The Classic Dairy Recipe: Heavy Cream and Condensed Skim Milk
Ben & Jerry's signature smooth and rich texture comes from a specific combination of dairy ingredients. Their classic dairy-based ice cream is made primarily from heavy cream and condensed skim milk. These ingredients are sourced from a network of farms that supply the brand with raw milk, which is then separated at a creamery into these two key components. The heavy cream provides the majority of the fat content, which is crucial for a premium ice cream's creamy mouthfeel and dense consistency. For example, super-premium ice creams like Ben & Jerry's can contain around 16% butterfat, a factor that prevents the formation of large, icy crystals and slows down melting. The condensed skim milk adds 'milk solids not fat' (MSNF), which enhances the flavor and further improves the texture and consistency by binding water and fat molecules. This carefully balanced blend is what creates the decadent experience Ben & Jerry's fans know and love.
Sourcing Through the Caring Dairy Program
Beyond just the ingredients, Ben & Jerry's is transparent about where they get their milk, primarily through their 'Caring Dairy' program. This is a values-led sourcing initiative that partners with family-owned farms to ensure high standards for sustainability, animal welfare, and farmworker rights. In North America, much of their milk comes from the St. Albans Cooperative Creamery in Vermont, from farms that participate in this program.
- Farmer & Farmworker Livelihood: Through a partnership with the Milk with Dignity program, farmworkers are guaranteed better working conditions, fair pay, and safe housing.
- Animal Welfare: The program includes rigorous animal welfare standards, with many participating farms audited by independent organizations like the Global Animal Partnership (GAP).
- Environmental Stewardship: Farms are encouraged to adopt regenerative agricultural practices, such as cover cropping and conservation tillage, to improve soil health and reduce environmental impact.
This commitment to ethical sourcing means that the dairy in every spoonful of Ben & Jerry's ice cream is connected to a larger social and environmental mission. Learn more about Ben & Jerry's Caring Dairy Program.
The Rise of Non-Dairy: Almond and Oat Milk
Ben & Jerry's also offers a wide range of non-dairy options for those who prefer plant-based alternatives. Over the years, the brand has explored different milk alternatives to create a creamy, rich texture without dairy. Their certified vegan flavors were previously made with an almond milk base, but many of the recipes have now transitioned to a new, creamier oat milk base. This shift, noted in 2023, aimed to enhance the texture and overall indulgence of the non-dairy line. Depending on the specific flavor, customers might find pints made with oat milk, almond milk, or even sunflower butter. The use of these plant-based ingredients allows Ben & Jerry's to replicate the classic ice cream experience while catering to a growing demand for vegan and dairy-free options.
Comparison Table: Dairy vs. Non-Dairy Milk Basis
| Feature | Dairy-Based Ice Cream | Non-Dairy Ice Cream |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Milk Source | Heavy cream & condensed skim milk | Oat milk, almond milk, or sunflower butter |
| Fat Content | High; approx. 16% butterfat for super-premium | Varies; approx. 8-12% from plant-based fat sources |
| Sourcing | Caring Dairy farms in VT, Netherlands, etc. | Varies by supplier; part of values-led sourcing |
| Flavor Profile | Rich, classic dairy flavor; full-bodied and creamy | Creamy, often with a subtle hint of the base milk; excellent vehicle for chunks and swirls |
| Key Ingredients | Cream, skim milk, sugar, egg yolks, stabilizers | Plant-based milk, sugar, coconut oil, cocoa butter, stabilizers |
The Ben & Jerry's Production Process
Ben & Jerry's ice cream production process is a meticulous journey that begins with the milk. The raw milk is received at the cooperative creamery, where it is separated into heavy cream and condensed skim milk. From there, these dairy ingredients are transported to the Ben & Jerry's factories, where they meet the 'Mix Master'. In the 1000-gallon 'Blend Tank', the cream and skim milk are combined with other ingredients like liquid cane sugar, egg yolks, and natural stabilizers. For non-dairy options, a blend of plant-based milk and fats is used instead. This entire mixture is then pasteurized and stored before flavors, chunks, and swirls are added later in the process. The focus on high-quality ingredients and a structured process ensures consistency and premium taste in every pint.
The Final Scoop: Why Sourcing Matters
The ultimate answer to what kind of milk Ben and Jerry's use is not a single one, but a dual commitment to quality dairy and innovative non-dairy alternatives. For their classic ice cream, the choice of heavy cream and condensed skim milk, responsibly sourced through the Caring Dairy program, creates an incredibly rich and smooth product. For their plant-based line, the strategic shift to a creamier oat milk base demonstrates their dedication to providing an equally delicious experience for vegan consumers. This dual approach highlights the brand's larger mission to use business as a force for good, linking the simple act of choosing milk to broader commitments concerning farming practices, animal welfare, and ingredient quality. It's a testament to the idea that thoughtful sourcing, whether from a cooperative farm or a plant-based source, is the foundation of a truly euphoric scoop.
Conclusion
In summary, Ben & Jerry's uses a combination of heavy cream and condensed skim milk for its dairy flavors, and a variety of plant-based milks, including oat milk and almond milk, for its non-dairy products. The sourcing for both dairy and non-dairy ingredients is underpinned by their values, with dairy coming from farms participating in the rigorous Caring Dairy program. This careful selection of ingredients, guided by a commitment to quality and social responsibility, is what allows the company to produce the rich, chunky, and delicious flavors they are famous for. This approach provides a clear answer to what kind of milk Ben and Jerry's use and reflects their holistic approach to food production and business practices.
