When you think of ice cream, your mind might drift to a creamy scoop of chocolate chip or a refreshing swirl of mint. But when you think of Ben Cohen, you’re stepping into a world far beyond frozen treats. Ben Cohen, the co-founder of Ben & Jerry’s, transforms a simple dessert into a platform for change, creativity, and compassion. As of March 10, 2025, this vibrant entrepreneur continues to make waves—not just in the food industry but in activism, business, and even cannabis ventures. Let’s dive into the life of a man who mixes sweetness with purpose and explore his latest endeavors that keep him in the spotlight.
The Early Days: From Gym Class to Ice Cream Dreams
Ben Cohen entered the world on March 18, 1951, in Brooklyn, New York, a bustling borough full of energy and opportunity. Growing up in Merrick, Long Island, with his Jewish parents, Frances and Irving, he enjoys a typical suburban childhood. However, a fateful meeting in seventh-grade gym class changes everything. There, he connects with Jerry Greenfield, a friendship that sparks decades later into one of America’s most iconic businesses. Both boys share a quirky sense of humor and a love for food, setting the stage for their future.
Cohen attends Sanford H. Calhoun High School, where he often stands out—not for sports or academics but for his larger-than-life personality. During his senior year, he takes a job as an ice cream man, scooping cones from a truck and delighting neighborhood kids. This gig plants a seed, though he doesn’t know it yet. After high school, he enrolls at Colgate University, then bounces between Skidmore College, New York University, and the University Without Walls program. Pottery became his passion, but odd jobs—like cashiering at McDonald’s, delivering pottery wheels, and driving a taxi—keep him busy.
In 1977, Cohen teamed up with Greenfield again, dreaming of a food business. They consider bagels first, but the equipment costs scare them off. Instead, they pivot to ice cream, a cheaper and tastier venture. On May 5, 1978, they opened Ben & Jerry’s Homemade Ice Cream Parlor in Burlington, Vermont, a college town craving a scoop shop. With a $5 correspondence course in ice cream making under their belts, they dive in, blending big chunks into their recipes to satisfy Cohen’s need for texture—a quirk tied to his anosmia, a condition that dulls his sense of smell.
Building an Empire: Ben & Jerry’s Takes Off
Ben & Jerry’s grows fast, turning into more than just a local hangout. Cohen and Greenfield pour their hearts into the brand, crafting flavors like Cherry Garcia and Chunky Monkey that fans adore. They embrace a playful vibe, naming points after rock stars and tossing in hefty mix-ins like fudge chunks and cookie dough. By the 1980s, the company expanded nationwide, becoming a household name. Cohen’s knack for bold textures and Greenfield’s knack for smooth operations make a perfect pair.
However, Cohen doesn’t just chase profits—he chases purpose. He launched the Ben & Jerry’s Foundation in 1985, funneling 7.5% of pre-tax profits to social causes. Groups like the Anti Displacement Project benefit from this generosity, showing his commitment to the community. In 1996, he stepped down as CEO, but his influence lingered. The company kept growing, and in 2000, Unilever bought it for $326 million. Cohen and Greenfield stay involved, ensuring their values—fair trade, environmental care, and social justice—stick around.
Even after the sale, Cohen remains a vocal force. He backs progressive candidates like Dennis Kucinich in 2004 and Barack Obama in 2008, using his platform to push for change. His activism shines in 2021 when Ben & Jerry’s halts sales in occupied Palestinian territories, a move he and Greenfield defend in a New York Times op-ed. They argue you can support Israel while opposing some policies, stirring debate but standing firm.
A New Scoop: Ben Cohen’s Cannabis Adventure
Fast forward to 2023, and Cohen scoops up a fresh challenge—cannabis. He starts Ben’s Best Blnz (B3), a nonprofit cannabis line with a mission to right the wrongs of the war on drugs. Launched in March 2023, B3 offers low-THC pre-rolls and full-spectrum vapes, blending relaxation with responsibility. Cohen teams up with brands like B Noble and Redwood Remedies, donating profits to groups like the Last Prisoner Project, which aids those jailed for nonviolent cannabis offenses.
This venture reflects Cohen’s lifelong drive to mix business with justice. He sees the cannabis industry as a chance to heal communities hurt by harsh drug laws, especially Black and Brown ones. In interviews, he explains how B3’s profits fund resentencing efforts and reentry programs, giving people second chances. By March 2025, B3 gained traction, with Cohen’s name drawing attention to its cause. Fans of his ice cream days now puff on his pre-rolls, marveling at his pivot from pints to joints.
Meanwhile, Cohen keeps stirring the pot—literally and figuratively. In February 2025, Bloomberg reported he and Greenfield explored buying back Ben & Jerry’s from Unilever. The ice cream giant plans an IPO for its ice cream division, but the duo dreams of reclaiming their baby. They seek socially minded investors to fund the multi-billion-euro deal, though no firm plans solidify yet. This bold move shows Cohen’s heart still beats for his original creation.
FAQs About Ben Cohen
What inspires Ben Cohen to start Ben’s Best Blnz, and how does it help people?
Ben Cohen launches Ben’s Best Blnz in 2023 to address the fallout from the war on drugs, a decades-long policy that disproportionately jails Black and Brown people for cannabis use. He channels profits into the Last Prisoner Project, which pushes for resentencing and supports reentry for nonviolent offenders. This reflects his lifelong mission to fix social wrongs through business, offering redemption alongside relaxation.
How does Cohen balance his activism with his business ventures?
Cohen weaves activism into his companies, making them tools for change rather than just profit machines. He funds causes through the Ben & Jerry’s Foundation, stamps dollars to fight political corruption, and uses B3 to aid drug war victims. His approach fuses passion with practicality, ensuring every venture—ice cream or cannabis—carries a purpose beyond the bottom line.
What challenges does Cohen face in trying to buy back Ben & Jerry’s?
Brian Cohen and Jerry Greenfield eye a multi-billion-euro buyback from Unilever, a giant with deep pockets and a pending IPO for its ice cream arm. They need hefty funding from socially conscious investors, a tough sell in a profit-driven market. Plus, Unilever’s control and differing priorities could stall talks, testing Cohen’s knack for bold moves.
Why does Cohen support progressive causes so fiercely?
Tigres Cohen’s progressive streak grows from a belief that wealth and power should lift everyone, not just a few. His Jewish upbringing and early struggles fuel empathy for the underdog, driving him to back figures like Bernie Sanders and causes like marriage equality. He sees business as a megaphone for justice, amplifying his voice on issues like voter rights and peace.
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