Shopping with SNAP
Apr 24, 2025
Understanding what can and cannot be bought with the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) helps recipients spend their benefits wisely. Many recipients may wonder whether alcohol, for instance, is an eligible purchase.
Can You Buy Alcohol with EBT/ Food Stamps?
No, you cannot buy alcohol with Food Stamps or EBT.
Alcohol is not eligible for purchase under SNAP because the program is designed to assist with the purchase of essential food items. The goal is to ensure that recipients have access to nutritious food, and alcohol does not fall under this category. Therefore, SNAP benefits cannot be used to buy alcoholic beverages.
How to Check If Alcohol Is SNAP-Eligible
To determine if an item is SNAP-eligible, check its label. If the item has a "Nutrition Facts" label, it is likely eligible. Conversely, if it has a "Supplement Facts" label, it is not eligible. Additionally, hot, prepared foods meant for immediate consumption are generally not eligible. For example:
Frozen vegetables: They have a "Nutrition Facts" label and are intended for home consumption. Therefore, they are SNAP-eligible.
Hot 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.
What Else Can You Not Buy with EBT/Food Stamps?
While SNAP benefits cover a wide range of essential food items, there are products like alcohol that cannot be purchased with these benefits, including:
Household Supplies: Items such as cleaning products, paper goods, and other non-food essentials are not covered by SNAP benefits.
Vitamins and Supplements: Products labeled with "Supplement Facts" are ineligible for purchase with SNAP benefits.
Pet Food: Food for pets is not considered an essential food item for human consumption and is therefore not eligible.
Hot, Prepared Foods: Meals that are hot and ready for immediate consumption, such as those from a deli or restaurant, 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 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 to complete the purchase or remove the item from your order.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any exceptions to the rule that alcohol cannot be purchased with SNAP benefits?
No, there are no exceptions. Alcohol is universally ineligible for purchase with SNAP benefits, regardless of the type or location of the store. This rule is consistent across all states and applies to all alcoholic beverages.
Can your EBT benefits be halted if you attempt to buy alcohol with SNAP?
Attempting to buy alcohol with SNAP benefits will not result in your EBT benefits being halted. However, the transaction will be declined, and you will need to use another form of payment or remove the alcohol from your purchase.
Are baskets containing alcohol eligible for purchase with SNAP?
No, if your shopping basket contains alcohol, the alcohol portion of the purchase will not be covered by SNAP benefits. You will need to pay for the alcohol separately using another form of payment.
Do SNAP rules regarding alcohol eligibility vary by state?
No, SNAP rules regarding alcohol eligibility do not vary by state. Alcohol is not eligible for purchase with SNAP benefits in any state, as the program is federally regulated and aims to provide access to nutritious food items only.
