Could an ice cream flavor ignite a cultural debate?
That’s the question swirling around the viral concept of “Eat the Rich,” a Ben & Jerry’s flavor that exists only in the imaginations of fans—yet seems to resonate deeply that it that the idea became bigger than momentary meme.
Originating as a TikTok-fueled rumor, the idea quickly captured attention online, blending humor, satire, and a sharp critique of wealth inequality. As of January 28, 2025, there were 17.4 million posts on TikTok related to “Ben and Jerry’s New Ice Cream Flavor Eat The Rich,” demonstrating the significant viral spread of the concept. But where did this rumor start, and why does the phrase “Eat the Rich” carry so much cultural weight right now?
What’s The Rumor?
As of January 28, 2025, there is no confirmation from Ben & Jerry’s about an actual “Eat the Rich” flavor. The discussions on TikTok appear to be speculative and part of the ongoing viral trend.
The earliest dated TikTok video discussing the “Eat the Rich” Ben & Jerry’s concept is from January 22, 2025, by user @belledevelle. The video appears to have sparked significant interest, with an Instagram post noting that “the top comment on one of those videos is about them releasing a new flavor called Eat the Rich.”
Interestingly a Change.org petition was created on January 24, 2025, explicitly credits @belledevelle for the original idea, stating “credit to @belledevelle [for] this idea!” The TikTok video from January 22 seems to have been a creative interpretation of “Eat the Rich,” with the caption suggesting a flavor combination of chocolate and orange.
The petition appears to be a satirical attempt to critique wealth inequality by using humor and the platform of a socially conscious ice cream brand. It uses humor and satire to critique economic disparities, leveraging Ben & Jerry’s activist branding to spark conversation.
Tik Tok Takes it Viral
The idea gained traction on TikTok, where users began creating parodies and sharing speculative takes on what the flavor might look like. For example, a TikTok video by @sassoons imagines the flavor as a decadent mix of “golden caramel and bitter chocolate,” poking fun at wealth inequality. Other creators took the joke further: @captfatstacks suggested it could be “infused with truffle oil and edible gold,” and @ima_skew added that it might be “made from sustainably sourced yachts and billionaire tears.”
On Twitter, the conversation continued, with a viral post by @KiraJW on January 28, 2025, stating: “This how lost this country is: Ben and Jerry’s debuted a new flavor called ‘Eat the Rich.’ People wanted to buy their ice cream.” This tweet further illustrates the concept’s impact and how social media rumors can blur the line between reality and satire.
The concept’s viral rise mirrors other internet phenomena, like the December 2024 fake Burger King tweet claiming “We don’t snitch” during the Luigi Mangioni memes. These viral moments thrive on humor, cultural critique, and their ability to provoke conversation about societal dynamics. “Eat the Rich” fits seamlessly into this trend, leveraging satire to spark a deeper conversation about wealth disparity and corporate accountability.
Why Is “Eat the Rich” So Resonant Right Now?
What does Eat the Rich mean? The phrase’s deep history, social relevance, and why it exploded in pop … [+]
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The phrase “Eat the Rich” has surged in popularity in recent years, fueled by discussions about economic inequality, the rise of billionaires, and corporate overreach.
Originally attributed to French revolutionary Jean-Jacques Rousseau—“When the people shall have nothing more to eat, they will eat the rich”—the phrase has become a rallying cry in modern times, especially among younger generations disillusioned by wealth hoarding and systemic inequality.
Originally attributed to French revolutionary Jean-Jacques Rousseau–When the people shall have nothing more to eat, they will eat the rich. The phrase has evolved into a modern critique of wealth concentration and systemic inequality.
Social media platforms like TikTok amplify this sentiment, turning the phrase into both a meme and a pointed critique. The “Eat the Rich” ice cream concept illustrates how humor and satire—when tied to accessible mediums like food—can provoke meaningful conversations about wealth and power.
Ben & Jerry’s Legacy of Activism
Ben & Jerry’s has never shied away from social issues—here’s how its activist legacy fueled the Eat … [+]
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Ben & Jerry’s has a long history of weaving activism into its flavors. The company describes itself as a “social justice company that happens to make ice cream,” and this ethos is evident in its past creations. Flavors like “Pecan Resist,” supporting movements against the Trump administration, and “Empower Mint,” advocating for voting rights, show how the brand uses ice cream as a platform for change.
This history sets the stage for fan-generated concepts like “Eat the Rich,” which playfully align with the company’s reputation for taking bold political stances through its flavors. While Ben & Jerry’s has not officially embraced the idea, its activist legacy makes it easy to see why fans view the company as a potential home for such satire.
Cultural and Satirical Resonance of “Eat the Rich”
From TikTok to Twitter, how Ben and Jerry’s Eat the Rich became a satirical ice cream flavor that … [+]
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The “Eat the Rich” concept has become a playground for humor and satire on platforms like TikTok and Twitter. Videos and posts imagining the flavor tap into a growing cultural conversation about wealth inequality and corporate accountability. For example, creator @ima_skew suggested the hypothetical ice cream could be “made from sustainably sourced yachts and billionaire tears,” a playful jab at luxury excess.
This kind of tongue-in-cheek content underscores the power of food symbolism to spark both laughter and reflection. The phrase “Eat the Rich,” rooted in satire and protest, becomes even more accessible and engaging when paired with something as universally loved as ice cream.
Why It Matters–Food as Political Commentary
en & Jerry’s ice cream meets social activism—how Eat the Rich proves food, even in concept can be a … [+]
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The “Eat the Rich” flavor might be a fantasy, but it reflects a larger reality: we’re in a moment where even ice cream has become political. Whether satire or strategy, the idea highlights how food serves as one of the most powerful vehicles for cultural commentary. It is a playful yet pointed critique of economic disparities that resonates across social and digital platforms.
The ongoing nature of this trend—visible in continued discussions on TikTok and Twitter as of January 28, 2025—shows how a speculative concept can spark broader conversations about wealth and corporate responsibility.
The line between reality and satire continues to blur, demonstrating how something as simple as a hypothetical ice cream flavor can inspire deeper discussions about the world we live in. While Ben & Jerry’s may never bring this flavor to life, the impact of its idea already speaks volumes.