Tesco Goodness Rocket Lollies €1.85 for 464ml, €3.98 per litre These are aimed at children– we know this because it says "for kids" prominently on the box. They are a weird mix of pineapple, orange and strawberry, although none of the flavours listed actually comes through all that strongly. The eight lollies in the box are made with 24 per cent fruit juice, and each one is just 39 calories – although they also have 8.5g of sugar, which represents almost 10 per cent of an adult's recommended daily allowance. They are actually very refreshing, taste pleasant and, at less than a third the price of the competition, is very good value for money. There are worse ways to cool yourself down on a hot summer's day. Verdict: Great value. Star rating: *****
Del Monte 100% Juice €3 for 225ml, €13.33 per litre The man from Del Monte's lollies are bigger than any of his rivals', which is to his credit because, when it comes to treats, size definitely matters. Because they are bigger, however, they also have more calories and sugar, not so much to Mr Del Monte's credit; each lolly contains 69 calories and 14.6g of sugar. That sugar is naturally occurring, however, as these are made with nothing but juice, the packaging tells us. They taste great, and we will definitely be going back for more. Verdict: Delicious. Star rating: ****
Loop the Loop €3.50 for 348g, €10.57 per litre We come to this product with baggage we have carried since childhood. Back then Loop the Loops were considered inferior to Choc Ices, Orange Splits and Brunches. Turns out they taste much better than we remembered. The chocolate on the top is pleasant, and the ice lolly bit at the end is lovely, too. Each lolly has 85 calories and 13g of sugar and, although not the most expensive, they seem like the worst value for money. Verdict: Better than expected. Star rating: ***
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Fruit Pastilles Lollies €3 for 260ml, €11.53 per litre These taste great. And they look great, too. We like the range of flavours – you are going to get pineapple, orange, lemon, raspberry and blackcurrant – and we like that each of the flavours taste sort of like the fruit they are supposed to be. They are certainly on the pricier side and lack the feel-good element that comes with the Del Monte ice pops, however. They are made with just 25 per cent fruit juice and stabilisers, natural colourings and all the rest are never going to sound as appetising as fruit juice. Verdict: Lovely on a sunny day. Star rating: ***
