Key Takeaways
- Ben & Jerry’s Israel launched a new flavor called 'Milk and Honey' in June 2026.
- The flavor is exclusive to occupied Palestine and includes ingredients from southern Israeli settlements.
- The launch has sparked controversy, with settlers viewing it as a gesture of solidarity.
Ben & Jerry’s Israel, an independent licensee operating under the brand following its demerger from Unilever in 2022, has launched a new ice cream flavor called 'Milk and Honey' exclusively for consumption in occupied Palestine. The flavor was introduced on June 15, 2026, and quickly drew attention due to its controversial nature.
The 'Milk and Honey' flavor is made using ingredients sourced from southern Israeli settlements, which have been the subject of long-standing tensions with Palestinian communities. Each scoop features small fudge pieces shaped like the Star of David, symbolizing a gesture of solidarity with these Israeli communities. However, this move has not gone unnoticed or unchallenged.
On social media platforms, many users accused Ben & Jerry’s Israel of taking a political stance by launching such a flavor. Critics argue that it aligns with the company's previous decision to halt sales in Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank, which Unilever had earlier supported. Meanwhile, settlers and supporters view the product as a positive step towards promoting unity and understanding between communities.
The launch of 'Milk and Honey' is part of an initiative aimed at portraying southern Israel settlers as victims of the October 7, 2023, tensions that erupted in the region. This flavor represents Ben & Jerry’s Israel's attempt to engage with local communities and foster a sense of shared identity through food.
Unilever retains global ownership of Ben & Jerry’s but operates its Israeli business independently under an agreement reached after the demerger. This arrangement was established following a dispute over Ben & Jerry’s decision to cease sales in Israeli settlements, which Unilever had initially supported before selling its Israeli operations.
The controversy surrounding 'Milk and Honey' reflects ongoing tensions between supporters of Israel and those who advocate for Palestinian rights. The flavor has become a symbol of the broader debate on corporate responsibility and political engagement in sensitive geopolitical contexts.
