I grew up eating Ben & Jerry’s. It was a household staple, especially when my dad came back from the grocery store with funky flavors like Half Baked or Phish Food. I loved the creativity, the chunks, the swirls, and the feeling that this ice cream wasn’t like any other brand.
What I didn’t know then — and only recently started learning — is that Ben & Jerry’s has spent decades doing more than just making amazing ice cream. They’ve been leading the way in corporate activism and social responsibility. Their approach to CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) isn’t just a marketing strategy — it’s woven into everything they do, from sourcing ingredients to calling out injustice.
Centering Values
Ben & Jerry’s was founded in 1978 with a mission that blended business with social good. Today, their three-part mission still drives every decision:
- Product Mission: Make fantastic ice cream using high-quality, ethically sourced ingredients.
- Economic Mission: Operate on a sustainable financial model that rewards stakeholders.
- Social Mission: Use their business to advance progressive social change.
This commitment shows up in everything from using Fairtrade-certified cocoa and sugar to working with sustainable dairy suppliers through the Caring Dairy program. They even push for GMO labeling and limit their use of palm oil to avoid deforestation.
Speaking Up When It Matters
Ben & Jerry’s takes stances where most companies stay silent — and that’s what makes them stand out.
- Racial Justice: After the murder of George Floyd, they released a statement titled “Silence Is Not an Option”, explicitly calling for the dismantling of white supremacy. It wasn’t vague or PR-polished — it was rooted in history and action.
- Climate Advocacy: Their Save Our Swirled campaign connected climate change to their core identity, even redesigning pints to raise awareness and donating to organizations like 350.org.
- LGBTQ+ Rights: They’ve supported marriage equality with renamed flavors like Hubby Hubby and have backed trans rights legislation.
Why It Works
Ben & Jerry’s campaigns work because they’re consistent, honest, and backed by real action. From the ingredients they source to the people they hire and the messages they put into the world, the brand’s values are transparent and authentic.
It’s easy to become skeptical of corporate messaging, especially when so many brands post a rainbow logo in June or a black square during a protest, only to go silent after. Ben & Jerry’s doesn’t do that. They stay engaged — even when it’s controversial.
CSR That Doesn’t Sugarcoat Anything
As someone who used to just pick Ben & Jerry’s based on the flavor name or cookie dough chunks, it’s been inspiring to learn how much this brand truly stands for. Their version of CSR is loud, unapologetic, and deeply rooted in long-term impact — not just feel-good branding.
Ben & Jerry’s has proven that companies don’t have to stay neutral to succeed. In fact, standing up for something can build stronger relationships with customers who care. Ice cream may be their product, but activism is part of their identity — and that makes every pint feel a little more meaningful.
Ben and Jerry’s Values: https://www.benjerry.com/values
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