Apr 24, 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 Ensure qualifies as an approved purchase.
Can You Buy An Ensure with EBT/ Food Stamps?
Yes, you can buy Ensure with Food Stamps or SNAP.
Ensure is considered a nutritional supplement, which falls under the category of eligible food items covered by SNAP. These benefits are designed to help recipients purchase essential groceries, including products that provide necessary vitamins and nutrients.
How to Check If An Ensure is SNAP-Eligible
To check if Ensure 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 Ensure, 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.
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.
Household Supplies: Items like cleaning products, paper goods, and pet food are excluded.
Hot Foods: Foods that are hot at the point of sale, such as deli meals, are not covered.
Vitamins and Supplements: Products labeled with "Supplement Facts" are ineligible.
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 with the transaction.
Manage Your SNAP Benefits and Get Cashback with Benny
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.
Additionally, Benny offers cash back on groceries and other purchases at stores like Walmart, Target, 7-Eleven, and many more. Learn more about how Benny can help you manage your SNAP benefits more effectively.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about buying Ensure with food stamps:
1. Are all types of Ensure eligible for purchase with SNAP benefits? Yes, most types of Ensure are eligible for purchase with SNAP benefits as they are considered nutritional supplements. However, always check the label to ensure it has a "Nutrition Facts" panel.
2. Can I buy Ensure online with my EBT card? Yes, you can buy Ensure online with your EBT card from retailers that accept SNAP benefits for online purchases. Make sure the retailer is authorized by the USDA to accept EBT payments.
3. Does the eligibility of Ensure vary by state? No, the eligibility of Ensure does not vary by state. As long as the product meets the USDA guidelines, it is eligible for purchase with SNAP benefits nationwide.
4. Can I use my SNAP benefits to buy Ensure at any store? You can use your SNAP benefits to buy Ensure at any store that accepts EBT payments. Look for stores with the "EBT/SNAP accepted" sign or check with the store's customer service.
