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 use their benefits effectively. Many wonder if birthday cake is an eligible purchase, as SNAP was previously known as food stamps.

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

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

The reason is that SNAP benefits cover most food items, including cakes. However, the cake must be primarily edible. If the cake has non-edible decorations that exceed 50% of the purchase price, it may not be eligible. This ensures that the benefits are used for food rather than non-food items.

How to Check If a Birthday Cake Is SNAP-Eligible

To check if a birthday cake is SNAP-eligible, look for “EBT/SNAP eligible” shelf tags or icons on retailer websites. Most major grocers label qualifying foods, making it easier to identify eligible items.

Additionally, compare the product to USDA rules by visiting the official resource. If still unsure, ask the cashier or call your state SNAP hotline before making a purchase.

What Can You Buy with EBT/Food Stamps?

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").

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

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

• Special Dietary Foods: Gluten-free, diabetic-friendly, and allergen-free foods.

What Can You Not Buy with EBT/Food Stamps?

While SNAP benefits cover a wide range of essential food items, there are products that cannot be purchased with these benefits, including:

• Alcohol and Tobacco: These items are strictly prohibited under SNAP regulations.

• Household Supplies: Cleaning products, paper goods, and other non-food items are not eligible.

• Hot Prepared Foods: Meals that are hot at the point of sale, such as those from a deli counter.

• Pet Foods: Items intended for animal consumption are not covered by SNAP benefits.

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 for that item. The cashier or the self-checkout system will notify you that the item is not covered by SNAP benefits. You will need to pay for the ineligible item with another form of payment or remove it from your purchase.

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Managing your SNAP benefits is easier with Benny. Our app allows you to check your EBT balance and transactions instantly, eliminating the need for phone calls or receipts.

With Benny, you can also earn cash back on groceries and other purchases at stores like Walmart, Target, 7-Eleven, and many more. Start managing your benefits more effectively and save on your everyday shopping.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes, the birthday cake must be primarily edible. If non-edible decorations exceed 50% of the purchase price, the cake may not be eligible for purchase with SNAP benefits.

2. Can you buy a custom-decorated birthday cake with SNAP benefits?

Yes, as long as the custom decorations do not make up more than 50% of the cake's purchase price. The primary cost should be for the edible portion of the cake.

3. Do SNAP eligibility rules for birthday cakes vary by state?

No, SNAP eligibility rules for birthday cakes are federally regulated and do not vary by state. However, individual stores may have different policies on labeling and identifying eligible items.

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

Yes, you can buy a birthday cake from any store that accepts EBT payments and sells eligible food items. Look for “EBT/SNAP eligible” tags or ask the store staff if you are unsure.