Ben Cohen Net Worth: The Sweet Success of an Ice Cream Icon and Activist

If you’ve ever enjoyed a scoop of Cherry Garcia, Half Baked, or Phish Food, you have Ben Cohen to thank. At 73 years old in 2025, Cohen is best known as the co-founder of Ben & Jerry’s, the legendary ice cream company that has delighted taste buds and championed social causes for decades.

With a net worth of $150 million, Cohen has built more than just a brand—he’s created a business model that blends profit with purpose. His journey from a struggling entrepreneur to a globally recognized activist-businessman is nothing short of inspiring.

So, how did a high school ice cream man go on to create one of the world’s most beloved brands? Let’s take a deep dive into the life and legacy of Ben Cohen.

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Early Life: The Seeds of an Entrepreneur

Bennett Cohen was born on March 18, 1951, in New York City. Raised in a Jewish household in Merrick, New York, Cohen’s early years were filled with curiosity and creativity. His parents, Frances and Irving Cohen, encouraged his adventurous spirit, and he spent summers at Buck’s Rock Performing and Creative Arts Camp in Connecticut.

His life changed when he met Jerry Greenfield in seventh grade gym class. The two became fast friends and would later go into business together, creating one of the most successful ice cream companies in history.

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After high school, Cohen enrolled at Colgate University but soon dropped out in 1972. He worked a variety of jobs, including taxi driver, McDonald’s cashier, ER clerk, and even a Pinkerton guard. But his true passion was hands-on, creative work, which led him to learn the art of making ice cream.

The Birth of Ben & Jerry’s

In 1978, Cohen and Greenfield decided to start a business together. Initially, they wanted to open a bagel shop, but the equipment costs were too high. Instead, they pivoted to ice cream, a decision that would shape their futures.

With just $8,000 in savings and a $4,000 bank loan, they enrolled in a $5 ice cream-making course at Pennsylvania State University and set up shop in Burlington, Vermont. Their first store, Ben & Jerry’s Homemade Ice Cream Parlor, opened in a renovated gas station, selling unique flavors made with the richest ingredients.

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By 1980, their homemade ice cream was being sold in grocery stores, and by 1987, the company was valued at $30 million. What set Ben & Jerry’s apart wasn’t just the delicious flavors—it was the company’s commitment to social activism and community engagement.

A Company With a Conscience

From the beginning, Cohen and Greenfield saw business as a tool for social change. While most corporations focused solely on profit, Ben & Jerry’s built its brand around progressive values.

Some of their groundbreaking initiatives included:

• Fair Trade Ingredients – Sourcing from Certified Humane cage-free farms and non-GMO producers.
• Environmental Responsibility – Using eco-friendly packaging and supporting climate change initiatives.
• Charitable Giving – Donating 7.5% of company pre-tax profits to charity.
• Living Wage Commitment – Ensuring fair wages for all employees.

In a 2021 interview with Delish, Cohen explained:

“Instead of spending a lot of money trying to make ourselves look good, let’s just… be good. We’ve got it so that people are buying ice cream and enjoying it more because they agree with the values of the people who make it.”

The Unilever Acquisition: A Bittersweet Deal

By the late 1990s, Ben & Jerry’s had become a global powerhouse, with hundreds of stores worldwide. But with growth came challenges, and in 2000, Cohen and Greenfield faced a tough decision—whether to sell the company.

In April 2000, Unilever acquired Ben & Jerry’s for $326 million. It was a move that some saw as a corporate takeover, but Cohen and Greenfield negotiated a unique deal that ensured their company’s mission remained intact.

The agreement included:

• Maintaining an independent Board of Directors to oversee social initiatives.
• Ensuring fair wages for Vermont dairy farmers.
• Continuing the company’s charitable contributions.
• Guaranteeing Ben & Jerry’s core values would not be compromised.

Although Cohen stepped down as CEO in 1996, and neither he nor Greenfield have been involved in day-to-day operations since 2000, they both continue to receive a salary from Unilever.

A Life of Activism and Philanthropy

Cohen has dedicated much of his post-Ben & Jerry’s life to progressive activism. He co-founded the Ben & Jerry’s Foundation, which funds grassroots organizations working for social justice and environmental sustainability.

He has also led campaigns against corporate greed, wealth inequality, and political corruption. Some of his key initiatives include:

• Business Leaders for Sensible Priorities – Advocating for budget reallocations from military to social programs.
• TrueMajority – A progressive advocacy group.
• Stamp Stampede – A movement to get big money out of politics.
• Bernie Sanders Support – Cohen was an early and vocal supporter of Sanders’ presidential campaigns.

His activism has even led to arrests, including a 2016 protest in Washington, D.C., where he and Greenfield were detained while advocating for democracy reforms.

The Controversial Israel Boycott

In July 2021, Ben & Jerry’s made international headlines by announcing a boycott of Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank. The move sparked heated debates, with some applauding the decision and others accusing the company of anti-Israel bias.

Despite no longer running the company, Cohen and Greenfield supported the decision, emphasizing their commitment to human rights and ethical business practices.

Personal Life and Unique Challenges

One of the most fascinating aspects of Cohen’s life is that he suffers from anosmia, a condition that limits his ability to taste and smell.

In a 2021 interview, he revealed:

“When Jerry and I first started creating flavors, he’d give me something to taste. He’d say, ‘How do you like it?’ And I’d say, ‘It’s good. But I can’t tell what flavor it is.’ So he would just keep adding more flavoring until I could guess.”

This condition led to the company’s signature chunky ice cream, as Cohen relied more on texture and mouthfeel than taste.

What’s Next for Ben Cohen?

At 73 years old, Cohen remains active in philanthropy, activism, and political advocacy. Though he no longer runs Ben & Jerry’s, his impact on business and social justice is undeniable.

Some of his current projects include:

• Pushing for corporate accountability and fair wages.
• Fighting for climate change policies.
• Continuing his work with progressive political movements.

A Sweet Legacy

Ben Cohen’s story is more than just ice cream—it’s about innovation, integrity, and social responsibility. From a small Vermont shop to a billion-dollar brand, he has shown the world that business can be both profitable and principled.

With a $150 million net worth, Cohen has used his success to advocate for change, proving that even the simplest ideas—like making delicious ice cream—can lead to a legacy that lasts a lifetime.

And for that, we’ll always be grateful for the scoop of kindness that Ben Cohen brought to the world.