Who is this choice for?

Anyone looking for a genuinely sugar-free option

If this claim is essential for you, compare the claim on the pack with the “of which sugars” line in the nutrition information. “No added sugars” does not mean the same thing.

Travellers looking for a fruit ice lolly

If you’re happy with sugars naturally present in fruit but want a recipe with no added sugars, check the sugar content of the product and plan how you’ll keep it cold during your journey.

Travellers who need to check for allergens

A claim about sugars tells you nothing about allergens. Read the ingredients and any “may contain” warnings on the packaging of the ice lolly you choose.

What should you check?

Before choosing an ice lolly to take on the train, decide whether you need it to be “sugar-free” or simply have “no added sugars”. Then check that you can keep it cold and that you’re happy with its ingredients.

What to check Check this Who is it for?
“Sugar-free” claim In the European Union, Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006 sets a limit of 0.5 g of sugars per 100 g or 100 ml for this claim. Compare it with the “of which sugars” line, and don’t treat it as the same as “no added sugars”. If I’m looking strictly for a “sugar-free” ice lolly, its actual sugar content matters more than a claim that no sugars have been added. Around 46% of consumers would prioritise this distinction.
Keeping it cold during the journey Read the storage instructions and consider how long it will be between buying it and eating it. Anses recommends buying frozen food last, using an insulated bag and keeping transport time to a minimum. For a treat on the train, I want to be able to eat the ice lolly before time out of the freezer affects its storage. Around 36% of consumers would prioritise this.
Allergens and portion size Check the ingredients, any “may contain” warnings and the amount per ice lolly on the exact product you’re buying. If there are ingredients I need to avoid, I want to be able to check whether they’re included and know how much I’m taking with me. Around 18% of consumers would put this need first.

Mistakes to avoid

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

    Sugars naturally present in fruit are still included in the nutrition information. Auchan lists 19 g of sugars per 100 g for its mango and passion fruit ice lolly with no added sugars, and 17 g for its strawberry one.

    If you need a “sugar-free” product, look for this claim and check the “of which sugars” line per 100 g or 100 ml.

  • Buying ice lollies too long before you set off

    Both of Auchan’s fruit ice lollies should be stored at −18 °C and must not be refrozen after thawing.

    Buy frozen food last, use an insulated bag as Anses advises, and keep the time before eating it to a minimum. An insulated bag is no substitute for a freezer on a long journey.

  • Checking only the sugar claim

    A “sugar-free” claim tells you nothing about allergens. For example, the ingredients for Magnum Almond include milk and almonds, and the product may contain traces of other nuts.

    Check the ingredients and any “may contain” warnings for the specific product, even if you already know the brand.

Brands and retailers to consider

Auchan

The retailer offers “no added sugars” ice lollies made from 100% fruit, including mango and passion fruit and strawberry, in boxes of four 240 g lollies.

  • Auchan’s product pages provide nutrition information per 100 g and per 60 g ice lolly, as well as storage instructions.
  • Auchan lists 19 g of sugars per 100 g for the mango and passion fruit flavour and 17 g for the strawberry flavour. These products don’t meet the EU “sugar-free” criteria.

Magnum

Magnum Almond combines vanilla ice cream with a milk chocolate and almond coating.

  • The ingredients list lets you identify what to check before buying.
  • The Magnum Almond product page lists sugar, milk and almonds, and warns that it may contain traces of other nuts. It isn’t a “sugar-free” product.

Carrefour

Carrefour’s search results for ice lollies include a “No added sugars” filter.

  • This filter can help you find products to check if no added sugars is what you’re looking for.
  • If you need a “sugar-free” product, check the claim and nutrition information for each item rather than relying on the filter.

ALDI

ALDI France’s range includes ice cream and frozen desserts, including ice lollies.

  • The category lets you find products whose labels you can then check.
  • The fact that an ice lolly is included in this range doesn’t mean it carries a “sugar-free” claim.

Ice lollies on Joybuy

Related products will be available soon.

Frequently asked questions

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

No. In the European Union, Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006 limits the “sugar-free” claim to products containing no more than 0.5 g of sugars per 100 g or 100 ml. Auchan’s mango and passion fruit and strawberry ice lollies are labelled “no added sugars”, but contain 19 g and 17 g of sugars per 100 g respectively.

Can you take an ice lolly on the train?

Yes, as long as you can keep it cold until you’re ready to eat it. Anses advises buying frozen food last, using an insulated bag and keeping transport time to a minimum. Be sure to check the storage instructions for the product too.

Does a sweetener automatically make an ice lolly a better choice?

No. In its 2015 opinion on intense sweeteners, Anses found no nutritional benefit from their use in food. Read the full ingredients list and nutrition information rather than judging a product’s quality by the presence of a sweetener alone.

Which allergens should you check in an ice lolly?

Check the ingredients and any “may contain” warnings for the product you’re buying. Magnum Almond, for example, contains milk and almonds and may contain traces of other nuts. The ingredients in another ice lolly may be different.