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

Understanding what can and cannot be bought with the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) helps recipients spend their benefits wisely. Many recipients may wonder whether gum, previously known as food stamps, qualifies as an approved purchase.

Can You Buy Gum with EBT/ Food Stamps?

Yes, you can buy gum with EBT or Food Stamps.

Gum is considered a food item under the SNAP guidelines, making it eligible for purchase with EBT benefits. The program allows for the purchase of most food items intended for human consumption, and gum falls into this category. This inclusion helps ensure that recipients have the flexibility to buy a variety of food items, including snacks and treats like gum.

How to Check If Gum Is SNAP-Eligible

To determine if an item is SNAP-eligible, check its label. If it has a "Nutrition Facts" label, it is likely eligible. Conversely, items with a "Supplement Facts" label are not eligible. Additionally, hot, prepared foods meant for immediate consumption are generally not SNAP-eligible. For example:

• Bag of chips: It has a "Nutrition Facts" label and is intended for home consumption. Therefore, it is SNAP-eligible.

• Hot pizza slice: 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.

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.

Surprising Things You Can Buy with EBT

Besides gum, 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.

• Snack Foods: Chips, ice cream, candy, and other snacks.

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 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 for that item or remove it from your purchase. This ensures that SNAP benefits are used only for approved items.

Manage Your SNAP Benefits and Get Cashback with Benny

Benny is a great option to manage your SNAP benefits effectively. With our app, you can check your EBT balance and transactions in real-time, helping you stay on top of your spending. Plus, you can 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

Is there a limit to how much gum you can buy with EBT?

There is no specific limit on the amount of gum you can purchase with EBT. As long as the gum is intended for personal consumption and you have sufficient funds in your EBT account, you can buy as much as you need.

Can you buy sugar-free gum with EBT?

Yes, you can buy sugar-free gum with EBT. Both regular and sugar-free gum are considered food items under SNAP guidelines, making them eligible for purchase with your benefits.

Are there any brands of gum that are not eligible for purchase with EBT?

All brands of gum that have a "Nutrition Facts" label are eligible for purchase with EBT. The eligibility is based on the type of label rather than the brand, so as long as the gum has the correct labeling, it can be bought with SNAP benefits.

Can you buy gum from vending machines with EBT?

No, you cannot use EBT to buy gum from vending machines. EBT cards are typically not accepted at vending machines, as these machines do not have the necessary systems to process EBT transactions.