Who is this choice for?

Families with suitable storage available

You’re considering an individual portion for lunch. First, check with the school how the ice lolly will be kept at the temperature stated on the packaging during the journey and until lunchtime.

Families managing allergies

For a pupil with allergies or an individualised support plan (PAI), the exact recipe and the relevant instructions matter more than the flavour on the label. Anses reminds consumers that substances which can cause allergies or intolerances must be clearly indicated in the ingredients list.

Shoppers looking for a smaller portion

If you want an individual mini ice lolly, compare the volume or weight per lolly as well as the number of lollies in the box. A smaller size doesn’t change the storage requirements or the need to check the allergens.

What should you look for?

First, check the storage arrangements with the school, then review the allergens before comparing sizes and recipes. Auchan’s product listings for Häagen-Dazs and Auchan pistachio ice lollies state that they should be stored at –18 °C and warn against refreezing once thawed.

Criteria What to check Who it matters to
Keeping it cold until lunchtime Check what arrangements the school allows and make sure the temperature stated on the packaging can be maintained. If I can’t guarantee that the ice lolly will stay cold until lunchtime, I’d rather choose another dessert. Around 36% of shoppers might consider this their main concern.
Allergens and PAI Check the ingredients, highlighted allergens and any precautionary allergen statements on the box you buy; follow the PAI, if applicable. If a pupil has allergies, I need to know whether the recipe and the school’s guidance make this a suitable choice. This compatibility could be the top priority for around 29% of shoppers.
Recipe and portion size Compare the ingredients, the volume or weight per lolly and the number of lollies in the box. I’m looking for a flavour and lolly size that suit this lunch, without assuming that a mini size contains fewer allergens. Around 21% of shoppers might put this first.
Box size Check how many lollies there are and whether any leftovers can be stored according to the packaging instructions. If there are lollies left after lunch, I want to be able to store them as directed. Pack size could be the main consideration for around 14% of shoppers.

Mistakes to avoid

  • Treating an ice lolly like an ordinary lunchbox dessert

    The DGCCRF warns that rising temperatures can make food less safe. A frozen lolly isn’t suitable for the journey just because it’s individually wrapped.

    Before buying one for school, confirm that there’s an approved way to keep it at the temperature stated on the product until lunchtime. If that isn’t possible, choose a non-frozen dessert.

  • Relying on the flavour name to identify allergens

    The chocolate recipes reviewed aren’t limited to vanilla and chocolate: Carrefour Extra’s product listing for its mini lollies includes milk, almonds and soya, as well as possible traces of other allergens.

    Read the label on the exact product you’re buying, including any precautionary allergen statements. If the pupil has a PAI, follow its guidance and the school’s instructions.

  • Choosing a box without checking portion sizes

    Sizes vary: Magnum lists its Mini Classic as 6 × 55 ml, while Auchan’s product listing for the Häagen-Dazs lolly gives 3 × 80 ml. So the number of lollies alone doesn’t tell you the portion size.

    Check the size of each lolly and store any leftovers according to the product instructions.

Ice lolly brands to know

These products show some of the recipes and sizes available to compare; their inclusion here doesn’t guarantee they’ll be available at a particular shop. For a secondary school lunchbox, storage and allergens remain key, whatever the brand.

Magnum

Magnum describes its Mini Classic as a vanilla ice lolly coated in milk chocolate, sold in a box of 6 × 55 ml.

  • The volume per lolly makes it easy to identify this mini size.
  • Check the ingredients and storage instructions on the box you choose before packing it for school.

Carrefour Extra

The range includes vanilla, chocolate and almond lollies, including a box of 6 mini lollies weighing 237 g.

  • The number of lollies and the box weight give you a good idea of the size.
  • The mini recipe reviewed contains milk, almonds and soya. It also mentions possible traces of cereals containing gluten, peanuts, eggs and other nuts.

Auchan

Auchan’s product listing describes pistachio ice lollies in a box of 4, weighing 280 g, with pistachio paste and pieces.

  • The listed ingredients help you tell this recipe apart from one that only gives a flavour name.
  • This product contains milk and pistachio. Its listing says to store it at –18 °C and not to refreeze it once thawed.

Häagen-Dazs

One product listed by Auchan combines vanilla ice cream, chocolate sauce, Belgian milk chocolate and roasted almonds in a box of 3 × 80 ml.

  • The detailed recipe and volume per lolly make it easier to compare with a mini lolly.
  • The recipe reviewed includes milk, cream, butter, almonds and soya, among other ingredients. The listing says to store it at –18 °C and not to refreeze it once thawed.

MUCCI (ALDI)

MUCCI features in ALDI’s French frozen dessert range, including pistachio lollies.

  • The pistachio option gives you another recipe to consider, depending on the flavour you’re looking for.
  • Check the product available locally, its ingredients and storage instructions rather than assuming that one box’s characteristics apply to the whole range.

Joybuy products

Related products will be available soon.

Frequently asked questions

Can you put a premium ice lolly in a secondary school pupil’s lunchbox?

Yes, but only if the school allows the arrangements and the ice lolly stays at the temperature stated on its packaging until lunchtime. The Auchan listings reviewed for ice lollies state –18 °C and warn against refreezing once thawed. If you can’t store it properly, choose a non-frozen dessert.

Which allergens should you check on ice lollies?

Check the exact product packaging rather than guessing from the flavour: the products reviewed include milk and, depending on the recipe, almonds, pistachio or soya. Some also carry precautionary allergen statements. Anses reminds consumers that substances which can cause allergies or intolerances must be clearly indicated in the ingredients list.

What should you do if a secondary school pupil has a PAI for a food allergy?

Follow the individualised support plan and the school’s instructions before choosing an ice lolly. The French Ministry of National Education states that a PAI can set out the adjustments needed to support a pupil with health needs. The flavour name or mini size alone isn’t enough to tell you whether a recipe is suitable.