For a coffee break during a meeting, start by choosing according to what matters most to you: ‘no sugars’ and ‘no added sugars’ do not mean the same thing, as the Anses points out. Then check the ‘sugars’ line in the nutrition information, the ingredients and the allergens. A mini portion may make serving easier, but it does not necessarily meet a request to reduce sugars.
You want to tell the difference between an ice cream labelled ‘no sugars’ and a recipe with ‘no added sugars’. The exact wording and the ‘sugars’ line in the nutrition information matter more than the phrase ‘sugar free’ alone.
You’re looking for portions that are easy to hand out, while checking the ingredients, allergens and attendees’ needs separately.
You’re considering a product with no added sugars that contains sweeteners. The ingredients list and nutrition information will help you decide whether it meets your criteria.
When choosing ice cream to serve at a meeting, first decide which claim you’re looking for, then check the recipe and serving format. A small portion is no substitute for checking the sugar content.
| Criteria | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Sugar-related claim | Compare the exact wording on the packaging with the ‘sugars’ line per 100 g and per portion. The Anses points out that ‘no added sugars’ does not mean ‘no sugars’. | I want to avoid confusing two claims that do not meet the same needs. Around 42% of consumers would put this distinction first. |
| Ingredients | Read the ingredients list to spot sweeteners, and check the allergens in the product you choose. | If I’m offering the group a sweetened recipe, I want to know what it contains before serving it; ingredients would be the top priority for around 33% of consumers. |
| Serving at a meeting | Check the number of portions, the weight per unit and the storage instructions. Don’t assume the format tells you how much sugar it contains. | I need to hand out the ice creams easily during the break without presenting a mini portion as a no-sugars option. Around 25% of consumers would put this serving-related need first. |
According to the Anses, a recipe with no added sugars may still contain sugars that occur naturally in its ingredients.
Decide which claim you need, then check the wording on the packaging and the ‘sugars’ line in the nutrition information.
The presence of sweeteners tells you about the product’s ingredients; it is not enough to establish a health effect or whether it is suitable for a medical condition.
Describe the product using its exact claim and ingredients, without turning ‘no added sugars’ into a health promise.
The CARREFOUR EXTRA mini ice lolly selection described by Carrefour contains sugar, despite each lolly weighing just 32 g.
Choose the format to make serving easier. If the sugar claim matters, check it separately for each product.
Carrefour says its EXTRA mini ice lolly selection contains milk, soya and almonds, and may contain traces of eggs and other tree nuts.
Make sure attendees can access the information on the packaging, and check the allergens for each product you serve.
Auchan describes a 315 g plant-based strawberry sorbet as having ‘no added sugar’: it’s a sorbet, not an individual ice lolly.
The pack of eight mini ice lollies, each weighing 32 g, is designed for individual portions.
Magnum France offers ice lollies with a chocolate coating.
No. The Anses points out that a product with no added sugars may contain sugars that occur naturally in its ingredients. Check the ‘sugars’ line in the nutrition information too.
No. The claim ‘no added sugar’ and the presence of sweeteners are not enough to determine whether a product is suitable for a medical condition. Check the nutrition information for the portion in question and ask the healthcare professional responsible for the person’s care for advice.
Not on the basis of its size alone. The CARREFOUR EXTRA mini ice lolly selection contains 32 g portions, but Carrefour says it contains sugar. Check the recipe’s claim rather than the size of the lolly.
Follow the product’s storage instructions until it’s time to serve. Auchan’s product information for MES PETITES FOLIES sorbet says to store it in the freezer at −18 °C; check the packaging for any other product.