For a wedding buffet with other desserts, mini ice lollies or assorted boxes let you offer smaller portions and a choice of flavours. A standard ice lolly is a better fit if it’s the main dessert. Either way, only choose this option if you can keep the products frozen until they’re served. Then check the number of lollies and the allergens listed for each product.
If guests will be helping themselves, count how many lollies you’ll need and decide where to keep the boxes frozen between refills. The pack sizes shown by Auchan, Magnum and ALDI give you a starting point for your calculations.
If ice lollies are being served alongside other desserts, a selection of mini ice lollies lets you offer several flavours without committing to standard-sized lollies. Magnum and Auchan both offer mini ice lolly assortments.
If any guests have mentioned allergies, check each product before putting together the buffet and keep its packaging accessible during service. Ingredients and ‘may contain’ warnings vary from one product to another.
First, make sure you can keep the ice lollies frozen until they’re served. Then choose the portion size and check the labels and how many lollies you’ll need.
| What to consider | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Keeping them frozen | Check that there’s a freezer at the venue, arrange insulated transport and serve the lollies in small batches. ANSES recommends maintaining the cold chain. | If the buffet runs for a while and guests help themselves at their own pace, I need to keep the other boxes frozen; around 40% of consumers would put these cold-storage arrangements first. |
| Portion size and flavours | Decide whether the ice lollies will accompany other desserts or be the main dessert, then compare the box sizes and flavours. | After a meal that already includes desserts, I’d prefer to offer a smaller ice lolly with a choice of flavours; around 30% of consumers would prioritise portion size and variety. |
| Allergens | Read the ingredients and any ‘may contain’ warnings on the packaging for each product, including those in an assortment. | If guests have mentioned allergies, I want to be able to identify exactly which ice lollies are being served; around 20% of consumers would make this their main consideration. |
| Number of lollies | Work out how many portions you’ll have from the number of ice lollies in each box, rather than its total weight, and keep spare boxes frozen. | To prepare enough portions without buying too many boxes, I’d start by counting the lollies; around 10% of consumers would use this as their first calculation. |
A large box won’t necessarily provide enough portions for your guests: Magnum offers boxes of 6 mini ice lollies, while Auchan and ALDI offer packs of 8 and 12 respectively.
Work out how many portions you’ll need from the number of lollies listed on each box, then keep any spare boxes frozen.
Products listed by Auchan and Carrefour include ingredients such as milk, almonds or soya, depending on the product. Some also carry a warning that they may contain traces of other nuts.
Check the label on the product you buy and make the information available to guests. Don’t describe an ice lolly as suitable for someone with an allergy unless the packaging confirms it.
Leaving frozen products out for too long can compromise their storage temperature. ANSES recommends keeping the cold chain intact.
Check what storage is available at the venue, use an insulated container for transport and only take out a small batch at a time.
Magnum offers 55 ml mini ice lollies, including a box of 6 Mini Classic, Almond and White Chocolate lollies.
Carrefour offers vanilla, chocolate and almond ice lollies under this brand.
Auchan offers an assortment of 8 mini ice lollies, with a stated total weight of 258 g.
ALDI offers a box of 12 MUCCI mini ice lollies in a variety of flavours and coatings.
E.Leclerc lists a box of 12 SMICY chocolate ice lollies, with a stated weight of 456 g.
No. Serve them in small batches and keep the remaining boxes frozen. ANSES recommends maintaining the cold chain, so check before you buy whether the venue has suitable transport and storage options.
Mini ice lollies work well alongside other desserts, while standard-sized ones are a better choice for a main frozen dessert. For a direct comparison of sizes, Magnum offers 55 ml Mini Classic lollies and 100 ml vanilla, chocolate and almond lollies.
Keep the packaging for the products you’re actually serving accessible, so guests can check the ingredients and any ‘may contain’ warnings. The DGCCRF states that allergenic ingredients must be highlighted on the labels of prepacked foods. Check each recipe rather than relying on the name of the assortment.
Check the product and number of lollies with the store where you plan to buy them before deciding how many you need for the buffet. The pack sizes shown by retailers can help you plan, but the pack you actually choose will determine how many portions it provides.