product isn’t suitable if you’re looking for “no added sugars”.

Carrefour

Carrefour has a range of ice lollies and frozen bars.

  • The range makes it easy to find products in an ice lolly format.
  • If you’re looking for “no added sugars”, check that the claim appears on the specific product and read its nutritional information.

E.Leclerc / Eco+

The E.Leclerc range includes Eco+ vanilla and chocolate ice lollies.

  • These products offer another type of ice lolly to consider if flavour is your priority.
  • Don’t assume they’re “no added sugars” products without checking the claim and ingredients for the one you choose.

ALDI / MUCCI

ALDI France offers MUCCI ice lollies, including pistachio varieties and products with a double coating.

  • The range may appeal if you’re looking for these flavours or a coated ice lolly.
  • If avoiding added sugars is important to you, check the exact claim and nutritional information for the product you’re considering.

Joybuy products

Products related to this topic will be available soon.

Frequently asked questions

Does “no added sugars” mean “sugar-free”?

No. As Anses explains, sugars naturally present in the ingredients may still be there. Auchan’s product information lists 10 g of sugars in the strawberry lolly and 11 g in the mango-passion fruit one, each weighing 60 g.

Which of the two Auchan ice lollies has less sugar per portion?

According to Auchan’s product information, the strawberry sorbet contains 10 g of sugars per 60 g lolly, compared with 11 g for the mango-passion fruit one. That’s a 1 g difference per portion. Check the ingredients and allergen information on the pack you buy too.

How can I transport ice lollies to a picnic?

Buy them last and carry them in an insulated bag, keeping the journey as short as possible, in line with Anses advice for frozen food. Check the storage instructions on the pack, and don’t refreeze a product once it has defrosted.

Is a Magnum White Chocolate & Cookies ice lolly suitable if I’m looking for “no added sugars”?

Not this particular product: Magnum France lists sugar and glucose syrup among the ingredients, as well as 18 g of sugars per stated portion. If you’re considering another Magnum recipe, check its claim and ingredients list separately.

Is the “no added sugars” claim regulated?

Yes. The French Directorate General for Competition, Consumer Affairs and Fraud Control points out that nutrition claims are covered by European Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006. When choosing an ice lolly, read the claim alongside the ingredients list and the sugar content per portion: it doesn’t mean “sugar-free”.