Apr 24, 2025
Understanding what can and cannot be bought with SNAP, previously known as Food Stamps, helps recipients use their benefits effectively. Many wonder if beer is an eligible purchase.
Can I Buy Beer with Food Stamps?
No, you cannot buy beer with Food Stamps or SNAP.
SNAP benefits are intended to help low-income individuals and families purchase nutritious food. Alcoholic beverages, including beer, are not considered essential for nutrition and are therefore excluded from the list of eligible items. This restriction ensures that the benefits are used to support healthier food choices.
How to Check If Beer is SNAP-Eligible
To check if beer 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 I Buy with SNAP?
While beer isn't eligible, 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 I Not Buy with SNAP?
While SNAP benefits cover a wide range of essential food items, there are products like beer that cannot be purchased with these benefits, including:
Household Supplies: Items such as cleaning products, paper goods, and pet food.
Vitamins and Supplements: Products labeled with "Supplement Facts" instead of "Nutrition Facts".
Prepared Foods: Hot foods and foods meant for immediate consumption.
Non-Food Items: Cosmetics, hygiene products, and other non-edible goods.
What Happens If I Try to Buy an Ineligible Item with EBT?
If you try to buy an ineligible item with SNAP, the transaction will be declined at checkout. The cashier or the point-of-sale system will notify you that the item cannot be purchased with your EBT card. You will need to use another form of payment or remove the item from your purchase. This ensures SNAP benefits are used only for eligible food items.
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, helping you stay on top of your benefits.
Additionally, Benny lets you earn cash back on groceries and other purchases at stores like Walmart, Target, and 7-Eleven. Learn more about Benny and start managing your SNAP benefits more effectively today.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Are there any exceptions to the rule that beer cannot be purchased with SNAP?
No, there are no exceptions. Beer and other alcoholic beverages are universally ineligible for purchase with SNAP benefits.
2. Will my EBT benefits be halted if I try to buy beer with SNAP?
No, your EBT benefits will not be halted. However, the transaction will be declined, and you will need to use another form of payment for the beer.
3. Can I purchase a basket of groceries that includes beer with my SNAP benefits?
Yes, you can purchase the eligible items in your basket with SNAP benefits, but you will need to pay for the beer separately using another form of payment.
4. Are non-alcoholic beers eligible for purchase with SNAP?
No, non-alcoholic beers are also ineligible for purchase with SNAP benefits as they are classified under the same category as alcoholic beverages.
