Apr 24, 2025
Understanding what can and cannot be bought with SNAP, previously known as Food Stamps, helps recipients use their benefits effectively. Many wonder if a fountain drink is an eligible purchase.
Can I Buy A Fountain Drink with Food Stamps?
No, you cannot buy a fountain drink with Food Stamps or SNAP.
The reason is that SNAP benefits are intended for purchasing food items that can be prepared and eaten at home. Fountain drinks, often considered ready-to-consume items typically sold in restaurants or convenience stores, do not meet this criterion. Therefore, they are not eligible for purchase under SNAP guidelines.
How to Check If A Fountain Drink is SNAP-Eligible
To check if a fountain drink 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 I Buy with SNAP?
While fountain drink 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 I Not Buy with SNAP?
While SNAP benefits cover a wide range of essential food items, there are products like fountain drink that cannot be purchased with these benefits, including:
Alcoholic Beverages: Beer, wine, and liquor are not eligible.
Household Supplies: Items like soap, paper products, and cleaning supplies.
Vitamins and Supplements: Products labeled with "Supplement Facts" are excluded.
Hot Foods: Foods that are hot at the point of sale, such as deli meals.
What Happens If I Try to Buy an Ineligible Item with EBT?
If you try to buy an ineligible item with SNAP, the transaction will be declined at checkout. The cashier or the point-of-sale system will notify you that the item cannot be purchased with your EBT card. You will need to use another form of payment or remove the item from your purchase. This ensures SNAP benefits are used only for eligible food 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, helping you stay on top of your benefits.
Additionally, Benny lets you earn cash back on groceries and other purchases at stores like Walmart, Target, and 7-Eleven. Learn more about Benny and start managing your SNAP benefits more effectively today.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Are fountain drinks ever eligible for purchase with SNAP?
No, fountain drinks are not eligible for purchase with SNAP benefits. They are considered ready-to-consume items and do not meet the criteria for SNAP-eligible food items.
2. Will my EBT benefits be halted if I try to buy a fountain drink with SNAP?
No, your EBT benefits will not be halted if you attempt to buy a fountain drink. The transaction will simply 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 a fountain drink with SNAP?
Yes, you can purchase a basket of groceries with SNAP, but the cost of the fountain drink will need to be paid with another form of payment. Only the eligible items in your basket can be paid for with SNAP benefits.
4. How can I confirm if a drink is considered a fountain drink and thus ineligible for SNAP?
Fountain drinks are typically dispensed from a machine and consumed immediately, often found in restaurants or convenience stores. If you're unsure, check the store's labeling or ask a store employee for clarification.
