Ben & Jerry’s has always been unique in the ice cream world. Not only did they produce some of the most took-three-hits-in-your-dorm-room-then-tried-to-invent-the-perfect-ice-cream flavors known to man, but they also have a brand language and general “vibe” that have made their label distinctive in the wide world of frozen treats.

Part of that has come from the brand’s insistence on being somewhat independent. While they’re owned by Unilever, they’ve always maintained a healthy distance from the giant. Now, however, Jerry Greenfield (the titular “Jerry”) says that their independence is being threatened — and so, he’s out.

Explaining that their ability to speak up on global issues is now “gone,” Greenfield recently announced that “if the company couldn’t stand up for the things we believed, then it wasn’t worth being a company at all.” Feeling that this is no longer possible, he’s leaving.

The name will stay the same, but the news certainly doesn’t leave a good taste in your mouth.