Brandtree

Who owns Ben's Original?

Ben's Original is owned by Mars (the United States).[1][1]

This ownership is reported in official statements but has not yet been matched to a regulatory filing.

Key facts

Current owner
Mars, Incorporated reported
Owned since
Not recorded · deal details
Previous owner
None recorded
Owner HQ
🇺🇸 United States, McLean, Virginia
Origin
🇺🇸 United States
Founded
1943
Category
FoodMeals & meal componentsPasta
Last verified
· 1 sources

About Ben's Original

Ben's Original is a parboiled rice brand launched in 1943, using a process that drives nutrients into the grain before milling. Mars renamed it from Uncle Ben's in 2020 and removed the image of an elderly Black man after criticism that the branding drew on a servant stereotype.

Ownership timeline of Ben's Original

Owners of Ben's Original from 1943 to 2026 Mars 1943–present Mars 1960198020002020
  1. 1943 – present Mars sold 23 September 2020 [1][1] reported

Where Ben's Original sits in Mars

Controlling ownership as of . Brands grouped under the entity that owns them; large groups are collapsed.

Where Ben's Original sits in Mars Tree of 32 brands under Mars. Mars Ben's Original Altoids Banfield Pet Hospital Bounty Celebrations Cesar and 26 more

Open the full Mars ownership tree →

Other brands owned by Mars in food

See the full Mars brand portfolio (32) →

Deals involving Ben's Original

Rebrand closed

Ben's Original renamed

Mars renamed Uncle Ben's to Ben's Original and removed the image of an elderly Black man from the packaging, after criticism during the 2020 racial justice protests that the branding drew on a servant stereotype.

Value
Buyer
Mars
Seller
Regulatory
None recorded

Latest news about Ben's Original

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Frequently asked questions

Who is the parent company of Ben's Original?

The parent company of Ben's Original is Mars, a family-owned company headquartered in the United States.

Is Ben's Original American?

Yes. Ben's Original originated in the United States in 1943 and its owner, Mars, is also headquartered in the United States.

When did Mars buy Ben's Original?

Mars completed its acquisition of Ben's Original on 23 September 2020, after announcing the deal on 17 June 2020.

Is Ben's Original still owned by Mars?

Yes. As of 6 September 2026, Ben's Original is still owned by Mars. The ownership record was last checked against primary sources on that date.

Sources (1) & corrections

Last verified . Every ownership fact above is backed by one of these primary documents. Numbers in brackets in the text refer to this list.

  1. [1] Mars, Incorporated — our brands — Mars, Incorporated, Official document; retrieved 6 September 2026.

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