A little treat to enjoy on your own
If portion size is your main priority, look at mini sticks. For example, Magnum lists its Mini Classic x6 as 55 ml per piece, although the box contains six pieces.
Who are these formats for?
When you fancy chocolate and toppings
If you’re after a coating, a sauce or a mix of textures, check the exact recipe. Magnum’s Double Chocolate x4, for example, features two coatings and a chocolate sauce.
If you need to pay close attention to ingredients
If there are ingredients you need to avoid, check the label for the exact product rather than relying on its flavour. The ingredients list and nutritional information can also help you compare two recipes.
What should you compare?
When choosing one ice cream to enjoy, distinguish the amount in each piece from the number of pieces you’ll buy, then check the recipe and any other information that matters to you.
| Factor | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Portion size | The weight or volume per piece and the number of pieces in the box; Magnum lists Mini Classic x6 as 55 ml per piece. | I want a small ice cream without mistaking a single portion for a single-item purchase; around 40% of consumers are said to prioritise portion size. |
| Chocolate recipe | The flavour, type of coating and whether the product you choose includes a sauce. | For an indulgent treat, I’d choose the recipe over a mini format; around 30% of consumers are said to put a chocolate craving first. |
| Ingredients and allergens | The ingredients list, highlighted allergens and nutritional values per 100 g or 100 ml. | I need to check the ingredients before sharing or eating the ice cream; this is said to be the main concern for around 20% of consumers. |
| Local availability | Whether the product is available at your chosen shop or for your preferred collection or delivery option. | I want to be able to get the recipe I’ve chosen for Valentine’s Day; around 10% of consumers are said to prioritise local availability above all else. |
Common mix-ups to avoid
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Assuming “single bar” means it’s sold individually
A stick is designed to be enjoyed on its own, but the products listed by Magnum, Carrefour and Aldi are often sold in boxes containing several pieces. You’ll need to store the rest once the box is open.
Check the number of pieces and the storage instructions before choosing a format.
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Judging allergens by flavour
Two chocolate recipes can have different ingredients. The DGCCRF says allergenic ingredients must be clearly highlighted on the label.
If an allergen is a concern for you, read the ingredients list for the exact product before eating it.
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Assuming the range shown will be available on 14 February
The selection can vary by shop, area and time of year. Spotting a recipe in advance doesn’t reserve that particular product.
Check that it’s available, and confirm your collection or delivery option, before planning your purchase.
Brands and retailers to know
Magnum
Chocolate-coated sticks in mini and standard sizes, as well as recipes with a double coating.
- Magnum lists six 55 ml pieces for Mini Classic and four 85 ml pieces for Double Chocolate.
- Mini refers to the size of the stick, not an individually sold product.
Carrefour
The retailer offers ice cream sticks and bars under its Classic’, Sensation and Extra brands, among others.
- The range makes it easy to compare different recipes and the number of pieces per box.
- Check which product is available at your chosen shop or through your selected service.
Auchan
Its range is divided into ice cream sticks, mini sticks and bars, with Auchan products alongside other brands.
- These categories make it easier to search by format before choosing a flavour.
- The range depends on the shop and how you place your order.
Aldi / Mucci
Aldi sells mini sticks and double-coated sticks under its Mucci brand.
- The range includes boxes of twelve mini sticks and four double-coated sticks.
- Check the recipe and availability at your local shop.
E.Leclerc / Trium
Marque Repère’s Trium range includes frozen desserts on sticks.
- E.Leclerc offers, among other products, a box of four vanilla sticks coated in milk chocolate and almonds.
- Check that the product is available at your chosen shop.
Ice cream sticks and bars on Joybuy
These products come in individually portioned pieces to enjoy one at a time, but they’re all sold in multipacks. The weight or volume per piece is only listed for some products, so check this if portion size is a deciding factor for you.
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ERHARD Angel Hair Iced Fingers x2, 110 g
If you’d like to enjoy one and save the other for later, this pack contains two frozen desserts, weighing 110 g in total.
If the ingredients matter to you, check the ingredients list and allergen information on the exact product packaging.
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Magnum White Chocolate Almond, 4 x 100 ml
If you want to know the volume of each stick, this box contains four 100 ml portions.
This product combines white chocolate and almonds. Check the label if allergens are an important factor in your choice.
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Magnum Double Red Fruits x4, 284 g
If you fancy a fruit-flavoured recipe in individually portioned pieces, this box contains four sticks and weighs 284 g in total.
Check the weight per stick if you want to compare portion sizes accurately.
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PAW Patrol Vanilla Ice Cream Sticks with Cocoa Sauce x6, 270 g
If you’d like to serve the ice creams individually, this pack contains six sticks and weighs 270 g in total.
The name mentions cocoa sauce but doesn’t say where it sits in the stick. Check the recipe and portion size per piece before choosing.
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Snickers Chocolate Caramel and Peanut Ice Cream Bars x5, 204 g
If you’d rather have an ice cream bar than a stick, this pack contains five bars and weighs 204 g in total.
The recipe includes chocolate, caramel and peanuts. Check the allergens on the packaging and the weight per bar if you’re comparing portions.
Frequently asked questions
Does “single bar” mean an ice lolly is sold individually?
Not necessarily. The phrase can refer to a portion intended to be enjoyed on its own, even when several sticks are sold in the same box. Check how many pieces are listed for the product you’re interested in.
How can I compare the nutritional information for two formats?
Read the nutritional values per 100 g or 100 ml to compare the recipes on the same basis, then check the amount per piece to see what you’re getting in one stick. The DGCCRF says nutritional information is given per 100 g or 100 ml.
What should I check before sharing an ice cream with someone who has an allergy?
Before serving it, check the ingredients list on the packaging for the exact product. The DGCCRF says allergenic ingredients must be clearly highlighted. The flavour or range name is no substitute for checking the label.
Can I choose my Valentine’s Day ice cream in advance?
Yes. You can decide on the format and recipe in advance, then check availability at your shop or in your delivery area when you’re ready to buy. A range shown earlier doesn’t guarantee that a particular product will be available on 14 February.