Shopping with SNAP
May 4, 2025
Understanding what can and cannot be bought with the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) helps recipients spend their benefits wisely. Previously known as food stamps, many recipients wonder if household items qualify as an approved purchase.
Can You Buy Household Items with EBT/ Food Stamps?
No, you cannot buy household items with Food Stamps or EBT.
SNAP benefits are strictly intended for purchasing food and beverages. The program aims to ensure that recipients have access to nutritious food, which is why non-food items like cleaning supplies, paper products, and toiletries are not covered. This restriction helps maintain the program's focus on alleviating hunger and improving nutrition among low-income households.
How to Check If Household Items Is SNAP-Eligible
To check if household items are SNAP-eligible, look for "EBT/SNAP eligible" shelf tags in stores or icons on retailer websites. Most major grocers label qualifying foods, making it easier to identify approved 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 household items aren'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 household items that cannot be purchased with these benefits, including:
Alcoholic Beverages: Beer, wine, and liquor are not eligible.
Vitamins and Supplements: Items with a "Supplement Facts" label are excluded.
Prepared Foods: Hot foods and foods meant for immediate consumption are not covered.
Pet Foods: Any food intended for pets is 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 isn't covered by SNAP benefits. You'll need to pay for it using another form of payment, such as cash or a credit card, to complete your purchase.
Manage Your SNAP Benefits and Get Cashback with Benny
Benny is a great option for managing your SNAP benefits. Our app allows you to check your EBT balance and transactions instantly, making it easier to keep track of your spending without the hassle of phone calls or receipts.
Additionally, Benny offers cash back on groceries and other purchases at stores like Walmart, Target, 7-Eleven, and many more. This can help you stretch your benefits further. Learn more about Benny today.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Are there any exceptions to the rule that household items cannot be purchased with SNAP benefits?
No, there are no exceptions. Household items such as cleaning supplies, paper products, and toiletries are universally ineligible for purchase with SNAP benefits.
2. Will my EBT benefits be halted if I attempt to buy household items with SNAP?
No, your EBT benefits will not be halted. However, the transaction for the ineligible item will be declined, and you will need to use another form of payment to complete the purchase.
3. Can I purchase a basket of items that includes both food and household items with SNAP?
Yes, but only the food items will be covered by SNAP benefits. You will need to pay for the household items separately using another form of payment.
4. Do SNAP eligibility rules for household items vary by state?
No, SNAP eligibility rules for household items do not vary by state. Household items are consistently ineligible for purchase with SNAP benefits across all states.
