What Ben & Jerry's Is and Where to Find It
Ben & Jerry's is an ice cream brand owned by Unilever that sells scooped ice cream at dedicated shops, grocery stores, and some restaurants. You can walk into a Ben & Jerry's location and order a cone or cup, or you can buy pints from the freezer section of most supermarkets. The brand is known for chunky mix-ins — cookie dough, brownie pieces, peanut butter cups — rather than smooth, plain flavors.
Ben & Jerry's shops are located in most U.S. cities and many countries worldwide. You can find the nearest location using their website store locator. Hours vary by location, but most shops are open from mid-morning through evening, seven days a week. Some locations close seasonally in colder climates.
If you prefer to shop at home, Ben & Jerry's pints are stocked in the frozen section of grocery chains like Whole Foods, Target, Kroger, Safeway, and Walmart. Pints typically cost between $5 and $7 depending on the store and whether there is a sale running.
Key Takeaways
- Ben & Jerry's shops serve scooped ice cream by the cone or cup, while pints are sold in grocery store freezers for home consumption.
- A single scoop at a shop costs roughly $5 to $7, and a pint from a grocery store runs $5 to $7, though prices vary by location and sales.
- The brand rotates seasonal and limited-edition flavors alongside year-round core flavors like Vanilla, Chocolate, and Cookie Dough.
- Ben & Jerry's offers non-dairy options made with oat, almond, or coconut milk for people who avoid dairy.
- You can find locations and check flavor availability through the Ben & Jerry's website or by calling a shop directly.
How Pricing Works at Ben & Jerry's Shops
When you order at a Ben & Jerry's shop, you pay per scoop. A single scoop typically costs $5 to $7, depending on the location and local market. A double scoop costs roughly $8 to $11. Prices are higher in urban areas and tourist destinations than in suburban or rural locations.
You choose your flavor and whether you want a cone or cup. Cone options usually include sugar cones, waffle cones, and sometimes chocolate-dipped or specialty cones. Cups come in small, medium, and large sizes. Toppings like sprinkles, whipped cream, or chocolate sauce are usually included at no extra charge, though some locations charge a small fee for premium add-ons.
Most Ben & Jerry's shops accept cash, credit cards, and debit cards. Some locations also accept mobile payment apps like Apple Pay or Google Pay. Tax is included in the price you see on the menu board.
Understanding the Flavor Lineup
Ben & Jerry's maintains a core set of year-round flavors that are always available, including Vanilla, Chocolate, Strawberry, Cookie Dough, and Chunky Monkey. These are the flavors you can count on finding at any location any time of year.
Beyond the core lineup, the brand releases seasonal flavors that rotate with the time of year. Summer might bring flavors like Cherry Garcia or Mint Chocolate Cookie, while winter introduces Peppermint Bark or Eggnog. Limited-edition flavors appear for a few months and then disappear, sometimes returning years later.
Ben & Jerry's also partners with other brands to create co-branded flavors. Past collaborations have included flavors inspired by popular cookie brands, candy companies, and even Netflix shows. These limited editions are available only while supplies last and typically for a set window of time.
You can check which flavors are currently available at your local shop by visiting the Ben & Jerry's website, calling the location directly, or asking when you arrive. Flavor availability can vary between shops, especially for limited editions.
Non-Dairy and Dietary Options
Ben & Jerry's offers non-dairy ice cream made with oat milk, almond milk, or coconut milk as a substitute for traditional dairy ice cream. These products have the same chunky mix-ins and flavor variety as the regular line. Non-dairy pints are sold in grocery stores alongside regular pints, usually in the same freezer section.
The brand also makes sorbet and other frozen desserts that contain no dairy or eggs. These are typically fruit-based and have a lighter texture than ice cream. Availability of non-dairy and sorbet options varies by location and season.
If you have a specific dietary concern — nut allergies, gluten sensitivity, or vegan requirements — ask the staff at your local shop or check the Ben & Jerry's website for ingredient lists and allergen information. Staff can tell you which flavors are safe for your diet.
Buying Pints at the Grocery Store
Ben & Jerry's pints are sold in the frozen dessert section of most supermarkets. A pint contains about four servings, though many people eat more or less depending on portion size. Pints cost between $5 and $7 at most stores, though sales and promotions can lower the price to $3 or $4.
When you buy a pint, check the expiration date on the lid or side of the container. Ben & Jerry's pints typically stay fresh for several months when stored in a freezer at 0°F or below. Once you open a pint, it is best consumed within a few days, though it will not spoil if left longer — it may just develop ice crystals.
Some grocery stores offer loyalty programs that give discounts on ice cream purchases. Check your store's app or website to see if Ben & Jerry's pints are on sale for loyalty members. Warehouse clubs like Costco sometimes sell multi-packs of pints at a lower per-pint price than regular grocery stores.
What to Expect When You Visit a Shop
When you walk into a Ben & Jerry's shop, you will see a display case with ice cream flavors visible behind glass. A staff member will greet you and ask what you would like. You can ask to taste a flavor before ordering — most shops will give you a small sample on a tasting spoon at no charge.
After you choose your flavor and cone or cup type, the staff member will scoop the ice cream and hand it to you. If you want toppings, they will ask if you would like any. You then pay at the register, usually right at the counter.
Seating varies by location. Some shops have a few tables and chairs inside, while others are counter-service only. Many people take their ice cream to go. Ben & Jerry's shops are casual and family-friendly, with no dress code or reservation needed.
How to Find Locations and Check Availability
The Ben & Jerry's website has a store locator tool where you enter your city or zip code and see all nearby locations, hours, and contact information. You can also search "Ben & Jerry's near me" in Google Maps to see locations, hours, and customer reviews.
If you want to know whether a specific flavor is in stock before you visit, call the shop directly. Staff can tell you which flavors are available that day. This is especially useful if you are looking for a limited-edition or seasonal flavor that may have sold out.
Some Ben & Jerry's locations are franchises run by independent owners, while others are company-owned. Hours, pricing, and flavor selection can vary slightly between locations, so calling ahead is worth the effort if you are traveling or looking for something specific.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I order Ben & Jerry's online for delivery?
Ben & Jerry's does not operate its own delivery service, but you can order pints through grocery delivery apps like Instacart, Amazon Fresh, or your local supermarket's delivery service. Some Ben & Jerry's shops partner with third-party delivery platforms like DoorDash or Uber Eats, though availability depends on your location. Call your nearest shop to ask if they offer delivery.
What is the difference between a Ben & Jerry's shop and a grocery store pint?
The ice cream itself is the same product. The main difference is that shops serve freshly scooped ice cream by the scoop, while grocery store pints are pre-packaged. Shops offer more flavor variety at any given moment and let you taste before buying. Pints are cheaper per ounce and let you take ice cream home to eat later.
Do Ben & Jerry's shops have a loyalty program?
Ben & Jerry's has run loyalty programs in the past, but availability varies by location and changes over time. Ask at your local shop whether they offer a punch card, app-based rewards, or other loyalty benefits. Some franchises run their own programs separate from the corporate program.
Are Ben & Jerry's flavors the same everywhere?
Core flavors are the same worldwide, but limited-edition and seasonal flavors may vary by region or country. Some flavors are released only in certain markets. Check the Ben & Jerry's website for your country to see the current lineup in your area.
How long does ice cream last in the freezer?
Ben & Jerry's pints stay fresh for several months when stored at 0°F or below. Check the expiration date on the container. Once opened, eat within a few days for best quality, though it will not spoil if left longer — it may just develop ice crystals or freezer burn on the surface.