Häagen-Dazs becomes the first ice cream to earn Bee Better Certified seal

Häagen-Dazs understands pollinators help bring everyone many of their favorite foods. It is the first ice cream to earn the Bee Better Certified seal.

For many people, Häagen-Dazs is the perfect ice cream treat. From decadent sundae to a simple scoop, that ice cream brings smiles that last long after the ice cream has disappeared. With its popularity, the brand understands that it has both the responsibility and an opportunity to do better.

Announced today, Häagen-Dazs is the first ice cream to earn the Bee Better Certified seal. Awarded by The Xerces Society, the Xerces Bee Certified seal will be displayed on four Häagen-Dazs flavors. The flavors are Vanilla Swiss Almond, Honey Salted Caramel, Rocky Road and Vanilla Milk Chocolate Almond Bars, which are bee dependent.

Today’s consumer is an educated one. Beyond the ingredients within their food, they want to ensure that the food is environmentally responsible and they want to know how their food came to the table. When given a choice, consumers are choosing products that are doing better not only for themselves but for the planet.

A major concern not only in the food industry but for environment is the plight of the bees. Bees are the pollinators of the world. The Xerces Society is a scientific organization that seeks to educate, inform and protect the world’s invertebrates. The Xerces Bee Certified program looks show everyone why this world needs to “bee better.”

Unfortunately, the bee population is in decline. From environmental factors to poor nutrition, bees are disappearing. While some people might not want bees buzzing around their picnic, their disappearance will impact people’s favorite foods.

Looking around the kitchen pantry and refrigerator, many foods are directly connected to the bees. It is more than the honey in your tea. One third of the food that people eat is impacted by pollinators.

With the rise of almond popularity, it presents an opportunity for companies, like Häagen-Dazs, to “bee” better. By putting the bees first, companies are making a conscious choice not only for their business but also for the bees.

According to Cady Behles, Innovation Manager for Häagen Dazs. “We’ve been supporting the bees for over a decade, and we have them to thank for some of our signature flavors including Vanilla Swiss Almond, Honey Salted Caramel Almond and Rocky Road.”

Häagen Dazs, as the first ice cream to earn the Bee Better Certified seal, has committed to doing better for the bees. In 2016, the company “installed a 6.5 mile flowering permanent hedgerow at its almond supplier’s farm.” This habitat supports pollinators and other wildlife. It is a step towards creating an environment that fosters conservation efforts.

The popular ice cream brand understands that some of its most popular flavors are bee dependent. By setting an example and raising awareness for the bees’ plight, it shows both consumers and other brands that conscious choices are possible.

Looking at the various ice cream flavors, bees are essential to many ingredients. Almonds instantly come to mind, but coconuts and raspberries are also impacted by pollinators. One third of Häagen-Dazs ice cream flavors contain these flavors. While the Bee Better Certified Seal will be displayed on four flavors, there is the potential to expand the certification in the future.

This certification continues the brand’s commitment to using the finest ingredients. Those decisions have made the very best ice cream for over 60 years. Using Xerces Bee Better certified almonds in its products is just one example.

When consumers choose a product that is Bee Better Certified, they understand that the decision “directly benefits farms that prioritize pollinator conservation.” Today’s consumer understands that they, not just the companies, have a responsibility to make a conscious choice.

The Bee Better Certified seal will appear on four Häagen-Dazs flavors. The containers will start to appear on store shelves soon.

Be an educated consumer and choose bee certified products because without the pollinators, some of your favorite foods might not be as flavorful in the future.