Since the legalization of hemp cultivation in the recent Farm Bill, manufacturers have been contemplating the inclusion of CBD, a compound derived from the plant, in their future products. On Thursday, Ben & Jerry’s became the first brand to make a definitive statement regarding this issue. The company confirmed that it will produce CBD-infused frozen desserts once the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) establishes regulations. CEO Matthew McCarthy noted that consumer interest in incorporating the non-psychoactive substance into ice cream influenced this decision, as CBD is known for its anti-inflammatory properties and potential relaxation benefits. Chris Rivard, the flavor guru at Ben & Jerry’s overseeing the CBD initiative, echoed this sentiment in a conversation with Food Dive, stating, “We are a trend-driven company, and we are excited to explore this opportunity, hoping it encourages others in the industry to follow suit and generate momentum.”
It’s fitting that Ben & Jerry’s, recognized for its robust corporate values and premium flavors that celebrate hippie culture—like Cherry Garcia, Half Baked, and Phish Food—would be the first major food brand to commit to CBD-infused products. Rivard mentioned that discussions about this had been ongoing internally for several years. As CBD legalization became more feasible last year, the brand began exploring how to incorporate the substance into ice cream in a “fun and unique” manner. The company shared its intentions in a blog post on Thursday, emphasizing the importance of announcing their plans ahead of the FDA’s public hearing on CBD regulations. Rivard pointed out that by making this announcement now, consumers have ample time to provide feedback not only to Ben & Jerry’s but also to the FDA.
Despite Ben & Jerry’s significant announcement regarding CBD, many details remain uncertain. Rivard indicated that the company has yet to determine the specific flavors and products that will feature CBD, nor have they decided where these products will be available—whether in scoop shops, grocery store freezers, or both. “There’s still a lot of work to be done on our side,” he said. To date, much of the planning has involved discussions with individuals in the hemp and CBD sectors. Rivard explained that the company needs to address supply chain logistics, the chemistry of CBD, its effective dosages, and how to incorporate CBD and hemp’s natural characteristics such as smell, taste, and color. He acknowledged the challenges of working with CBD and stated that prototypes have yet to be developed, though they will be forthcoming.
One aspect Rivard is certain about is that the hemp used for CBD will align with the brand’s shared prosperity model, similar to their brownies sourced from a bakery with an open-door hiring policy and cookie dough from a supplier that employs refugees. According to the press release announcing their plans, the company is considering sustainably sourced hemp grown in Vermont, where Ben & Jerry’s is headquartered.
No products will be launched until comprehensive federal regulations governing CBD are established, even though some states may permit food products sooner. Rivard emphasized that, from Ben & Jerry’s perspective, any food or beverage containing CBD is currently illegal and unsuitable for consumption. There has been limited research into CBD in food and beverages, and it does not hold Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) status from the FDA, which means it is not federally approved as an ingredient. “It’s crucial for us that the FDA provides backing,” Rivard stated. “From a safety and regulatory standpoint, we are not willing to operate outside those guidelines.”
CBD is viewed as a potential game-changing ingredient in the food and beverage industry. While many small companies dedicated specifically to cannabis-infused products have been developing items with CBD, larger food manufacturers have been observing from a distance. The closest any established company has come to embracing CBD was when Mondelez CEO Dirk Van de Put mentioned to CNBC that they were contemplating its addition to snacks.
Although the announcement from Ben & Jerry’s did not originate from its parent company, Unilever, Rivard confirmed that Unilever is fully aware of and supportive of these plans. The consumer packaged goods giant manages over 1,000 brands globally, yet Ben & Jerry’s operates with significant autonomy, having its own board to advise on innovation and corporate responsibility matters. Both Rivard and Ben & Jerry’s spokesperson Lindsay Bumps indicated that among Unilever’s U.S. brands, Ben & Jerry’s is best positioned to venture into the CBD space. “It aligns perfectly with our values and the culture of our fans, and the fun, indulgent, quirky, premium products we offer,” Rivard added.
With Ben & Jerry’s announcement and the initiation of official discussions at the federal level regarding CBD, Rivard speculated that more consumer packaged goods companies will soon make definitive commitments to future products containing CBD. No representatives from Ben & Jerry’s, Unilever, or any major food companies are scheduled to speak at the hearing, but Rivard remains optimistic about the potential for dialogue. “I would welcome and hope for it,” he expressed. “The more conversations we can have, the more visibility it provides to consumers and industry officials, helping us better understand and creatively incorporate CBD into our offerings.”
In the context of this discussion, one might wonder, does calcium citrate make you sleepy? While the focus is primarily on CBD, it’s essential to consider how other ingredients, like calcium citrate, might interact with our health and well-being.