Shopping with SNAP
Apr 24, 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 cough drops qualify as an approved purchase.
Can You Buy Cough Drops with EBT/ Food Stamps?
No, you cannot buy cough drops with Food Stamps or EBT.
This is because SNAP benefits are intended for purchasing food items that provide nutritional value. Cough drops are classified as over-the-counter medications, which do not fall under the category of eligible food items. Therefore, they cannot be purchased using SNAP benefits.
How to Check If Cough Drops Is SNAP-Eligible
To determine if an item is SNAP-eligible, check its label. If the item has a "Nutrition Facts" label, it is likely eligible. Conversely, if it has a "Supplement Facts" label, it is not eligible. Additionally, hot, prepared foods meant for immediate consumption are generally not eligible. For example:
Frozen pizza: It has a "Nutrition Facts" label and is intended for home consumption. Therefore, it is SNAP-eligible.
Hot soup from a deli: It’s hot, prepared, and meant for immediate consumption. Therefore, it is not SNAP-eligible.
If in doubt, compare the item to USDA rules to determine eligibility.
Large chain stores often use small shelf labels or icons that say "SNAP Eligible" or "EBT Accepted." Websites of large chains like Walmart, Amazon, or delivery platforms like Instacart often let you filter by SNAP-eligible items. If still unsure, ask the shop assistant before making a purchase.
What Else Can You Not Buy with EBT/Food Stamps?
While SNAP benefits cover a wide range of essential food items, there are products like cough drops that cannot be purchased with these benefits, including:
Alcoholic Beverages: Beer, wine, and other alcoholic drinks are not eligible for purchase with SNAP benefits.
Vitamins and Supplements: Items with a "Supplement Facts" label, such as vitamins and dietary supplements, are not covered.
Non-Food Items: Household supplies, pet foods, and personal care products are not eligible for purchase.
Prepared Foods: Hot foods and foods meant for immediate consumption, like deli meals, are not covered by SNAP benefits.
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 at checkout. 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. This ensures that SNAP benefits are used only for eligible food items.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any exceptions to the rule that cough drops are not eligible for purchase with SNAP benefits?
No, there are no exceptions. Cough drops are classified as over-the-counter medications and do not provide nutritional value, making them ineligible for purchase with SNAP benefits under any circumstances.
Will my EBT benefits be halted if I try to buy cough drops with SNAP?
No, your EBT benefits will not be halted if you attempt to buy cough drops. However, the transaction will be declined at checkout, and you will need to use another form of payment or remove the item from your purchase.
Can I purchase a basket of items with SNAP if it includes cough drops?
No, if your basket includes ineligible items like cough drops, you will need to separate them and pay for them with another form of payment. Only the eligible items in your basket can be purchased with SNAP benefits.
Do SNAP eligibility rules for cough drops vary by state?
No, SNAP eligibility rules for cough drops do not vary by state. Cough drops are universally classified as over-the-counter medications and are not eligible for purchase with SNAP benefits anywhere in the United States.
