Ben Cohen is more than just a guy who made great ice cream. He’s a business legend, a bold activist, and a strong voice for fairness and change. In 2025, his net worth is estimated to be around $150 million. But that number doesn’t tell the full story.
Let’s take a closer look at how Ben built his fortune, where his money comes from today, and why he’s so respected both in business and beyond.
The Humble Beginning of a Big Scoop
Ben Cohen was born in 1951 in Brooklyn, New York. Like many people, he didn’t come from wealth. He wasn’t the top student either, struggling with a condition called anosmia, which made it hard for him to smell. Ironically, that played a part in how Ben & Jerry’s ice cream got its rich texture—because Ben had to focus more on texture than taste.
He met his best friend and future business partner, Jerry Greenfield, in junior high school. In 1978, the two friends decided to start an ice cream business with just $12,000, including a small loan. They opened their first shop in a gas station in Burlington, Vermont. That decision changed their lives—and dessert history—forever.
Ben & Jerry’s: The Brand That Mixed Flavours and Values
Ben & Jerry’s wasn’t just about creative flavours like “Cherry Garcia” or “Chunky Monkey.” It was about values. From early on, Ben pushed for fair wages, local sourcing, and environmental care. The brand stood out not just for taste, but also for its strong message of doing good.
The company grew quickly through the 1980s and 1990s. Their bold marketing, social missions, and unique ice cream flavours attracted fans across the world.
The Big Sale to Unilever
In 2000, Ben & Jerry’s was sold to Unilever for around $326 million. This was a huge business move. But it also raised concerns—would the brand lose its soul?
Ben and Jerry agreed to the sale only after securing a unique deal. A separate board would oversee the social mission side of the company. This helped protect the values that had made the brand so loved.
Ben didn’t walk away with the entire $326 million, of course. He and Jerry owned shares, not the whole company. Still, the sale gave Ben a very comfortable position financially, pushing his net worth well into the multi-million range.
Where His Money Comes From in 2025
Today, Ben Cohen’s estimated net worth is $150 million. This comes from a mix of sources:
- Ben & Jerry’s stock earnings and bonuses before the sale
- Payouts from the 2000 Unilever acquisition
- Speaking fees and public appearances
- Book sales and interviews
- New business ventures, including his recent cannabis startup
- Investments in ethical and progressive businesses
Ben has also made smart financial decisions. He’s not flashy with his money, which helps him preserve wealth over time.
Ben’s Best Blnz: A Different Kind of Business
One of Ben’s newest projects is Ben’s Best Blnz, also known as B3. It’s a nonprofit cannabis company. Sounds odd for an ice cream guy? Maybe—but it makes sense when you know Ben.
The goal of B3 is not just selling cannabis products. It’s about fixing social damage caused by the War on Drugs. A large part of profits from B3 is used to support Black-owned businesses and criminal justice reform.
In Ben’s words, he’s trying to “legalise justice.” That’s not just a catchy slogan—it’s a mission backed with real money.
He’s Always Been Loud About What He Believes
Ben Cohen is not the kind of person to stay quiet about injustice. He’s been arrested for protesting, supported various political campaigns, and started the Stamp Stampede, a campaign to end big money in politics.
He uses his fame and fortune to push for what he sees as a fairer world. From climate change to racial equity to campaign finance reform, Ben puts his time and money where his values are.
This activism hasn’t always made him popular in corporate circles. But for everyday people, it’s what makes him stand out.
Ben’s Personal Life: Down-to-Earth and Community-Focused
Even with his wealth, Ben lives a simple life. He still calls Vermont home. He enjoys working on projects that mean something to him. He doesn’t chase luxury or social media fame.
Unlike many celebrities or millionaires, he doesn’t show off his house, cars, or travel. Instead, he focuses on being present in his community and supporting causes he cares about.
He’s proof that you can be rich and still stay grounded.
A Net Worth That Goes Beyond Money
So, is Ben Cohen rich? Definitely. But what’s more impressive than the $150 million is how he uses it.
He didn’t just stop at making money. He looked at ways to make a difference, and that’s something you can’t always measure with numbers.
He started with ice cream. Now, he’s trying to fix deep problems in society.
Whether it’s through funding reform projects or launching businesses with a purpose, Ben’s work continues to show that finance and fairness can go hand in hand.
Final Thoughts
Ben Cohen’s net worth in 2025 tells part of the story. But the real value lies in his choices.
He built a successful business, sold it wisely, and kept pushing for change even when it was hard. That makes him more than just a millionaire. It makes him a model for socially responsible business in today’s world.
And hey—if you can make a difference and make some really good ice cream along the way, why not?
