Can You Buy a Coke 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. Many wonder if Coke is an eligible purchase under SNAP, previously known as food stamps.

Can You Buy a Coke with EBT/ Food Stamps?

Yes, you can buy Coke with Food Stamps or SNAP.

Coke is considered a food item, and SNAP benefits cover most beverages, including soft drinks. The program aims to help recipients purchase groceries, and since Coke falls under the category of consumable goods, it is eligible for purchase with EBT cards.

How to Check If a Coke Is SNAP-Eligible

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

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 Coke, 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 and Birthday Cakes: 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 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:

• Alcoholic Beverages: Beer, wine, and liquor are not eligible for purchase.

• Vitamins and Supplements: Items with a "Supplement Facts" label are excluded.

• Hot Foods: Foods that are hot at the point of sale, such as deli meals.

• Non-Food Items: Household supplies, pet foods, and hygiene products.

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 specific item. The cashier or the self-checkout system will notify you that the item cannot be purchased with SNAP benefits. You will need to use another form of payment or remove the item from your purchase to proceed.

Manage Your SNAP Benefits and Get Cashback with Benny

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

Additionally, Benny offers cash back on groceries and other purchases at stores like Walmart, Target, 7-Eleven, and many more. This can help you stretch your benefits further and make the most out of your shopping trips.

Learn more about how Benny can help you manage your SNAP benefits effectively.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Are all types of Coke eligible for purchase with SNAP benefits?

Yes, all types of Coke, including regular, diet, and flavored varieties, are eligible for purchase with SNAP benefits as they are considered food items.

2. Can I buy Coke from any store using my EBT card?

Yes, you can buy Coke from any store that accepts EBT cards and sells SNAP-eligible items. Most major grocery stores and retailers accept EBT payments for Coke.

3. Is there a limit on how much Coke I can buy with my SNAP benefits?

No, there is no specific limit on the amount of Coke you can buy with your SNAP benefits. However, you should manage your benefits wisely to ensure they last through the month.

4. Can I buy Coke with SNAP benefits online?

Yes, you can buy Coke with SNAP benefits online from participating retailers that accept EBT payments for eligible food items. Check the retailer's website for EBT payment options.