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5 Shocking New Updates About Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream In 2025: Flavors, Lawsuits, And Social Justice

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As of December 15, 2025, the world of Ben & Jerry's is buzzing with more than just creamy swirls and chunky mix-ins. The iconic Vermont-based ice cream maker is undergoing a seismic shift, marked by its biggest new product launch in years and an escalating, high-stakes legal battle with its corporate parent, Unilever. This isn't just about dessert; it's about corporate ethics, political activism, and the future of a brand built on a progressive social mission. The brand, founded by childhood friends Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield, has always stood out for its commitment to using business as a force for good, a philosophy known as its three-part mission: Product, Economic, and Social. However, that very mission is now at the heart of a public and legal dispute that threatens the brand's unique identity. From new frozen novelties hitting the freezer aisle to co-founder resignations, here is the essential, up-to-date information every fan needs to know right now.

The New Era of Frozen Treats: 5 Must-Try Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream Bars

Ben & Jerry's is famous for its pints, but late 2025 and early 2026 mark a major expansion into the frozen novelty category with the launch of a brand-new line of Ice Cream Bars. This move is seen as a strategic effort to capture a larger share of the on-the-go treat market, offering the classic Ben & Jerry's experience in a convenient, handheld format. These new Ice Cream Bars are not simply existing flavors dipped in chocolate; they are crafted to deliver the signature "chunks and swirls" experience that fans expect. The five initial flavors rolling out nationwide include:
  • Cookie Dough: Vanilla ice cream with chunks of chocolate chip cookie dough, coated in a thick shell of chocolate.
  • Chocolate Fudge Brownie: A chocolate lover's dream, featuring rich chocolate ice cream and chunks of fudgy brownies.
  • Strawberry Cheesecake: Strawberry cheesecake ice cream with a graham cracker swirl, encased in a white chocolate coating.
  • PB Pretzel (Peanut Butter Pretzel): A blend of peanut butter ice cream, salty pretzel swirls, and a chocolate coating—a perfect sweet and salty combination.
  • Caramel Blondie: Vanilla ice cream with a caramel swirl and blondie brownie pieces.
This product line, available in four-bar multipacks, is already generating significant buzz among dessert enthusiasts, promising a new way to enjoy the brand's iconic creations. Beyond these bars, new pint flavors like Cookie Vermont-ster and Dulce De-lish have also been noted in international markets, hinting at more flavor innovation on the horizon for 2025.

The Corporate Battle: Why Ben & Jerry's is Suing Its Own Parent Company

The biggest headline dominating the brand's news cycle is the ongoing, explosive legal and ethical dispute between Ben & Jerry's and its parent company, Unilever. This conflict stems from a unique acquisition agreement made in 2000, which granted the independent board of Ben & Jerry's the authority to protect the brand's social mission and integrity. The core of the recent conflict revolves around several key issues:

Censorship and Political Activism

In a dramatic turn, Ben & Jerry's has sued Unilever, accusing the multinational conglomerate of breaching contractual agreements by attempting to censor and block the board's efforts to take a public stance on current social and political issues, specifically regarding the conflict in Gaza. The brand's independent board believes its right to speak on social justice issues, a cornerstone of its identity, is being suppressed by Unilever's corporate interests.

The Ousting of CEO David Stever

The conflict escalated with Ben & Jerry's publicly accusing Unilever of unlawfully ousting CEO David Stever. The brand alleges that Stever was removed specifically because of his support for the company's social and political activism, directly challenging the independence clause of the 2000 merger agreement. This move is seen by Ben & Jerry's as a direct attack on its Social Mission.

The Occupied Palestinian Territory (OPT) Dispute

The legal and public relations saga over the sale of ice cream in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (OPT) continues to be a major source of tension. Ben & Jerry's announced its decision to end sales in the OPT, stating that selling ice cream there was "inconsistent with our values." Unilever's subsequent attempt to sell the Israeli business unit to a local licensee sparked a major lawsuit, highlighting the deep rift over the brand's ethical commitments.

Co-Founder Jerry Greenfield’s Resignation

Adding to the turmoil, co-founder Jerry Greenfield resigned from the brand's board, expressing his disappointment and concern that the independence the company once had to speak up on social issues has been significantly diminished by Unilever's control. This resignation underscores the gravity of the dispute and the perceived threat to the brand's progressive spirit.

Beyond the Pint: Ben & Jerry's 2025 Social and Climate Commitments

Despite the corporate drama, the company remains dedicated to its progressive values and its three-part mission. The brand continues to focus on using its supply chain and business influence to drive positive change globally, reinforcing its identity as a values-led business.

Climate Justice and Fair Trade

Ben & Jerry's has reaffirmed its commitment to ambitious environmental goals. The company is actively working towards its 2025 and 2050 science-based climate goals, aiming to reduce its environmental footprint across its operations and supply chain. A significant part of this effort involves its use of Fair Trade ingredients, including sugar, cocoa, and vanilla, ensuring farmers receive a fair price and can invest in their communities. This commitment to Climate Justice is integrated into every pint.

Supporting Racial Equity

The brand continues its long-standing advocacy for Racial Equity and criminal justice reform. Ben & Jerry's uses its platform to support movements aimed at eliminating injustices and meeting human needs in communities across the globe. This activism is a deliberate part of its day-to-day business activities, distinguishing it from competitors who typically avoid political stances.

The Future of the Social Mission

The ongoing legal fight is ultimately about protecting the brand's ability to maintain its Social Mission. The independent board is fighting to ensure the company can continue to address issues like democracy, climate change, and human rights without corporate censorship. The outcome of the Unilever lawsuit will determine whether Ben & Jerry's can truly remain a progressive, nonpartisan voice in the corporate world. The brand's long-term success, according to its founders, hinges on its ability to remain authentically committed to its values.
ben and jerry ice cream
ben and jerry ice cream

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