Hosts serving a larger group
A 1.8–2L tub gives more volume to share than a 427–465ml dessert tub. Check that the flavour works for the group and that you can keep the whole tub frozen until serving.
Who is choosing?
The useful starting point is how many people will eat the ice cream, whether they want a particular flavour and whether anyone needs a separately checked option.
Small groups choosing a particular flavour
A smaller tub may fit the occasion when guests specifically want chocolate pieces, caramel swirls or another distinctive flavour rather than a large quantity of plain ice cream.
Hosts accommodating dietary requirements
Choose for each guest's exact requirement, not just a range name. Ingredients, allergen statements and suitability warnings need checking on the particular tub.
What matters for a picnic?
Decide how much ice cream you intend to serve before choosing a flavour. Then check the pack and plan how it will stay frozen on the way to the picnic.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Serving volume | Compare the tub sizes in litres or millilitres. Decide how many guests are likely to have some and whether you want one shared flavour or several smaller choices. | There are several of us sharing, so I want enough of a flavour the group will eat. For just a few guests, a smaller tub may be sufficient. |
| Flavour and texture | Check the exact variant for features such as a plain base, chocolate pieces, sauce or a swirl. Size alone does not tell you which flavour guests will prefer. | If a particular dessert-style flavour is the reason for buying ice cream, I would choose that variant rather than extra volume I may not serve. |
| Frozen transport | Read the pack's storage and refreezing instructions. Arrange suitable insulated frozen-food transport and take the tub out when you are ready to serve. | My picnic is outdoors, so I need a way to keep the tub frozen through the journey and until serving time. |
| Dietary suitability | Read the exact tub's ingredients, allergens, precautionary statements and suitability warnings. Do not treat vegan or non-dairy wording as an allergy clearance. | Someone in my group has a specific dietary requirement, so I need to check their chosen tub individually rather than rely on a broad range label. |
What should you avoid overlooking?
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Assuming vegan means suitable for every allergy
M&S labels its Plant Based Soy Joy Cookie Dough Ice Cream vegan, but also states that it is unsuitable for people with several specified allergies and for people with coeliac disease.
Check the current pack's ingredients, allergen information and suitability statements against the needs of each guest.
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Choosing a large tub without a frozen-transport plan
The Tesco listing for Magnum Double Salted Caramel specifies frozen storage at -18°C, while M&S product information for its listed tubs says to keep them frozen and not to refreeze them. An outdoor journey needs planning before you choose a tub size.
Buy frozen items last, use suitable insulated frozen-food transport and bring the tub out when you are ready to serve, following its pack instructions.
Which brands offer relevant tub styles?
These brand examples illustrate different sizes and styles, not a judgement about every product in a range. Check the particular variant before choosing for a guest.
Tesco
Tesco Groceries lists own-label 2L soft-scoop tubs alongside smaller branded tubs, giving group hosts a large-format option.
- Listed own-label choices include 2L vanilla and Neapolitan soft-scoop tubs.
- Check the label of the chosen flavour for ingredients and allergen information.
Sainsbury's
Sainsbury's lists 2L own-label soft-scoop and Cornish dairy ice cream tubs for sharing.
- The listed 2L formats offer a choice between soft-scoop vanilla flavour and Cornish dairy ice cream.
- Check the exact variant and pack details rather than assuming the two have the same ingredients.
Häagen-Dazs
Tesco Groceries lists 460ml Häagen-Dazs tubs, a smaller format to consider when a specific flavour matters to a few guests.
- A 460ml tub can be considered separately from a large shared tub.
- Check whether that quantity fits the number of people you intend to serve.
Ben & Jerry's
Retailer listings include smaller dairy tubs with dessert-style flavours. Ben & Jerry's also describes a separate certified-vegan Non-Dairy range.
- Chunks and swirls may matter when guests have requested a particular flavour or texture.
- Check the exact Non-Dairy variant's ingredients and allergen statements for guests with allergies.
Magnum
Tesco Groceries lists a 440ml Magnum Double Salted Caramel tub with a chocolate shell and sauce.
- Its stated features suit a choice centred on that specific dessert style.
- The listed variant contains milk and soy and carries precautionary allergen information; check the current pack before sharing.
M&S
M&S lists dairy and plant-based tub options, including products in its Plant Kitchen range.
- The range gives hosts different product types to check for a mixed group.
- Its vegan Soy Joy Cookie Dough Ice Cream has specific allergy and coeliac suitability warnings; vegan labelling does not replace a pack check.
Joybuy tubs for different picnic plans
These Joybuy options include a 2L twin pack for sharing and smaller tubs for groups choosing a particular flavour. Compare their stated sizes with your serving plan, and check each pack's storage and allergen information.
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Mackie's of Scotland Traditional Real Dairy Ice Cream, 2 × 1L
Two 1L tubs give a group the option of opening one at a time. The product information specifies frozen storage at -18°C or below and contains milk and egg; it also says the ice cream may contain traces of nuts and peanuts. Check the pack against guests' requirements.
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Kulfi Ice Original Malai, 1L
A 1L kulfi tub is an option for a smaller group seeking its cardamom-and-saffron flavour. Its product information specifies storage at -18°C or below and lists milk as an allergen. Check the current pack for all other allergy requirements.
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Windy Bank Triple Chocolate Gelato Ice Cream, 900ml
This 900ml tub is a smaller sharing choice for guests seeking a chocolate dessert with sauce and pieces. The product information specifies storage at -18°C or below, lists milk and soya, and says it may contain traces of nuts and peanuts.
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Ben & Jerry's Caramel Chew-Chew Ice Cream, 465ml
The 465ml tub suits a plan centred on its caramel flavour, swirl and chocolate-covered caramel pieces rather than serving a larger group from one tub. Its product information specifies storage at -18°C or colder and lists milk, eggs and soya; it may also contain nuts.
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Carte D'Or Indulgent Chocolate Ice Cream Dessert, 900ml
A 900ml chocolate dessert tub is another option when the group wants that flavour without choosing a 2L format. Its product information says to keep it frozen below -18°C, lists milk and says it may contain soya, gluten and nuts.
Common questions
How do I choose a tub size for a picnic?
Start with the number of guests likely to have ice cream and whether they will share one flavour. A 1.8–2L tub provides more serving volume than a 427–465ml tub, but the larger size is useful only if you can keep it frozen and expect to serve it.
When does a smaller dessert-style tub make sense?
Choose a smaller tub when only a few guests want ice cream or they specifically want its flavour or texture. For a larger group, check the quantity before relying on one 427–465ml tub to serve everyone.
Is a vegan ice cream tub suitable for every guest with an allergy?
No. Check the exact product's ingredients, allergen statements and suitability warnings. For example, M&S labels its Plant Based Soy Joy Cookie Dough Ice Cream vegan but states that it is unsuitable for people with coeliac disease and several specified allergies.
How should I take an ice cream tub to an outdoor picnic?
Follow its pack instructions and plan to keep it frozen until serving, using suitable insulated frozen-food transport. Tesco's Magnum listing specifies storage at -18°C, and the cited M&S product information says to keep its tubs frozen and not to refreeze them.