People planning to serve several portions
If you’ll still want ice lollies after 14 February, a box of twelve could be a good option. Carrefour and ALDI offer products in this size; check that you have room in the freezer for any leftovers.
Who are these pack sizes for?
Couples who want a choice of flavours
Mini ice lollies are ideal for serving smaller portions when you’re sharing a treat for two. A multipack gives you several varieties in one box, as long as there’s something to suit both of you.
People keeping an eye on allergens
If you need to avoid an ingredient, check each product rather than relying on a general description such as ‘vanilla and chocolate’. Carrefour and Magnum’s product information shows that details about milk, almonds and other nuts vary between recipes.
What should you look out for?
First decide how many portions you’ll serve between you, then consider whether you’d like leftovers or a choice of flavours. The ingredients and keeping the product frozen may rule out a product that otherwise seems like the right size.
| What to consider | What to check | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Number of portions | Compare the number of ice lollies and the net weight of each box. Make room in the freezer if you plan to keep any leftovers. | I’m planning to serve ice lollies after Valentine’s Day and would prefer a box with portions I can keep for later. Around 42% of consumers prioritise the number of portions. |
| A size for two | Check the portion size and the flavours included in any multipack. | For a one-off dessert for two, I want to serve smaller portions or let everyone choose their own flavour. This is a priority for around 33% of consumers. |
| Ingredients and storage | Read the ingredients and any ‘may contain’ information for each variety. Follow the storage instructions while travelling home and once you’re back. | Before choosing a box, I need to make sure the ingredients are suitable for everyone and that I can transport it without breaking the cold chain. Around 25% of consumers prioritise these checks. |
Things to bear in mind
-
Assuming all vanilla and chocolate recipes are the same
A similar coating or flavour doesn’t mean the ingredients or ‘may contain’ information are identical. Carrefour says its Extra vanilla, chocolate and almond ice lollies contain milk and almonds; the Magnum Classic product information mentions milk and the possible presence of several types of nuts.
Read the information for the exact product and check the packaging when it arrives, especially if someone needs to avoid an allergen.
-
Leaving ice lollies out after your shop
The DGCCRF reminds shoppers that the cold chain also needs to be maintained when transporting food. If you’re saving a box for later, make sure you can get it into the freezer promptly.
Pick up frozen food at the end of your shop, avoid unnecessary delays and follow the storage instructions on the packaging. Do not refreeze a product that has thawed.
Brands to consider for these pack sizes
Carrefour
Carrefour Classic' and Extra ranges include ice lollies in different sizes and recipes.
- Carrefour offers a box of twelve Classic' ice lollies, which is worth considering if you’d like to keep several portions for later.
- The Extra vanilla, chocolate and almond recipe contains milk and almonds and may contain traces of other nuts, so check the product you choose.
Magnum
Magnum offers ice lollies in a range of recipes, including Classic and Almond, as well as multipacks.
- A multipack can be a good choice if you’d both like to choose between several flavours.
- According to its official product information, Magnum Classic contains milk and may contain several types of nuts. Check each variety separately in an assorted box.
MUCCI
MUCCI is a brand of ice cream and frozen desserts available from ALDI.
- ALDI offers a box of twelve MUCCI mini ice lollies, a size to consider if you’re planning to serve several small portions.
- Check the flavours available at your store and the ingredients in the box you choose.
Ice lollies available on Joybuy
These products include smaller boxes, multipacks and packs of eight to twelve ice lollies. For a dessert for two, choose according to the flavours you’d like, how many portions you want to keep and the information on each pack.
Image unavailable
Maison de la Glace Water Ice Pops, 5 flavours, 12 pieces, 1 200 g
Ideal for sharing a choice of flavours or keeping a few portions for after your treat for two. The box contains twelve ice lollies with a total weight of 1 200 g; check the packaging for the ingredients in each flavour.
Image unavailable
MAGNUM Mint Chocolate, 3 ice lollies, 234 g
A box of three ice lollies for a little mint and chocolate treat. The stated total weight is 234 g; check the packaging for allergen information.
Image unavailable
CAPRI-SUN Orange & Cherry Ice Pops, 12 pieces, 444 g
Two fruity flavours in a box of twelve ice lollies, ideal if you have room to keep any leftovers. The stated total weight is 444 g; read the packaging for allergen information.
Image unavailable
MAGNUM Vanilla Almond, 8 ice lollies, 600 g
A good option for anyone who likes a vanilla and almond recipe and is planning to serve several portions. The box contains eight ice lollies weighing 600 g in total; check the ingredients and ‘may contain’ information if anyone needs to avoid nuts.
Image unavailable
Binggrae Melona Melon Ice Bar, 8 × 70 ml
Eight individually wrapped melon portions, if the flavour suits everyone and you’d like some ice lollies to keep for later. Each one is listed as 70 ml; check the packaging for the full ingredients and allergen information.
Frequently asked questions
How do you choose between two boxes with different numbers of ice lollies?
Compare the number of pieces, net weight and flavours rather than assuming every ice lolly is the same size. Carrefour offers a box of twelve Classic' ice lollies, while ALDI offers a box of twelve MUCCI mini ice lollies. The number of pieces alone doesn’t tell you how large the portions are or what the recipes contain.
Which allergens should you check in vanilla, chocolate and almond ice lollies?
Check the information about milk, almonds and other nuts on the product you’re buying. Carrefour says its Extra vanilla, chocolate and almond ice lollies contain milk and almonds and may contain traces of other nuts; the Magnum Classic product information mentions milk and the possible presence of several types of nuts.
How should you transport ice lollies after your shop?
Pick them up at the end of your shop and put them in the freezer as soon as possible, following the storage instructions on the packaging. The DGCCRF reminds shoppers that the cold chain must also be maintained during transport. Do not refreeze a product that has thawed.