Ben Cohen, co-founder of Ben & Jerry’s, is an American entrepreneur and activist with an estimated net worth of $152 million as of 2025.
| Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Benjamin Cohen |
| Date of Birth | March 18, 1951 |
| Gender | Male |
| Age | 74 years old (as of 2025) |
| Birthplace | Brooklyn, New York, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Profession | Entrepreneur, Activist |
| Height | 5 ft 10 in (178 cm) |
| Weight | Approx. 85 Kilograms |
| Marital Status | Divorced |
| Children | One daughter |
| Education | Attended Colgate University (did not graduate) |
| Net Worth | $152 Million |
| Zodiac Sign | Pisces |
| Known For | Co-founding Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream, Social Activism |
The Social Power of Ben Cohen
Ben has millions of followers on her social media accounts. Their distribution is as follows:
- Instagram: @yobencohen—20.6K followers
- Twitter: @YoBenCohen —71K followers
Early Life and Education
Born on March 18, 1951, in Brooklyn, New York, Ben Cohen was raised in Merrick, Long Island. His parents, Frances and Irving Cohen, were both involved in the arts—his mother a teacher and his father an accountant with a passion for sculpture. Cohen’s early exposure to creativity and community values would later influence his business philosophy.
Cohen met his future business partner, Jerry Greenfield, in junior high school. The two bonded over their shared experiences as social outcasts and their mutual disdain for gym class. After graduating from Calhoun High School, Cohen briefly attended Colgate University but dropped out in 1972. He later enrolled in Skidmore College’s University Without Walls program, which allowed him to explore various interests without a traditional academic structure.
Before founding Ben & Jerry’s, Cohen held various jobs, including taxi driver, McDonald’s cashier, and craft teacher. These experiences contributed to his understanding of hard work and the importance of treating employees with respect.
Founding of Ben & Jerry’s
In 1978, Cohen and Greenfield decided to start a business together. Initially considering a bagel shop, they pivoted to ice cream due to lower startup costs. They invested $8,000 of their savings and secured a $4,000 bank loan to open their first ice cream shop in a renovated gas station in Burlington, Vermont. To prepare, they took a $5 correspondence course in ice cream-making from Pennsylvania State University.
Cohen’s lack of a sense of smell (anosmia) led him to focus on texture in their ice cream, resulting in the signature chunky mix-ins that became a hallmark of Ben & Jerry’s products. The company’s unique flavors, such as “Cherry Garcia” and “Chunky Monkey,” quickly gained popularity.
By 1987, Ben & Jerry’s had grown into a $30 million enterprise, expanding into grocery stores and establishing a strong brand identity centered around social responsibility and community engagement.
Sale to Unilever
In 2000, Unilever acquired Ben & Jerry’s for $326 million. The acquisition included provisions to maintain the company’s social mission, allowing it to operate with an independent board overseeing its values and charitable initiatives. Despite initial concerns, the founders hoped that Unilever would continue to uphold the company’s commitment to social causes.
However, tensions arose over the years, particularly regarding the company’s political stances. In 2025, Cohen and Greenfield explored the possibility of buying back Ben & Jerry’s from Unilever, aiming to reinforce the company’s commitment to its original social values. Unilever, however, declined the offer, stating that Ben & Jerry’s was not for sale.
Activism and Philanthropy
Cohen is known for his activism, supporting various progressive causes. He co-founded the Ben & Jerry’s Foundation, which donates 7.5% of the company’s pre-tax profits to social initiatives. Cohen has also been involved in campaigns like Stamp Stampede, advocating for campaign finance reform.
In addition to his work with the foundation, Cohen has been active in various social and political movements. He has participated in protests against issues such as climate change, racial injustice, and corporate influence in politics. His commitment to activism has remained a central aspect of his identity, even after stepping back from day-to-day operations at Ben & Jerry’s.
He was arrested during a demonstration inside the U.S. Senate, where activists protested against military aid to Israel and the humanitarian situation in Gaza. The protest interrupted a hearing on Wednesday during testimony by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. According to U.S. Capitol Police, Cohen was charged with a misdemeanor, while six other protesters were taken into custody and face more severe charges.
Ben Cohen, co-founder of Ben & Jerry’s, was arrested by US Capitol Police after protesting the war in Gaza during Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s Senate hearing https://t.co/7uZubLynUT pic.twitter.com/pMa16qEoss
— Reuters (@Reuters) May 15, 2025
Personal Life
Cohen is divorced and has one daughter. He resides in Vermont and continues to be active in social and political causes. Despite his wealth, Cohen is known for his modest lifestyle and dedication to philanthropy.
In recent years, Cohen has focused on writing and speaking engagements, sharing his experiences as an entrepreneur and activist. He remains a vocal advocate for social justice and continues to inspire others through his work and personal example.
Recent Developments
In 2025, Cohen and Greenfield explored the possibility of buying back Ben & Jerry’s from Unilever, aiming to reinforce the company’s commitment to its original social values. Unilever, however, declined the offer, stating that Ben & Jerry’s was not for sale.
Additionally, Cohen was arrested in 2025 during a protest against the Gaza blockade at a U.S. Senate hearing. He was charged with “crowding and obstructing” after standing up during the session to denounce Congress’s role in funding bombs while reducing Medicaid access, which he claims harms both Palestinian and American children. Cohen called for easing the Israeli siege on Gaza, which has lasted 11 weeks and led to severe shortages of food, fuel, and medicine for its 2.3 million residents. The region is now at critical risk of famine, according to food security experts.
Conclusion
Ben Cohen’s journey from a small ice cream shop owner to a multimillionaire activist exemplifies the fusion of business success with social responsibility. His legacy continues to inspire entrepreneurs and activists alike.
FAQs
1) Who is Ben Cohen?
Ben Cohen is an American entrepreneur, activist, and co-founder of the ice cream company Ben & Jerry’s.
2) What is Ben Cohen’s net worth?
Ben Cohen’s estimated net worth is around $152 million as of 2025.
3) What is the height of Ben Cohen?
Ben Cohen is approximately 5 feet 10 inches tall.
4) What is the weight of Ben Cohen?
Ben Cohen weighs about 85 kilograms.
5) Where was Ben Cohen born?
Ben Cohen was born in Brooklyn, New York, United States.
6) What is Ben Cohen’s birthdate?
Ben Cohen was born on March 18, 1951.
7) What is the age of Ben Cohen?
Ben Cohen is 74 years old as of 2025.
8) What is the nationality of Ben Cohen?
Ben Cohen is an American.
9) Does Ben Cohen have children?
Yes, Ben Cohen has one daughter.
10) Is Ben Cohen married?
Ben Cohen is divorced.
11) What is Ben Cohen known for?
He is best known for co-founding Ben & Jerry’s and his ongoing work in social activism and progressive causes.
