Shopping with SNAP
May 4, 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 chocolate qualifies as an approved purchase.
Can You Buy Chocolate with EBT/ Food Stamps?
Yes, you can buy chocolate with Food Stamps or SNAP.
Chocolate is considered a food item, making it eligible for purchase under SNAP guidelines. The program allows recipients to buy most food products intended for human consumption, and chocolate falls into this category. However, it's important to note that SNAP benefits cannot be used for non-food items or hot prepared foods.
How to Check If Chocolate Is SNAP-Eligible
To check if chocolate 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 chocolate, 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.
Vitamins and Supplements: Items with a "Supplement Facts" label are excluded.
Hot Prepared Foods: Foods that are hot at the point of sale are not covered.
Non-Food Items: Household supplies, pet foods, and personal care products 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.
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 receipt checks.
With Benny, you can also earn cash back on groceries and other purchases at stores like Walmart, Target, 7-Eleven, and many more. This makes it a practical choice for maximizing your benefits.
Learn more about how Benny can help you manage your SNAP benefits effectively by visiting Benny today.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Are all types of chocolate eligible for purchase with SNAP benefits?
Yes, all types of chocolate, including chocolate bars, chocolate chips, and chocolate-covered snacks, are eligible for purchase with SNAP benefits as long as they are intended for human consumption.
2. Can I buy chocolate gift baskets with SNAP benefits?
Yes, you can buy chocolate gift baskets with SNAP benefits as long as the basket contains mostly food items. Non-food items in the basket must be minimal for the purchase to be eligible.
3. Does the eligibility of chocolate vary by state?
No, the eligibility of chocolate does not vary by state. Chocolate is considered a food item under federal SNAP guidelines and is eligible for purchase nationwide.
4. Can I use SNAP benefits to buy chocolate at any store?
Yes, you can use SNAP benefits to buy chocolate at any store that accepts EBT cards. Most major grocery stores and retailers accept EBT payments for eligible food items, including chocolate.
