Families sharing dessert
If several people will have dessert after a TV dinner, or the tub will be used again, a 1.8–2 litre format offers more volume than the smaller tubs in the Tesco and Waitrose listings. Check that it will fit in the freezer.
Who is each tub size for?
Couples sharing a smaller tub
A smaller tub leaves less of one flavour to store after a two-person dinner. M&S describes its ice-cream pints as suitable for two to share.
Households checking dietary suitability
Size and flavour cannot establish whether a dessert suits everyone sharing it. Read the ingredients, allergen declaration and any precautionary allergen statement on the exact pack.
What should you check before choosing?
Choose a volume for the people eating and any planned leftovers, then check the particular flavour and its storage instructions.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Pack volume | Check the stated volume: retailer listings include 1.8–2 litre large tubs, tubs around 900ml and smaller 420–650ml formats. Consider whether you expect to serve the tub again. | There are several of us sharing, so I want enough for this sitting. If it is just two of us, I may prefer a smaller tub of a flavour we both want. |
| Ingredients and allergens | Read the exact flavour’s ingredients, declared allergens and any ‘may contain’ statement. The Food Standards Agency explains that precautionary allergen labelling signals possible unintended allergen presence. | Everyone sharing needs a dessert that fits their dietary requirements; I cannot decide that from the flavour name or tub size. |
| Freezer space | Check the container size against available freezer space and follow its stated storage and post-opening directions. | I want to be able to put the tub away promptly after serving, particularly if we will keep the rest for another occasion. |
Common mistakes when choosing a tub
-
Assuming every tub will serve a family
A 420–500ml tub and a 1.8–2 litre tub represent different amounts of dessert. A small tub may not cover a larger group, while a large one leaves more to store after a dinner for two.
Decide how many people will share it and whether you plan to serve it again before choosing a flavour and format.
-
Judging suitability by the flavour name
Allergen declarations can differ between products and flavours. The Food Standards Agency explains that a precautionary statement can indicate possible unintended allergen presence.
Check the current pack’s ingredients, declared allergens and any ‘may contain’ statement, rather than relying on a tub bought previously.
-
Overlooking directions after serving
The Joybuy listing for Mackie’s dairy ice cream says to keep it frozen and not refreeze it after thawing. Directions should be checked for the particular dessert you buy.
Make freezer room before bringing a large tub home, return it after serving and follow its own storage and refreezing instructions.
Brand and retailer references
These ranges illustrate different tub formats; check the particular product rather than assuming every flavour comes in the same size.
Tesco
Tesco Groceries lists own-label tubs in both 2-litre and 900ml formats, providing different volumes for a shared dessert.
- The listed 2-litre soft-scoop format is a large-volume option.
- Check the individual flavour’s ingredients and the space its tub will take in your freezer.
Waitrose
Waitrose & Partners lists an Essential Vanilla Soft Scoop 2-litre tub alongside smaller sharing formats.
- The listed 2-litre tub offers a large-format choice for a group or repeat servings.
- A large vanilla tub commits more freezer space to one flavour than a smaller format.
M&S
M&S describes its ice-cream pints as suitable for two to share, making them a reference for a smaller TV-dinner dessert.
- The two-person positioning helps distinguish a pint from a large family tub.
- Check the stated volume if more than two people will share the dessert.
Häagen-Dazs
Waitrose & Partners lists a Häagen-Dazs vanilla tub in a 650ml format, a smaller-volume alternative to a 2-litre tub.
- The listed 650ml format offers a distinct size to consider for a smaller group.
- Check whether that volume covers everyone sharing and read the exact flavour’s allergen information.
Joybuy tubs for smaller shared desserts
These Joybuy options include tubs around 900ml to 1L and smaller 470–473ml desserts. Match the volume to your group; a smaller tub is not a substitute for a 1.8–2 litre family format when you need that amount.
No image available
Carte D’Or Indulgent Chocolate Ice Cream Dessert 900ml
The 900ml chocolate tub is a middle-size option for sharing rather than a 1.8–2 litre family format. Its listed details include milk; check the current pack for its full allergen and storage directions.
No image available
Windy Bank Triple Chocolate Gelato Ice Cream 900ml
The titled 900ml chocolate gelato would suit a smaller shared dessert if that is the variant offered. The description also mentions 5-litre Napoli pans, so confirm the selected pack size; check its milk, soya and precautionary allergen information on the current pack.
No image available
Kulfi Ice Original Malai Tub 1L
At 1L, this malai kulfi sits between the smaller tubs and the 1.8–2 litre large formats. Its listed flavour ingredients include cardamom and saffron, and its details identify milk; check whether the volume and current allergen declaration suit your group.
No image available
XO ICE Mango and Coconut Plant-Based Gelato 473ml
This 473ml mango and coconut tub is a smaller shared-dessert format, not a large family tub. The listing describes it as plant-based and identifies coconut; check the current ingredients and precautionary allergen statement before sharing.
No image available
Nutella Ice Cream Tub 470ml
The 470ml tub is a smaller option for sharing after dinner. Its listed details identify hazelnuts, milk and soya; read the current pack for the complete allergen declaration and check whether the volume covers everyone.
Frequently asked questions
What size tub should I consider for a family TV dinner?
Start with the number of people sharing and whether you want dessert left for another occasion. Tesco Groceries and Waitrose & Partners list 1.8–2 litre tubs as large-format options; around 900ml is a middle-size choice, while 420–650ml tubs hold less. Check the stated volume rather than relying on a ‘family’ description.
Is a smaller tub enough for two people?
It may be, depending on how much dessert you intend to serve. M&S describes its ice-cream pints as suitable for two to share, but check the volume of the particular tub and whether you want any left over.
How do I check whether a frozen dessert suits someone with an allergy?
Read the ingredients, declared allergens and any precautionary allergen statement for the exact current product and flavour. The Food Standards Agency explains that precautionary allergen labelling communicates possible unintended presence of a regulated allergen; a flavour name alone cannot establish suitability.
Can I refreeze a tub after it has thawed?
Follow that tub’s instructions rather than assuming it can be refrozen. The Joybuy listing for Mackie’s dairy ice cream says not to refreeze after thawing, and Food Standards Agency research identifies thawing followed by warmer storage as a food-spoilage concern for frozen foods generally.