Hosts feeding a larger mixed-age group
If several guests are likely to share one flavour, start with the total volume you need rather than assuming every tub is party-sized. Tesco Groceries lists 1.8L and 2L tubs alongside smaller flavour tubs.
Who is choosing for?
Hosts planning a varied dessert spread
Several smaller tubs make room for different flavours and textures. The UK ranges from Häagen-Dazs and Ben & Jerry's offer flavour choices, while Magnum lists a tub with sauce and chocolate pieces.
Hosts serving guests with dietary or allergen needs
A separate option may be needed rather than asking everyone to share a dairy tub. M&S lists non-dairy Plant Kitchen products and sorbets; check the chosen pack against each guest's requirements.
What should you check?
Settle the shared quantity first, then decide how many additional flavours or separately suitable options the group needs.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Tub volume | Compare the declared volume in ml or litres. Use the selected pack's serving information to plan portions. | I'm serving several people who may choose the same flavour, so one larger tub could form the shared base. |
| Flavour variety | Check the flavours and textures of the exact tubs. Smaller tubs add choice but each provides less of that flavour. | My guests may prefer different desserts, so I'd rather offer several flavours than rely on one large tub. |
| Dietary suitability | Read the current ingredients, declared allergens and any may-contain statement. Check a non-dairy or sorbet product individually rather than relying on its category name. | Someone needs a separately suitable option, and I need to check the exact product against their requirements. |
| Freezer storage | Check the pack's storage temperature and instructions for serving and refreezing. Make room for the number and sizes of tubs chosen. | There must be space to keep the tubs as directed until dessert is served. |
What is easy to overlook?
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Treating every tub as a party-size tub
Tesco Groceries lists large 1.8L and 2L tubs as well as smaller tubs. Several small flavours may suit a tasting-style spread, but their combined volume still needs to fit the guest list.
Plan the shared quantity first, then add other flavours if you want more choice and have freezer space.
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Assuming a familiar flavour suits every guest
Ingredients differ between products. Magnum lists milk and soya in its Double Salted Caramel 440ml tub, with a may-contain statement for wheat, barley, oat and nuts.
Ask guests about their requirements and check the current pack, including any may-contain statement, before serving.
Which brands offer relevant options?
Tesco
Tesco Groceries lists own-label and branded tubs in different sizes, including larger shared formats.
- Its listed range includes 2L Tesco tubs and a 1.8L Wall's tub.
- Check the size and product details of the tub you actually select.
Häagen-Dazs
Häagen-Dazs UK lists tubs across classic and dessert-style flavours.
- Its UK tub page lists 13 flavours, including Vanilla, Belgian Chocolate and Salted Caramel.
- The range listing does not establish the ingredients or allergen suitability of an individual tub.
Ben & Jerry's
Ben & Jerry's UK describes its tub range in terms of flavours with chunks and swirls.
- The range offers a texture choice alongside more straightforward flavours.
- Check the selected flavour's ingredients and label rather than applying a range description to every tub.
Magnum
Magnum's Double Salted Caramel 440ml tub combines ice cream, sauce and chocolate components.
- Magnum describes this specific tub as containing salted-caramel sauce, a chocolate shell and shards.
- This tub contains milk and soya and has a may-contain statement for wheat, barley, oat and nuts.
M&S
M&S lists Collection ice creams, Plant Kitchen non-dairy options and sorbets in its frozen range.
- These ranges offer starting points for a dairy ice cream or a separate non-dairy or fruit-led choice.
- Check the exact selected product for ingredients and allergen information.
Sainsbury's
Sainsbury's provides allergen-specific information for its own-brand products.
- Its allergen-specific lists are updated monthly.
- Sainsbury's advises checking packaging because products and ingredients can change.
Ice cream tubs on Joybuy
These tubs offer 900ml and 1L options for sharing, plus smaller 460ml flavours for a varied New Year's Eve dessert spread. Match their combined volume and current pack information to your guests.
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Windy Bank Strawberries & Cream Tub 900ml
A 900ml strawberry-and-cream tub to consider as one shared flavour rather than a 1.8–2L base. Check the pack for milk and possible nut or peanut traces; its product information also carries an E124 and E102 warning concerning children's activity and attention.
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Kulfi Ice Pistachio Tub 1L
The 1L pistachio tub can add a distinct flavour to a spread of shared desserts. It contains milk and pistachio; check the current pack against guests' allergen requirements.
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Kulfi Ice Original Malai Tub 1L
This 1L malai tub is another flavour option for sharing alongside other desserts. It contains milk; read the current pack for its full ingredients and allergen information.
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Häagen-Dazs Dulce De Leche Ice Cream 460ml
The 460ml tub offers a smaller caramel-flavoured choice alongside a shared base or other flavours. It contains milk and eggs; check the current pack for complete allergen information.
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Häagen-Dazs Belgian Chocolate Ice Cream 460ml
This 460ml chocolate tub adds another flavour without serving as a large shared base. It contains milk, egg and soya; check the current pack for full allergen information.
Questions before serving
How many tubs should I plan for?
Start with the number of guests, the declared volume and the serving information on each chosen pack. Tesco Groceries lists 1.8L and 2L tubs, while Magnum's 440ml Double Salted Caramel tub gives a 100ml/70g serving; decide how much of each flavour you intend to offer rather than treating those formats as interchangeable.
Should I add a non-dairy or sorbet option?
Add a separate option when a guest needs a non-dairy choice or you want a fruit-led alternative. M&S lists Plant Kitchen non-dairy products and sorbets, but the exact product's ingredients and allergen information determine whether it suits a particular guest.
What should I check for allergens?
Read the current pack's ingredients, declared allergens and any may-contain statement for every tub you plan to serve. Sainsbury's advises checking packaging because ingredients can change; Magnum's Double Salted Caramel 440ml tub, for example, lists milk and soya and a may-contain statement for wheat, barley, oat and nuts.
How should I store the tubs before the party?
Follow each selected pack's freezer and serving instructions, and check that your freezer has room before buying several tubs. Magnum specifies storage at −18°C for its Double Salted Caramel 440ml tub; instructions can differ between products.
Do school-food rules apply to a private New Year's Eve party?
The Department for Education's school-food guidance concerns food and drink provided in state-funded schools in England, not a private party at home. If you are buying for a school setting instead, assess the requirements for that setting rather than applying a private-party choice to it.