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 fountain drinks qualify as an approved purchase.
Can You Buy Fountain Drinks with EBT/ Food Stamps?
No, you cannot buy fountain drinks with Food Stamps or EBT.
Fountain drinks are considered prepared foods, which are not eligible for purchase under SNAP guidelines. The program is designed to cover essential grocery items that can be prepared and consumed at home, rather than ready-to-eat or on-the-go beverages. This distinction helps ensure that benefits are used for more nutritious and substantial food options.
How to Check If Fountain Drinks Is SNAP-Eligible
To determine if an item is SNAP-eligible, check its label. Items with a "Nutrition Facts" label are generally eligible, while those with a "Supplement Facts" label are not. Additionally, if the item is hot, prepared, and meant for immediate consumption, it is likely not eligible. For example:
Bag of apples: It has a "Nutrition Facts" label and is intended for home consumption. Therefore, it is SNAP-eligible.
Hot deli sandwich: It’s hot, prepared, and meant for immediate consumption. Therefore, it is not SNAP-eligible.
If in doubt, compare the product to USDA rules to determine SNAP eligibility.
Additionally, 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 fountain drinks that cannot be purchased with these benefits, including:
Alcoholic Beverages: Beer, wine, and other alcoholic drinks are strictly prohibited under SNAP guidelines.
Vitamins and Supplements: Items with a "Supplement Facts" label, such as vitamins and protein powders, are not eligible for purchase.
Hot Foods: Foods that are hot at the point of sale, like rotisserie chickens or hot deli items, are not covered by SNAP benefits.
Non-Food Items: Household supplies, pet foods, and personal care products cannot be bought with EBT.
What Happens If You Try to Buy an Ineligible Item with an EBT Card?
If you try to buy an ineligible item with an 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 approved items.
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Benny is a great option to manage your SNAP benefits effectively. With Benny, you can check your EBT balance and transactions in real-time, helping you stay on top of your spending. Plus, earn cash back on groceries and other purchases at popular stores like Walmart, Target, and 7-Eleven. Download Benny to start saving on your EBT benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any exceptions to the rule that fountain drinks are not SNAP-eligible?
Generally, fountain drinks are not eligible for purchase with SNAP benefits because they are considered prepared foods. However, if a store misclassifies a fountain drink as a grocery item with a "Nutrition Facts" label, it might temporarily be eligible. Always check the label and consult store policies to avoid confusion.
Can I buy a meal that includes a fountain drink with my EBT card?
No, meals that include fountain drinks are not eligible for purchase with SNAP benefits. Since fountain drinks are considered prepared foods, any meal containing them would also be ineligible. You would need to use another form of payment for such meals.
Will my EBT benefits be halted if I try to buy a fountain drink?
Your EBT benefits will not be halted if you attempt to buy a fountain drink. The transaction will simply be declined at checkout. You will need to use another form of payment or remove the fountain drink from your purchase.
Do SNAP eligibility rules for fountain drinks vary by state?
No, SNAP eligibility rules for fountain drinks do not vary by state. The federal guidelines classify fountain drinks as prepared foods, making them ineligible for purchase with SNAP benefits nationwide. Always refer to federal SNAP guidelines for accurate information.
