Shopping with SNAP

Can You Buy Fish Oil with EBT/Food Stamps? (2025)

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 fish oil, a common supplement, is an eligible purchase.

Can You Buy Fish Oil with EBT/ Food Stamps?

No, you cannot buy fish oil with Food Stamps or EBT.

Fish oil is considered a supplement, and SNAP benefits are restricted to purchasing food items. Supplements, vitamins, and medicines are not eligible for purchase with SNAP benefits because they are not classified as food. This distinction ensures that SNAP funds are used primarily for essential nutrition.

How to Check If Fish Oil Is SNAP-Eligible

To check if fish oil 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 fish oil 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 fish oil 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.
Hot Foods: Foods that are hot at the point of sale, such as deli meals, are not covered.
Non-Food Items: Cosmetics, hygiene products, and other non-food essentials 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 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 to complete the transaction.

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 receipt checks.

Additionally, Benny helps you earn cash back on groceries and other purchases at stores like Walmart, Target, 7-Eleven, and many more. Learn more about how Benny can simplify your SNAP benefits management by visiting Benny.

Can You Buy Fish Oil with EBT/Food Stamps?

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why is fish oil not eligible for purchase with SNAP benefits?

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

No, your EBT benefits will not be halted if you try to buy fish oil. 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 fish oil eligible for purchase with SNAP?

No, baskets containing fish oil are not eligible for purchase with SNAP. You will need to remove the fish oil from your basket to complete the transaction using your SNAP benefits.

4. How can I ensure that I am not trying to buy ineligible items like fish oil with my SNAP benefits?

To ensure you are not buying ineligible items, look for “EBT/SNAP eligible” shelf tags or icons on retailer websites. You can also compare the product to USDA rules or ask the cashier for assistance.