Ben & Jerry’s isn’t just a name—it’s a feeling. It’s that delightful pint you grab after a long day, the creamy comfort of a familiar flavor, and the playful excitement of something new. Since 1978, this Vermont-born brand has transformed how we think about ice cream—from ingredients and flavor combinations to corporate responsibility and social impact. If you’ve ever wondered why Ben and Jerry’s ice cream holds such a special place in people’s hearts (and freezers), you’re in for a treat.
Whether you’re Googling “Ben and Jerry’s near me” or lining up for Free Cone Day, there’s no denying the brand’s cultural and culinary impact. Let’s take a deep dive into everything Ben & Jerry’s: its history, fan-favorite flavors, social mission, and why it’s still one of the most beloved names in frozen desserts today.
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A Chilly Start in Vermont: The History of Ben & Jerry’s
The story began in Burlington, Vermont, where childhood friends Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield took a $5 correspondence course in ice cream making and opened their first scoop shop in a renovated gas station. What they lacked in business experience, they made up for in creativity and heart.
From the beginning, Ben and Jerry’s wasn’t just about making ice cream—it was about creating an experience. They packed their products with chunks, swirls, and ribbons of flavor that made every bite surprising and satisfying. But it wasn’t just about indulgence. The duo infused their brand with a quirky, countercultural spirit and a deep commitment to social responsibility, which continues to this day.
What Makes Ben and Jerry’s So Special?
1. Iconic Flavor Innovation
Ben and Jerry’s is a flavor lab like no other. From Chunky Monkey to Cherry Garcia, every flavor tells a story. They often draw inspiration from pop culture, music, and social issues. A few fan favorites include:
- Half Baked (Chocolate & vanilla ice creams with fudge brownies and gobs of cookie dough)
- Phish Food (A tribute to the band Phish—chocolate ice cream with gooey marshmallow, caramel swirls, and fudge fish)
- The Tonight Dough (A Jimmy Fallon collab with caramel & chocolate ice cream, cookie swirls, and cookie dough pieces)
Searching for “Ben and Jerry’s flavors list” can feel like going down a rabbit hole of yum. There’s even a flavor graveyard in Vermont, where you can mourn your retired faves.
2. Commitment to Ethics and Sustainability
Ben and Jerry’s isn’t just out to make delicious ice cream—they’re on a mission to make the world better. Their commitment includes:
- Fairtrade-certified ingredients
- Cage-free eggs
- Non-GMO sourcing
- Sustainable packaging
They’re vocal on social issues too, standing up for climate change, racial justice, and LGBTQ+ rights. Their activism might not be everyone’s flavor, but it’s central to their identity.
3. Vegan & Non-Dairy Options
For the plant-based crowd, Ben and Jerry’s offers an impressive non-dairy ice cream lineup made with almond milk, oat milk, or sunflower butter. From Netflix & Chilll’d Non-Dairy to Chocolate Fudge Brownie Vegan, they’ve made sure no one misses out.
4. Fun in Every Scoop
The brand doesn’t take itself too seriously. Just read the names: Americone Dream, Peanut Butter Cup, Gimme S’more! Even their Ben & Jerry’s pint containers are playful and colorful, matching the brand’s upbeat personality.
What Is Free Cone Day?
Ben and Jerry’s Free Cone Day is an annual celebration that feels like a warm hug from your favorite scoop shop. Since 1979, they’ve thanked their customers with free scoops of ice cream at participating stores. No catch—just stand in line and get your cone.
This beloved event has become an international phenomenon. You’ll see hashtags like #FreeConeDay trending and lines stretching around city blocks. The 2025 event, held on April 16, promises to be bigger than ever. Some even make it a tradition, hitting up multiple locations in one day!
So next time you see a “Free Cone Day Ben and Jerry’s 2025” flyer, don’t miss it. It’s ice cream with a side of joy.
Ben & Jerry’s and Pop Culture
Ben and Jerry’s has never shied away from the spotlight. Over the years, they’ve collaborated with:
- Celebrities like Jimmy Fallon (Tonight Dough) and Stephen Colbert (Americone Dream)
- Bands like Phish and the Grateful Dead
- TV series like Netflix’s Stranger Things with special editions like “Punch Line”
This keeps the brand culturally relevant and adds an extra layer of fun. Who doesn’t want to eat a pint that’s also a tribute to their favorite comedian?
Is Ben and Jerry’s Ice Cream Healthy?
Okay, let’s be real: Ben and Jerry’s isn’t diet food. It’s rich, indulgent, and packed with mix-ins. But that’s the point—it’s meant to be enjoyed in moderation.
For those looking to be more mindful, options like Ben & Jerry’s light ice cream, non-dairy flavors, or even smaller 100ml tubs offer more control over portion size.
They’re also transparent about ingredients. On each pint, you’ll find clear labeling of calories, fat content, and whether it’s gluten-free, kosher, or Fairtrade-certified.
Where Can You Buy Ben and Jerry’s?
Looking for a pint? You’re in luck. Ben and Jerry’s is widely available at:
- Supermarkets like Target, Walmart, and Whole Foods
- Convenience stores
- Online grocery delivery apps
- Ben & Jerry’s scoop shops, which often carry exclusive or limited-time flavors
Simply Google “Ben and Jerry’s near me” and you’re bound to find some close-by options. Many shops also offer Ben & Jerry’s delivery, so your favorite flavor can come right to your doorstep.
Beyond the Pint: Catering and Merchandise
Did you know Ben and Jerry’s offers ice cream catering? Whether it’s a wedding, office party, or festival, they can bring the scoop truck to you. It’s a unique way to make any event unforgettable.
They also sell branded Ben & Jerry’s t-shirts, scoopers, and even pint locks (yes, that’s a thing—because sometimes sharing just isn’t in the cards).
Fun Facts You Probably Didn’t Know
- The first flavor ever created was Vanilla—simple, but a classic.
- The company was once owned by Unilever, but continues to operate independently with its social mission intact.
- There’s a literal Ben & Jerry’s Flavor Graveyard in Vermont where you can pay tribute to retired flavors like Peanuts! Popcorn! and Wavy Gravy.
- Their core flavors (like Karamel Sutra) have a gooey center running through the pint. Genius.
The Brand Behind the Ice Cream
Ben and Jerry’s might be known for their ice cream, but their legacy is about more than what’s in the tub. They’ve inspired a generation of socially-conscious businesses, showed how a brand can stay quirky even after a corporate acquisition, and made the case that ethics and profit can coexist.
For fans, Ben and Jerry’s isn’t just a snack—it’s a brand you feel good supporting. Whether you’re vegan, gluten-free, or just someone who loves a good scoop of Peanut Butter Half Baked, there’s a little something for everyone in their ever-growing freezer section.
Final Scoop: Why We Love Ben & Jerry’s
At the end of the day, we all crave joy. And that’s what Ben & Jerry’s ice cream delivers—one pint at a time. With flavors that surprise and delight, a social mission that matters, and a brand that never takes itself too seriously, Ben and Jerry’s continues to scoop its way into our hearts.
So next time you’re standing in front of the freezer aisle or spotting the iconic blue-and-white scoop shop logo on your phone, treat yourself. You deserve it.
