Can You Buy Factor Meals with EBT/Food Stamps? (2025)

Understanding what you can and cannot buy with the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) helps recipients spend their benefits wisely. Many wonder if Factor meals, a popular meal delivery service, is an eligible purchase.

Can You Buy Factor Meals with EBT/ Food Stamps?

No, you cannot buy Factor meals with Food Stamps or EBT.

Factor meals are not eligible under SNAP because they are considered a hot, prepared food item. SNAP benefits are generally restricted to groceries and cold, unprepared foods that recipients can cook at home. Since Factor meals are pre-cooked and delivered ready to eat, they do not meet the criteria set by the SNAP program.

How to Check If Factor Meals Is SNAP-Eligible

To check if Factor meals are 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.

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 Factor meals 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 You Not Buy with EBT/Food Stamps?

While SNAP benefits cover a wide range of essential food items, there are products like Factor meals that cannot be purchased with these benefits, including:

• Alcoholic Beverages: Beer, wine, and liquor are not eligible.

• Vitamins and Supplements: Items with a "Supplement Facts" label are excluded.

• Hot Foods: Foods that are hot at the point of sale are ineligible.

• Non-Food Items: Household supplies, pet foods, and hygiene products are not covered.

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 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 is 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. Learn more about how Benny can help you manage your SNAP benefits more effectively.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Are Factor meals ever eligible for purchase with SNAP benefits?

No, Factor meals are not eligible for purchase with SNAP benefits because they are considered hot, prepared food items, which are not covered under the program.

2. Will my EBT benefits be halted if I try to buy Factor meals with SNAP?

No, your EBT benefits will not be halted if you try to buy Factor meals. However, the transaction for the ineligible item will be declined, and you will need to use another form of payment or remove the item from your purchase.

3. Can I purchase a basket of groceries that includes Factor meals with my SNAP benefits?

You can purchase the eligible items in your basket with SNAP benefits, but you will need to pay for the Factor meals separately using another form of payment.

4. Why are Factor meals not considered eligible under SNAP?

Factor meals are not eligible under SNAP because they are pre-cooked and delivered ready to eat, which does not meet the criteria for cold, unprepared foods that recipients can cook at home.