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

Understanding what can and cannot be bought with the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) helps recipients use their benefits effectively. Many wonder if fruit, a nutritious option, is an eligible purchase.

Can You Buy Fruit with EBT/ Food Stamps?

Yes, you can buy fruit with Food Stamps or SNAP.

Fruit is considered a staple food item, which makes it eligible for purchase under the SNAP program. The goal of SNAP is to provide access to nutritious foods, and fruit is a key component of a healthy diet. This includes fresh, canned, and frozen fruits, ensuring recipients have a variety of options to choose from.

How to Check If Fruit Is SNAP-Eligible

To check if fruit 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 while shopping.

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?

Besides fruit, 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 that cannot be purchased with these benefits, including:

• Alcohol and Tobacco: These items are strictly prohibited under SNAP regulations.

• Hot Prepared Foods: Foods that are hot at the point of sale, such as deli meals.

• Non-Food Items: Household supplies, pet foods, and personal care products.

• Vitamins and Supplements: Items labeled with "Supplement Facts" are not eligible.

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 specific item. The cashier or the self-checkout system will notify you that the item is not covered by SNAP benefits. You will need to pay for the ineligible item using another form of payment, such as cash or a credit card.

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, eliminating the need for phone calls or checking receipts.

With Benny, you can also earn cash back on groceries and other purchases at stores like Walmart, Target, and 7-Eleven. This makes it simpler to save money while managing your benefits effectively.

Learn more about how Benny can help you today.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Are all types of fruit eligible for purchase with SNAP benefits?

Yes, all types of fruit, including fresh, canned, and frozen, are eligible for purchase with SNAP benefits. This ensures recipients have access to a variety of nutritious options.

2. Can I buy organic fruit with my EBT card?

Yes, you can buy organic fruit with your EBT card. Organic fruits are considered staple food items and are covered under SNAP benefits.

3. Are fruit baskets eligible for purchase with SNAP benefits?

Fruit baskets are eligible for purchase with SNAP benefits as long as they contain only eligible food items. If the basket includes non-food items, those items must be paid for separately.

4. Do SNAP rules for buying fruit vary by state?

No, SNAP rules for buying fruit do not vary by state. The eligibility of fruit is determined by federal guidelines, which apply uniformly across all states.