Written by Dehlia Dillon
Modified & Updated: 06 Mar 2024
Reviewed by Sherman Smith
If you’re a fan of delicious ice cream and unique flavors, then you’ve surely come across the iconic brand Ben and Jerry’s. Known for their creative combinations and social activism, Ben and Jerry’s has become a household name in the dessert world. But how well do you really know this famous ice cream brand? In this article, we will uncover 15 fascinating facts about Ben and Jerry’s that will both surprise and delight you. From their humble beginnings in a Vermont gas station to their commitment to sustainability and community, there’s so much more to learn about this beloved brand. So grab a spoon and get ready to dig into the delicious world of Ben and Jerry’s!
Key Takeaways:
- Ben and Jerry’s started in a gas station and now has over 600 Scoop Shops worldwide, offering unique flavors and supporting social causes. It’s a delicious success story with a strong commitment to sustainability.
- From the iconic Cherry Garcia flavor to Free Cone Day, Ben and Jerry’s is all about fun, creativity, and community involvement. They even have a flavor graveyard tour! It’s not just ice cream, it’s a flavorful adventure.
Ben and Jerry’s was founded in a renovated gas station.
Founded in 1978, Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield started their ice cream business in a renovated gas station in Burlington, Vermont. This humble beginning marked the start of a delicious and successful journey.
Ben and Jerry’s is named after its founders.
Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield decided to name their ice cream company after themselves, solidifying their personal connection to their brand.
The first flavor created by Ben and Jerry was Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough.
In 1984, Ben and Jerry introduced the iconic Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough ice cream flavor, which quickly became a fan favorite around the world.
Ben and Jerry’s supports various social causes.
Social responsibility has always been an integral part of the Ben and Jerry’s ethos. The company actively supports various causes such as climate justice, marriage equality, and access to education.
Ben and Jerry’s is known for its creative ice cream flavors.
Beyond the classics, Ben and Jerry’s has gained popularity for its unique and inventive flavors, including Phish Food, Chunky Monkey, and Cherry Garcia, to name a few.
Ben and Jerry’s uses chunks, swirls, and high-quality ingredients in their ice cream.
Ben and Jerry’s ice cream is famous for its chunks of chocolate, cookies, and nuts, as well as its generous swirls of caramel, fudge, and other delicious sauces. The company prioritizes using high-quality and ethically-sourced ingredients.
The “Cherry Garcia” flavor was named after Jerry Garcia of the Grateful Dead.
Ben and Jerry’s paid tribute to Jerry Garcia, the iconic musician and Grateful Dead frontman, by creating a flavor named after him. The Cherry Garcia flavor is a popular choice among fans of both ice cream and Jerry Garcia.
Free Cone Day is an annual tradition at Ben and Jerry’s.
Every year, Ben and Jerry’s celebrates their fans by hosting Free Cone Day, where customers can enjoy a complimentary scoop of their favorite ice cream flavors.
Ben and Jerry’s has its own flavor graveyard.
Retired ice cream flavors at Ben and Jerry’s are commemorated in their very own flavor graveyard, paying homage to the flavors of the past.
Ben and Jerry’s produces non-dairy ice cream options.
In response to the growing demand for non-dairy options, Ben and Jerry’s offers a range of delicious non-dairy ice cream flavors, made from almond milk, coconut milk, and other plant-based ingredients.
Ben and Jerry’s has a strong commitment to sustainability.
The company strives to minimize its environmental impact by using responsibly-sourced ingredients, supporting renewable energy initiatives, and reducing waste in their production processes.
The ingredients used by Ben and Jerry’s are Fairtrade certified.
Ben and Jerry’s is committed to ensuring fair wages and safe working conditions for farmers who produce their ingredients. They prioritize purchasing Fairtrade certified products whenever possible.
Ben and Jerry’s has a flavor graveyard tour.
Visitors to the Ben and Jerry’s factory in Vermont can take a tour that includes a visit to the flavor graveyard, where they can pay their respects to the discontinued flavors.
Ben and Jerry’s has over 600 Scoop Shops worldwide.
From its humble beginnings in Vermont, Ben and Jerry’s has grown into a global brand, with over 600 Scoop Shops scattered across the world.
Ben and Jerry’s has a strong focus on community involvement.
Ben and Jerry’s actively engages with local communities through various initiatives, including partnerships with nonprofit organizations, supporting local events, and promoting volunteerism.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Ben and Jerry’s is not just a popular ice cream brand, but a company with a rich history and a strong commitment to social responsibility. From their humble beginnings in a renovated gas station in Burlington, Vermont, to their worldwide success and recognition, Ben and Jerry’s has stayed true to their values of making delicious ice cream while promoting a better world.Through partnerships with local farmers, use of fair-trade ingredients, and the establishment of the Ben & Jerry’s Foundation, the company has shown their dedication to supporting sustainable agriculture, reducing their environmental impact, and advocating for social justice.Whether you’re a fan of their iconic flavors like Chunky Monkey or Phish Food, or you appreciate their mission-driven approach to business, there’s no denying that Ben and Jerry’s has made a significant impact on the ice cream industry and beyond.
FAQs
1. Where was the first Ben and Jerry’s scoop shop opened?
The first Ben and Jerry’s scoop shop was opened in a renovated gas station in Burlington, Vermont.
2. Are Ben and Jerry’s ingredients sourced ethically?
Ben and Jerry’s is committed to sourcing their ingredients ethically. They use fair-trade ingredients and work with local farmers to support sustainable agriculture.
3. Does Ben and Jerry’s support any charitable causes?
Yes, Ben and Jerry’s established the Ben & Jerry’s Foundation, which supports various social and environmental causes.
4. How many flavors does Ben and Jerry’s offer?
Ben and Jerry’s offers a wide range of flavors, with over 60 different options to choose from.
5. Are there any dairy-free options available?
Yes, Ben and Jerry’s has a selection of dairy-free flavors made with almond milk or sunflower butter as a base.
6. Does Ben and Jerry’s offer any limited-time flavors?
Yes, Ben and Jerry’s regularly releases limited-time flavors that are available for a short period.
7. Where can I find Ben and Jerry’s products?
Ben and Jerry’s products are available in their scoop shops, grocery stores, and online through their website.
8. Does Ben and Jerry’s have any initiatives to reduce their environmental impact?
Yes, Ben and Jerry’s has implemented various initiatives to reduce their environmental impact, such as using responsibly sourced packaging and investing in renewable energy.
9. Can I visit the Ben and Jerry’s factory?
Yes, you can visit the Ben and Jerry’s factory in Waterbury, Vermont, where you can take a guided tour and sample their delicious ice cream.
10. Does Ben and Jerry’s offer any options for people with dietary restrictions?
Yes, Ben and Jerry’s offers several options for people with dietary restrictions, including dairy-free, gluten-free, and low-calorie options.
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