Can You Buy a Birthday Cake with EBT/Food Stamps? (2025)

Understanding what can and cannot be bought with the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) helps recipients spend their benefits wisely. A common question is whether birthday cake qualifies as an approved purchase.

Can You Buy a Birthday Cake with EBT/ Food Stamps?

Yes, you can buy birthday cake with EBT or Food Stamps.

This is because SNAP benefits cover most food items, including cakes. However, the cake must meet certain criteria: the value of non-edible decorations, such as figurines or candles, should not exceed 50% of the cake's total price. This ensures that the primary purchase is food, aligning with SNAP's guidelines.

How to Check If a Birthday Cake Is SNAP-Eligible

To determine if an item is SNAP-eligible, check its label. If it has a "Nutrition Facts" label, it is likely eligible. Conversely, items with a "Supplement Facts" label are not eligible. Additionally, hot, prepared foods meant for immediate consumption are generally not covered by SNAP. For example:

• Frozen pizza: It has a "Nutrition Facts" label and is intended for home consumption. Therefore, it is SNAP-eligible.

• Hot soup from a deli: It’s hot, prepared, and meant for immediate consumption. Therefore, it is not SNAP-eligible.

If in doubt, compare the product to USDA rules to determine SNAP eligibility.

Additionally, large chain stores often use small shelf labels or icons that say "SNAP Eligible" or "EBT Accepted." Websites of large chains like Walmart, Amazon, or delivery platforms like Instacart often let you filter by SNAP-eligible items. If still unsure, ask the shop assistant before making a purchase.

Surprising Things You Can Buy with EBT

Besides birthday cake, you might be surprised to know that SNAP benefits cover many of these items:

• Plants: Vegetable seeds, fruit plants, and starters used to grow food at home.

• Farmers’ Markets: Eligible at many markets, often via tokens or electronic payments.

• Energy Drinks: Eligible if labeled with a "Nutrition Facts" panel (not "Supplement Facts").

• Bakery Items: Decorated birthday cakes and baked goods.

• Seafood and Fresh Meat: Fresh, frozen, or canned seafood and meats.

• Snack Foods: Chips, ice cream, candy, and other snacks.

What Happens If You Try to Buy an Ineligible Item with an EBT Card?

If you try to buy an ineligible item with your EBT card, the transaction will be declined at checkout. The cashier or the point-of-sale system will notify you that the item is not covered by SNAP benefits. You will need to use another form of payment or remove the item from your purchase. This ensures that SNAP funds are used only for approved items.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Are there any restrictions on the type of birthday cake you can buy with SNAP benefits?

Yes, there are restrictions. The value of non-edible decorations on the cake, such as figurines or candles, must not exceed 50% of the cake's total price. This rule ensures that the primary purchase is food, which aligns with SNAP guidelines.

Can you buy a birthday cake with SNAP benefits if it has custom decorations?

Yes, you can buy a birthday cake with custom decorations using SNAP benefits, as long as the cost of the non-edible decorations does not exceed 50% of the total price. This means you can enjoy a personalized cake while still adhering to SNAP rules.

Do SNAP eligibility rules for birthday cakes vary by state?

No, SNAP eligibility rules for birthday cakes do not vary by state. The federal guidelines apply uniformly across all states, ensuring that the primary purchase is food and that non-edible decorations do not exceed 50% of the cake's total price.

Can you buy a birthday cake with SNAP benefits from any store?

Yes, you can buy a birthday cake with SNAP benefits from any store that accepts EBT, as long as the cake meets the eligibility criteria. This includes supermarkets, bakeries, and other retailers that participate in the SNAP program.