Chosen frozen

Ben & Jerry’s runs Purim costume contest for free ice cream

For annual event, Israelis can dress up as ice cream flavors, including ‘made-up flavors,’ or ‘anything else you feel like doing in the spirit of Ben & Jerry’s,’ company says

Partying at Tel Aviv's annual Purim street party (Courtesy City of Tel Aviv)
Partying at Tel Aviv's annual Purim street party (Courtesy City of Tel Aviv)

Get those creative juices flowing, Ben & Jerry’s Israel is having a Purim costume contest and first prize is a half-year’s supply of free ice cream.

There’s no hamantaschen flavor, however.

“Feel Purim knocking on the door? It’s time to start investing in making costumes as our costume contest approaches,” Ben & Jerry’s wrote on its Instagram account this week, posting photos of previous costumes featuring the ice cream.

The company said it would soon post the contest rules.

The costumes can include “existing flavors, flavors that no longer exist, made-up flavors, and anything else you feel like doing in the spirit of Ben & Jerry’s.”

After Israel announced its third election in less than a year, Ben & Jerry’s asked its fans on Instagram late last year to suggest the ingredients for a new flavor called “Third Time, Ice Cream!” That’s an expression used by Israelis when they run into someone twice in a short period after not seeing them for a long time.

Suggestions ranged from the spice zaatar, or hyssop, to the popular Israeli peanut-butter flavored snack Bamba.

One person suggested “Something that leaves a bitter taste at the end,” a comment on the country’s year-long political deadlock.

With elections less than two weeks away, no such flavor has yet materialized.

Most Popular
read more: