For a small Mother’s Day dessert, a 427–465ml tub gives you a flavour-led option; when several people are coming, compare larger tubs from 900ml upwards by their stated volume. If a guest needs a non-dairy option, check the ingredients and allergen information for the exact flavour rather than relying on the range name.
If only a few people will have ice cream, a smaller tub lets you choose a particular flavour or mix-ins without making volume the main consideration. Tesco Groceries lists Ben & Jerry’s tubs at 427ml and 465ml, while Magnum lists a 440ml Double Salted Caramel tub.
Start by comparing the stated tub volumes with the number of people you plan to serve and any other desserts on the table. Sainsbury’s lists 900ml and 2L own-brand tubs alongside smaller options.
Ask guests what they need to avoid before choosing a flavour. Non-dairy options appear in the Tesco Groceries and M&S ranges, but suitability depends on the ingredients and allergen statements of the exact product.
Decide how much ice cream you need, then narrow the choice by flavour and each guest’s dietary requirements. Leave room in the freezer for the tubs you select.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Tub volume | Read the stated ml or L. Compare smaller 427–465ml tubs with 900ml, 950ml or 2L formats, allowing for other desserts and the portions you intend to serve. | I’m serving several people and would rather choose the quantity deliberately than judge it by the tub’s appearance. |
| Flavour | Check the exact flavour and inclusions. Sainsbury’s describes Ben & Jerry’s Chocolate Fudge Brownie as chocolate ice cream with brownie pieces; Magnum describes chocolate shell, shards and salted-caramel sauce in its 440ml tub. | The guest of honour has a flavour preference, so I want that to shape the dessert choice as well as the size. |
| Ingredients and allergens | Read the ingredients and precautionary allergen statements on the exact pack. A plant-based or non-dairy description does not establish suitability for every allergy. | Someone at the table has a dietary requirement, and I need to check the specific product before serving it. |
| Storage and availability | Check that you have freezer space and follow the chosen pack’s storage instructions. Confirm local availability when ordering; M&S asks shoppers to select a Foodhall to see local stock. | I’m planning ahead and need to be able to store the tubs until the meal. |
A 427–465ml tub contains less ice cream than the 900ml and 2L formats listed by Sainsbury’s. The difference matters when ice cream is the main dessert for several guests.
Count the diners and consider how you will serve the dessert before choosing a tub size or adding another flavour.
Ingredients and precautionary statements can differ between flavours. Magnum’s information for its Double Salted Caramel tub, for example, includes a may-contain statement for wheat, barley, oat and nuts.
Ask guests about their requirements and check the exact pack before buying and again before serving.
Several tubs take more freezer space, and a range listing does not establish that a particular flavour is available locally. Magnum specifies storage at -18°C for its Double Salted Caramel tub.
Check availability for your order and follow the storage instructions on every pack you buy.
These ranges illustrate different tub sizes and flavours; check the individual product when choosing for your guests.
A smaller-tub flavour option: Tesco Groceries lists a 460ml Matcha Green Tea tub.
Tesco Groceries lists 427ml and 465ml tubs, including a 465ml non-dairy Chocolate Fudge Brownie option.
Magnum describes its 440ml Double Salted Caramel tub as having a chocolate shell, chocolate shards and salted-caramel sauce.
Its luxury-tub listing includes a 480ml Tesco Finest gelato alongside smaller branded tubs.
Its ice-cream category lists 900ml and 2L own-brand tubs as well as smaller branded formats.
Its range includes dairy ice creams, Plant Kitchen non-dairy options and sorbets.
These options include smaller flavour-led tubs, two 900ml tubs for a larger gathering and a plant-based gelato. Compare each product’s stated size and check its pack against your guests’ requirements.
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A smaller chocolate-and-brownie tub for a dessert with fewer diners. Check the exact pack’s ingredients and allergens before serving.
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The 900ml format is a starting point when several people will have dessert and strawberry flavour is wanted. Read the pack for ingredients, allergens and any additional warnings.
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A smaller tub for guests who would prefer mango and raspberry flavours. Check its stated volume against the portions you plan to serve and read the exact pack for allergens.
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A 900ml chocolate option to consider when serving several guests. Check the exact pack’s ingredient and precautionary allergen statements before serving anyone with a dietary requirement.
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A smaller plant-based option when a guest is looking for a non-dairy dessert. Coconut is part of the product description; check the exact pack for ingredients and precautionary allergens rather than assuming it suits every guest.
Choose by the number of diners and how ice cream fits into the meal. Smaller tubs around 427–465ml can suit a small dessert, while Sainsbury’s lists 900ml, 950ml and 2L formats to consider for a larger group. Portions will also depend on whether you are serving other desserts.
Only after checking that specific product against the guest’s requirements. Plant-based or non-dairy wording does not establish that a tub is free from every allergen; read its ingredients and any precautionary statement on the exact pack.
Check the flavour, ingredients, allergen and “may contain” statements, storage instructions and date marking on the pack you will serve. Magnum advises checking the product label for the most accurate information because product details can change.