Discover the world of Ben & Jerry’s: history, must-try flavors, and commitments

Si I tell you “Ben & Jerry’s”, you surely think of a spoon dipped into a tub of creamy ice cream, with chunks of chocolate, brownie, or cookie dough melting in your mouth. And frankly, you are right. But behind these indulgent tubs lies a story much richer than just a simple frozen dessert. Between friendship, ethical business practices, and activist commitment, Ben & Jerry’s is much more than an ice cream brand: it’s a true social phenomenon. So, hold on tight, we’re going to dive into this frosty universe!

The story of Ben & Jerry’s: a frosty success story

It all began in 1978, when Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield, two childhood friends, decided to start a business in ice cream. But be careful, not just any way! These two have a philosophy of their own: quality products, a dose of fun, and above all, a social commitment that goes far beyond simple commerce.

The beginnings: from the first shop to explosive success

Ben and Jerry are neither chefs nor entrepreneurs. To be honest, their first project was to open a bagel shop. But lacking a budget, they opted for a $5 training in ice cream making and opened their first shop in a renovated gas station in Burlington, Vermont. Their concept? Ultra-indulgent ice creams with generous chunks, because Ben, who suffers from anosmia (he cannot smell), wanted above all a texture that is felt in the mouth. Very quickly, word of mouth worked, and the residents of Vermont became addicted to these artisanal ice creams unlike any others. In 1980, faced with success, they began pot distribution and equipped an old gas station to produce their creations in larger quantities. Two years later, Ben & Jerry’s launched its first franchise store and the adventure really began.

The key moments: innovations and commitments

Year after year, the brand innovates and differentiates itself:

• 1986: launch of the “Cowmobile”, a food truck ahead of its time that travels across the United States to let people taste their ice creams for free.
• 1988: Ben & Jerry’s receives an award from the White House for its social commitment (yes, they don’t just make ice cream!).
• 1994: the birth of the “Peace Pops” range, a popsicle that funds activist organizations.
• 2000: the brand is acquired by Unilever, but maintains total independence over its social policy.
• 2015: introduction of the vegan range, a complete hit!

Ben & Jerry’s is the story of a small shop that becomes an empire, without ever losing its soul.

The must-try flavors of Ben & Jerry’s

You might have noticed, at Ben & Jerry’s, we don’t settle for a bland chocolate-vanilla. Each tub is an explosion of flavors and a true fireworks display in the mouth.

The unbeatable best-sellers

Here are the 5 best-selling flavors (and honestly, they deserve their place in the ice cream pantheon):

Flavor	Description
Cookie Dough	The first ice cream with cookie dough pieces, an unbeatable classic.
Chocolate Fudge Brownie	An intense chocolate bath with ultra-melting brownie pieces.
Half Baked	A mix of Cookie Dough and Chocolate Fudge Brownie, the definition of pleasure.
Chunky Monkey	Banana, nuts, and chocolate chips, for lovers of exotic flavors.
Peanut Butter Cup	An overdose of peanut butter for true enthusiasts.

And every year, new limited editions come out, some inspired by cultural figures or significant social events.

A brand committed to a better world

Ben & Jerry’s is much more than just an ice cream brand. From the beginning, they have been advocating for a fairer world and do not hesitate to take a stand on social issues.

Fair trade and ethical sourcing

The ingredients of Ben & Jerry’s ice creams are not chosen at random:

• 100% milk from animal welfare-respecting farms.
• Fair trade certified chocolate and sugar, to ensure a fair income for producers.
• Vegan flavors made without animal products to satisfy plant-based enthusiasts.

Taking a stand and social commitment

Ben & Jerry’s has never been afraid to make noise on social issues. They have supported:

• Marriage for all, with a viral campaign as early as 2009.
• The Black Lives Matter movement, in 2016, long before many brands dared to take a stand.
• Actions for climate, with a reduction of their carbon footprint and more eco-friendly packaging.

They prove that it’s possible to be a multinational and have a social conscience.

The visit to the Ben & Jerry’s factory: an experience not to be missed

If you happen to be in Vermont, don’t miss the Ben & Jerry’s factory tour in Waterbury. It’s an opportunity to discover the behind-the-scenes of the brand and, let’s be honest, to taste their creations to your heart’s content.

What awaits you there

• An immersion in the history of the brand, with juicy anecdotes.
• A tour of the facilities, to understand the manufacturing process.
• The “Flavor Graveyard”, where the “retired” flavors are “buried” (yes, it’s quirky, but totally in their spirit).

And above all… a free tasting at the end of the tour!

Your turn!

Admit it, now you want to dip a spoon into a tub of Ben & Jerry’s? If you want to try the latest flavors or learn more about their commitments, take a look at their official website or drop by a store. And if you enjoyed this article, share it with your foodie friends on social media!