Hosts serving a family lunch
If ice cream needs to go round the table, work out how many people you are serving before settling on a tub. Compare its volume with smaller tubs and check the serving guidance on the product you choose.
Who is the dessert for?
Small households serving a separate dessert
A smaller tub can accompany cake or another pudding when ice cream is not the whole dessert. Check the volume if several guests will want a scoop, particularly when choosing a flavour for its brownie pieces or chocolate shell.
Hosts catering for dietary needs
Choose for each guest’s stated requirements, not just a “non-dairy” description. Ben & Jerry’s lists oats, wheat, barley and soya in its Chocolate Fudge Brownie Non-Dairy Oat recipe, so check the exact current pack before serving.
What should you check before choosing?
Decide what role ice cream will play in the meal, then check tub size, the precise flavour and each guest’s dietary requirements before planning storage and collection.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Amount to serve | Compare the tub’s volume with the number of guests. Check serving guidance on the selected product and whether there will be another dessert. | I’m serving ice cream to the whole table, rather than offering just a scoop alongside pudding. |
| Flavour and texture | Check whether the exact flavour is plain, contains pieces or sauce, or has a chocolate shell. Ben & Jerry’s Chocolate Fudge Brownie contains brownie pieces, according to Sainsbury’s; Magnum describes a chocolate shell on its tubs. | For this meal, a particular flavour matters more to me than having one tub that pairs with several puddings. |
| Dietary suitability | Read the current ingredients and allergen statement for the precise tub. A vegan or non-dairy label does not establish suitability for every allergy or gluten-related requirement. | One guest needs a separately checked option; I cannot assume that everyone can share the same tub. |
| Storage and shopping | Check the pack’s frozen-storage instruction and make room in the freezer. GOV.UK states that shops over 280 square metres in England and Wales must close on Easter Sunday; check the hours of any smaller shop you intend to use. | I need the dessert ready for Sunday lunch and cannot rely on a last-minute trip to a large supermarket in England or Wales. |
What can catch you out?
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Assuming one small tub will serve everyone
A 420ml–480ml tub has a different role from a 1.8L–2L tub when ice cream is being served across a lunch table.
Check the number of guests, the selected tub’s volume and whether ice cream is the main dessert or an accompaniment.
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Treating non-dairy as allergen-free
Ben & Jerry’s lists oats, wheat, barley and soya in its Chocolate Fudge Brownie Non-Dairy Oat recipe. Other recipes can have different ingredients.
Ask guests about their specific requirements and read the ingredients and allergen statement on the exact pack you will serve.
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Leaving the shopping until Easter Sunday
GOV.UK states that shops over 280 square metres in England and Wales must close on Easter Sunday, so a usual supermarket trip may not be possible.
Arrange the purchase beforehand, check that the tubs will fit in the freezer and confirm any smaller shop’s opening hours if you plan to use one.
Which brands offer relevant options?
These brand and retailer ranges illustrate different tub formats and dessert styles; check the individual product rather than applying one recipe’s details to a whole range.
Sainsbury’s
An own-label reference for hosts considering a larger shared tub: Sainsbury’s lists Vanilla Flavour Soft Scoop in a 2L format.
- The 2L format is worth considering when ice cream will be served to several guests.
- Check the exact flavour and pack details rather than assuming that all own-label tubs have the same recipe.
Tesco
Its Finest range includes smaller flavoured tubs, such as Cornish Sea Salted Caramel Ice Cream 480ml.
- A defined flavour in a smaller format can suit ice cream served alongside another dessert.
- Check the volume before choosing one tub for a larger group.
Häagen-Dazs
Tesco Groceries lists a 460ml Vanilla tub, making the brand a reference for a smaller branded serving option.
- A smaller tub may fit a meal where ice cream accompanies another pudding.
- Ingredients vary by flavour: the Joybuy Tiramisu listing declares egg, milk and wheat. Check the exact pack.
Ben & Jerry’s
Chocolate Fudge Brownie is a 465ml tub with brownie pieces, according to Sainsbury’s. The brand also describes its Non-Dairy range as certified vegan.
- Brownie pieces offer a distinct texture when ice cream is part of the dessert itself.
- The Non-Dairy Chocolate Fudge Brownie Oat recipe lists oats, wheat, barley and soya; vegan status does not answer every allergen question.
Magnum
Magnum describes its ice cream tubs as having a cracking chocolate shell; Double Salted Caramel comes in a 440ml format.
- The shell provides a different serving texture from a plain scoop.
- Magnum’s Double Salted Caramel page specifies frozen storage at -18°C and warns of possible wheat, barley, oat and nut presence. Check the current pack.
M&S
Marks & Spencer lists both Collection and Plant Kitchen options in its ice cream tub range.
- Plant Kitchen gives guests seeking a vegan-labelled option a specific range to inspect.
- Confirm the chosen tub’s ingredients, volume and local availability before planning to serve it.
Ice cream tubs on Joybuy
These tubs include 900ml–1L options for sharing and a 465ml brownie-flavoured option that may suit a smaller serving alongside another dessert. Match the volume to your guest list and check the exact pack before serving.
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Kulfi Ice Original Malai Tub 1L
The 1L tub is an option to consider for sharing, though it holds less than the 1.8L–2L formats discussed for a larger table. Check the serving guidance and ingredients on the pack.
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Windy Bank Triple Chocolate Gelato Ice Cream 900ml
A 900ml chocolate-flavoured tub to consider when flavour is central to the dessert. Check whether that volume covers your guests and read the current allergen statement.
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Windy Bank Strawberries & Cream Tub 900ml
This 900ml strawberry-flavoured option could accompany another Easter dessert. Check the amount you intend to serve and the exact pack’s ingredients.
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Carte D’Or Indulgent Chocolate Ice Cream Dessert 900ml
The 900ml chocolate dessert tub offers another flavour choice for a shared meal. Check its serving guidance if it will be the only dessert, along with the pack’s allergen statement.
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Ben & Jerry’s Chocolate Fudge Brownie Ice Cream 465ml
Sainsbury’s describes this 465ml flavour as chocolate ice cream with brownie pieces. Consider the smaller tub alongside another dessert, and check the current pack for ingredients and allergens.
Easter lunch questions
Should I buy ice cream before Easter Sunday?
Buy ahead if you would otherwise rely on a large supermarket in England or Wales: GOV.UK states that shops over 280 square metres there must close on Easter Sunday. Check individual opening hours or delivery arrangements if you plan another way to shop.
How much ice cream should I get for lunch?
Start with the number of guests, the selected tub’s volume and its serving guidance. A 1.8L–2L tub provides more to share than a 420ml–480ml tub, which is easier to plan as an accompaniment or for a smaller party; the amount needed still depends on the rest of the dessert.
Is vegan or non-dairy ice cream suitable for every guest with an allergy?
No. Ben & Jerry’s describes its Non-Dairy range as certified vegan, but its Chocolate Fudge Brownie Non-Dairy Oat recipe lists oats, wheat, barley and soya. Check each guest’s requirements against the exact current pack rather than relying on a range label.
How should I store a tub before serving?
Follow the selected pack’s frozen-storage instructions. Magnum specifies -18°C for its Double Salted Caramel tub, while the Joybuy Häagen-Dazs Tiramisu listing says to keep it frozen below -18°C and not refreeze it once thawed; check the instructions for the product you actually buy.