Shopping with SNAP
May 4, 2025
Understanding what can and cannot be bought with the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) helps recipients use their benefits effectively. A common question is whether coffee creamer qualifies as an approved purchase.
Can You Buy Coffee Creamer with EBT/ Food Stamps?
Yes, you can buy coffee creamer with Food Stamps or SNAP.
Coffee creamer is considered a food item, making it eligible for purchase under SNAP guidelines. The program allows for the purchase of most food products intended for human consumption, and coffee creamer falls into this category. This includes both dairy and non-dairy creamers, as long as they are intended to be added to beverages like coffee or tea.
How to Check If Coffee Creamer Is SNAP-Eligible
To check if coffee creamer is SNAP-eligible, look for “EBT/SNAP eligible” shelf tags in stores 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 coffee creamer, 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.
Snack Foods: Chips, ice cream, candy, and other snacks.
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 soap, paper products, and cleaning supplies are excluded.
Vitamins and Supplements: Products labeled with "Supplement Facts" are not covered.
Hot Foods: Foods that are hot at the point of sale, such as deli meals, 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 is not covered by SNAP benefits. You will need to pay for the ineligible item using another form of payment, such as cash or a credit card.
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 checking receipts.
Additionally, Benny offers cash back on groceries and other purchases at stores like Walmart, Target, 7-Eleven, and many more. This makes it simpler to save money while shopping. Learn more about Benny today.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Are all types of coffee creamer eligible for purchase with SNAP benefits?
Yes, both dairy and non-dairy coffee creamers are eligible for purchase with SNAP benefits as long as they are intended to be added to beverages like coffee or tea.
2. Can I buy flavored coffee creamer with my EBT card?
Yes, flavored coffee creamers are also considered eligible food items under SNAP guidelines and can be purchased with your EBT card.
3. Are there any restrictions on the brands of coffee creamer I can buy with SNAP?
No, there are no brand restrictions. You can purchase any brand of coffee creamer as long as it is intended for human consumption and meets SNAP eligibility criteria.
4. How can I confirm if a specific coffee creamer is SNAP-eligible before purchasing?
Look for “EBT/SNAP eligible” shelf tags in stores or check retailer websites for eligibility icons. You can also ask the cashier or call your state SNAP hotline for confirmation.
