Ben & Jerry’s Founder Clashes With Owner Over Gaza Flavor

Ben & Jerry’s co-founder Ben Cohen is accusing parent company Unilever of censoring free speech after it reportedly blocked the release of an ice cream flavor meant to promote peace in Gaza. In an interview with The Guardian, Cohen called Unilever’s decision a “corporate attack on free expression” and said it reflected a wider pattern of “corporate butt kissing” toward President Trump.

According to Cohen, Ben & Jerry’s independent board had approved the pro-Palestinian flavor about a year ago, but Unilever ultimately stopped it from moving forward. The company’s ice cream division, Magnum, confirmed that the proposal was shelved this summer, saying it was “not the right time” for such a product. Unilever pointed instead to other social initiatives, including one focused on protecting First Amendment rights in the United States.

The clash adds to years of tension between Ben & Jerry’s founders and Unilever, which bought the brand in 2000 but agreed to let an independent board guide its social mission. Cohen and his longtime partner Jerry Greenfield—who stepped down from the company in September—say Unilever has broken that promise.

In a lawsuit filed last year, Ben & Jerry’s alleged that Magnum’s CEO interfered with the company’s ability to publicly criticize President Trump. Unilever, for its part, says the independent board has no authority over Ben & Jerry’s commercial operations or product strategy, and that it remains committed to the brand’s mission of quality, sustainability, and social impact.

Now working independently, Cohen plans to release a limited-edition pro-Palestinian flavor through his new venture, Ben’s Best. He’s inviting the public to help name and design the ice cream, which he says will include watermelon—a recognized symbol of Palestinian solidarity.

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