Ben Cohen, co-founder of the iconic ice cream brand Ben & Jerry’s, has built an empire that has not only revolutionized the frozen dessert industry but also set the gold standard for socially responsible business practices. As of 2025, Ben Cohen’s estimated net worth is around $150 million. His wealth stems from the massive success of Ben & Jerry’s, his investments, and his continued activism in progressive causes.
Cohen’s journey from a struggling entrepreneur to a multi-millionaire philanthropist is a story of innovation, perseverance, and a commitment to making the world a better place. Let’s dive into his incredible career, personal life, and how he built his fortune.
Early Life and Education
Born on March 18, 1951, in Brooklyn, New York, Ben Cohen (now 73 years old) grew up in Merrick, Long Island. His interest in business and creativity developed at a young age, but he struggled academically due to severe dyslexia. Despite this, Cohen’s entrepreneurial spirit never wavered.
After high school, he briefly attended Colgate University and Skidmore College but dropped out before earning a degree. During his early years, Cohen worked various odd jobs, including driving an ice cream truck, working as a janitor, and crafting pottery. These experiences shaped his work ethic and inspired his later business ventures.
The Birth of Ben & Jerry’s: From $12,000 to a Global Ice Cream Empire
In 1978, Cohen teamed up with his childhood friend Jerry Greenfield to start an ice cream business. The duo took a $5 correspondence course in ice cream-making from Penn State University and invested $12,000 (including a $4,000 loan) to open their first Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream shop in a renovated gas station in Burlington, Vermont.
Innovating the Ice Cream Industry
What set Ben & Jerry’s apart was Cohen’s unique approach to ice cream texture and mix-ins. Due to his anosmia (a condition that reduces his sense of smell and taste), Cohen relied on texture to enhance his experience of food. This led to the chunky, loaded flavors that became a signature of the brand, including classics like Chunky Monkey, Cherry Garcia, and Half Baked.
Within a few years, the company expanded beyond Vermont, becoming a national sensation thanks to its high-quality ingredients, fun flavors, and quirky branding.
Ben Cohen’s Business Success and Net Worth Growth
Expanding Ben & Jerry’s into a Global Brand
By the mid-1980s, Ben & Jerry’s had grown into one of the most recognized ice cream brands in the U.S. They introduced pioneering business strategies, such as:
- Profit-sharing with employees
- Sourcing dairy from humane and sustainable farms
- Promoting progressive social causes through marketing
By the 1990s, Ben & Jerry’s had expanded internationally, generating hundreds of millions in annual revenue.
The Unilever Buyout: A Multi-Million Dollar Deal
In 2000, Unilever acquired Ben & Jerry’s for $326 million, significantly boosting Cohen’s net worth. Despite selling the company, Cohen ensured that Ben & Jerry’s retained its social mission under Unilever’s ownership.
Ben Cohen’s Estimated Net Worth in 2025
With the Unilever buyout, Cohen received a substantial financial payout. His estimated net worth in 2025 is $150 million, accumulated through:
- The Ben & Jerry’s acquisition deal
- Ongoing business investments
- Stock market and real estate ventures
- Philanthropic efforts and social enterprises
Activism and Philanthropy: Using Wealth for Social Change
Unlike many entrepreneurs who focus solely on wealth accumulation, Cohen has used his fortune to champion progressive causes. He has been actively involved in:
- Racial and economic justice movements
- Advocacy for campaign finance reform
- Support for criminal justice reform and ending mass incarceration
Cohen co-founded organizations such as Stamp Stampede, aimed at fighting corporate influence in politics. He has also donated millions to non-profits and grassroots movements supporting social justice.
Ben Cohen’s Personal Life and Family
Cohen has largely maintained a private life outside of his business and activism. He has been married to Cynthia Larson for several years, and the couple shares a deep commitment to philanthropy and social change. They live in Vermont, where Cohen remains deeply involved in local community initiatives.
Despite being a multi-millionaire, Cohen is known for his humble lifestyle. He prefers simple living over lavish spending, often driving used cars and focusing his wealth on impact-driven projects rather than luxury.
Legacy: More Than Just an Ice Cream Mogul
Ben Cohen’s legacy extends far beyond Ben & Jerry’s. While his innovations in the ice cream industry made him famous, his greatest impact lies in his commitment to ethical business practices and activism.
Key Contributions to Business and Society:
✅ Revolutionized the ice cream industry with unique flavors and quality ingredients
✅ Pioneered corporate social responsibility (CSR) before it became mainstream
✅ Leveraged his wealth for activism, promoting equality and justice
✅ Inspired a new generation of entrepreneurs to balance profit with purpose
Today, Ben Cohen remains one of the most influential business leaders in the world, proving that success doesn’t have to come at the expense of social responsibility.
Final Thoughts
With an estimated net worth of $150 million, Ben Cohen’s wealth is a testament to his innovation, dedication, and ethical business practices. From co-founding Ben & Jerry’s with just $12,000 to becoming an international icon, his journey is both inspiring and instructive.
While many entrepreneurs focus solely on financial success, Cohen has shown that business can be a force for good, using his platform to push for social change. His work in activism, philanthropy, and progressive causes ensures that his legacy will continue shaping future generations.
At 73 years old, Ben Cohen remains as passionate as ever about fighting injustice, supporting ethical business, and making a difference in the world. His journey is proof that true wealth is measured not just in dollars, but in impact.
