Can You Buy a Pizza 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 pizza qualifies as an approved purchase.

Can You Buy a Pizza with EBT/ Food Stamps?

Yes, you can buy pizza with EBT or Food Stamps.

This is because SNAP benefits can be used to purchase foods intended for home preparation and consumption. Frozen or take-and-bake pizzas from grocery stores fall under this category, making them eligible for purchase with EBT. However, hot, ready-to-eat pizzas from restaurants or delis are not covered by SNAP benefits.

How to Check If a Pizza Is SNAP-Eligible

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

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

• Hot deli pizza: 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.

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

If you try to buy an ineligible item with an EBT card, the transaction will be declined at checkout. 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. This ensures that SNAP benefits are used only for approved items.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Are there any restrictions on the type of pizza you can buy with EBT?

Yes, there are restrictions. You can use EBT to buy frozen or take-and-bake pizzas from grocery stores, as these are intended for home preparation. However, hot, ready-to-eat pizzas from restaurants or delis are not eligible for purchase with SNAP benefits.

Does the rule on pizza's SNAP eligibility vary by state?

No, the rule on pizza's SNAP eligibility does not vary by state. SNAP is a federal program, and its guidelines are consistent across all states. Therefore, the eligibility criteria for purchasing pizza with EBT are the same nationwide.

Can you buy a pizza kit with EBT?

Yes, you can buy a pizza kit with EBT. Pizza kits that include ingredients like dough, sauce, and cheese for home preparation are considered eligible food items under SNAP guidelines.

What should you do if your EBT card is declined when buying a pizza?

If your EBT card is declined when buying a pizza, it likely means the pizza is not eligible under SNAP guidelines. You will need to use another form of payment or remove the item from your purchase. This ensures that your SNAP benefits are used only for approved items.