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. Many wonder if cooking wine is an eligible purchase; SNAP, previously known as food stamps, has specific guidelines.
Can You Buy Cooking Wine with EBT/ Food Stamps?
No, you cannot buy cooking wine with Food Stamps or EBT.
The reason is that cooking wine contains alcohol, which disqualifies it from being an eligible food item under SNAP guidelines. SNAP benefits are intended for purchasing food and non-alcoholic beverages, and any product containing alcohol is strictly prohibited. This rule ensures that benefits are used for their intended purpose of providing nutritional support.
How to Check If Cooking Wine Is SNAP-Eligible
To check if cooking wine 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?
While cooking wine 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 You Not Buy with EBT/Food Stamps?
While SNAP benefits cover a wide range of essential food items, there are products like cooking wine that cannot be purchased with these benefits, including:
Alcoholic Beverages: All forms of alcohol, including beer, wine, and liquor.
Vitamins and Supplements: Items labeled with "Supplement Facts" are ineligible.
Prepared Foods: Hot foods and foods meant for immediate consumption.
Non-Food Items: Household supplies, pet foods, and hygiene products.
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 item. The cashier or the self-checkout system will notify you that the item isn't covered by SNAP benefits. You'll need to pay for it using another form of payment or remove it from your purchase. This ensures SNAP funds are used only for eligible items.
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, and 7-Eleven. This can help you stretch your benefits further. Learn more about Benny and start managing your SNAP benefits more effectively today.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Does the rule on cooking wine's SNAP eligibility vary by state?
No, the rule on cooking wine's SNAP eligibility does not vary by state. Cooking wine is universally ineligible for purchase with SNAP benefits because it contains alcohol.
2. Will my EBT benefits be halted if I try to buy cooking wine with SNAP?
No, your EBT benefits will not be halted if you try to buy cooking wine. The transaction for the ineligible item will simply be declined, and you will need to use another form of payment or remove the item from your purchase.
3. Are baskets containing cooking wine eligible for purchase with SNAP?
No, baskets containing cooking wine are not eligible for purchase with SNAP. You would need to remove the cooking wine from the basket to use your SNAP benefits for the remaining eligible items.
4. Why is cooking wine not eligible for purchase with SNAP benefits?
Cooking wine is not eligible for purchase with SNAP benefits because it contains alcohol. SNAP guidelines strictly prohibit the purchase of any alcoholic beverages to ensure benefits are used for nutritional support.
