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 cigarettes are an eligible purchase.
Can I Buy Cigarettes with Food Stamps?
No, you cannot buy cigarettes with Food Stamps or SNAP.
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is designed to help low-income individuals and families purchase nutritious food. Cigarettes, being a non-food item, do not meet the program's criteria for eligible purchases. The focus of SNAP is to promote healthy eating habits and ensure access to essential food items, which is why tobacco products are excluded from the list of approved items.
How to Check If Cigarettes is SNAP-Eligible
To check if cigarettes are 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.
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 cigarettes aren'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 cigarettes 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.
Vitamins and Supplements: Products labeled with "Supplement Facts" are not covered.
Hot Prepared Foods: Meals that are hot at the point of sale are ineligible.
What Happens If I Try to Buy an Ineligible Item with EBT?
If you try to buy an ineligible item with SNAP at checkout, the transaction will be declined for that item. The cashier or the self-checkout system will notify you that the item cannot be purchased with your EBT card. You will need to use another form of payment to complete the purchase for that specific item.
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, 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 states where cigarettes can be bought with SNAP benefits?
No, cigarettes cannot be bought with SNAP benefits in any state. The federal guidelines for SNAP explicitly prohibit the purchase of tobacco products.
2. Will my EBT benefits be halted if I try to buy cigarettes with SNAP?
No, your EBT benefits will not be halted if you try to buy cigarettes. However, the transaction for the cigarettes will be declined, and you will need to use another form of payment.
3. Can I purchase a basket of items that includes cigarettes with my SNAP benefits?
No, you cannot use SNAP benefits to purchase a basket of items that includes cigarettes. You will need to separate the cigarettes from the rest of your items and pay for them with a different payment method.
4. Are there any penalties for attempting to buy cigarettes with SNAP benefits?
There are no direct penalties for attempting to buy cigarettes with SNAP benefits. The system will simply decline the purchase of ineligible items like cigarettes.
