Ben & Jerry's Faces Backlash Over Free Cone Day

Activists protest company's ties to parent corporation Unilever amid fight over brand's social mission.

Apr. 14, 2026 at 11:29pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A bold, graphic illustration in the style of Saul Bass, using stark black silhouettes and high-contrast solid colors like red and white to represent the conflict between Ben & Jerry's social mission and its corporate ownership by Unilever.The battle over Ben & Jerry's social values intensifies as the iconic ice cream brand faces pressure to stay true to its progressive roots.Burlington Today

As hundreds of people lined up for the annual Free Cone Day at the Ben & Jerry's scoop shop in downtown Burlington, Vermont, a group of activists gathered just blocks away to protest the ice cream company's ties to its parent corporation Unilever. The protesters are demanding that Ben & Jerry's remain true to its social justice roots and not compromise its progressive values.

Why it matters

Ben & Jerry's was founded in the 1970s as a socially conscious business, supporting progressive causes and using its platform to advocate for social change. However, the company's acquisition by the multinational conglomerate Unilever in 2000 has raised concerns that it may be moving away from its mission-driven roots in pursuit of profits.

The details

The protesters, who call themselves "Free THE Cone Day," are urging Ben & Jerry's to sever its relationship with Unilever and remain an independent, values-driven company. They argue that Unilever's business practices, including its ties to the fossil fuel industry and history of human rights abuses, are at odds with Ben & Jerry's stated commitment to social and environmental responsibility.

  • Ben & Jerry's annual Free Cone Day took place on Tuesday, April 14, 2026.
  • The "Free THE Cone Day" protest occurred concurrently with the Free Cone Day event.

The players

Ben & Jerry's

A Vermont-based ice cream company founded in 1978 with a mission to use its business to support progressive social causes. Ben & Jerry's was acquired by the multinational corporation Unilever in 2000.

Unilever

A British-Dutch consumer goods conglomerate that acquired Ben & Jerry's in 2000. Unilever has faced criticism for its business practices, including ties to the fossil fuel industry and a history of human rights abuses.

Free THE Cone Day

A group of activists protesting Ben & Jerry's ties to Unilever and demanding that the ice cream company remain true to its social justice mission.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Ben & Jerry's was founded on principles of social and environmental responsibility. By aligning with Unilever, they're betraying those values and turning their back on the very community that made them successful.”

— Sarah Thompson, Organizer, Free THE Cone Day

“We're not against free ice cream, but we're here to remind Ben & Jerry's that they have a responsibility to stay true to their roots and not let Unilever water down their progressive mission.”

— Alex Perez, Activist, Free THE Cone Day

What’s next

The protesters have vowed to continue their campaign to pressure Ben & Jerry's to sever ties with Unilever and remain an independent, mission-driven company. They plan to stage more demonstrations and public awareness efforts in the coming months.

The takeaway

This conflict highlights the ongoing tension between profit-driven corporate interests and mission-driven social enterprises. As Ben & Jerry's navigates its relationship with Unilever, it must grapple with how to balance its commitment to progressive values with the realities of operating as a subsidiary of a global conglomerate.