Shopping with SNAP
May 4, 2025
Understanding what you can and cannot buy with the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) helps recipients spend their benefits wisely. A common question is whether hygiene products qualify as an approved purchase.
Can You Buy Hygiene Products with EBT/ Food Stamps?
No, you cannot buy hygiene products with Food Stamps or EBT.
SNAP benefits are designed to assist with purchasing food and beverages for home consumption. Hygiene products, such as soap, toothpaste, and deodorant, are considered non-food items and therefore do not qualify for purchase under the program. The primary goal of SNAP is to ensure that recipients have access to nutritious food, not to cover personal care items.
How to Check If Hygiene Products Is SNAP-Eligible
To check if hygiene products are SNAP-eligible, look for "EBT/SNAP eligible" shelf tags in stores or icons on retailer websites. Most major grocers label qualifying items, making it easier to identify what you can purchase with your benefits.
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 to confirm eligibility.
What Can You Buy with EBT/Food Stamps?
While hygiene products 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 hygiene products that cannot be purchased with these benefits, including:
Alcoholic Beverages: Beer, wine, and liquor are not eligible for purchase.
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 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 altogether.
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 offers cash back on groceries and other purchases at stores like Walmart, Target, and 7-Eleven. This can help you stretch your benefits further. Learn more about Benny and start managing your SNAP benefits more effectively today.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Are there any exceptions to the rule that hygiene products are not eligible for purchase with SNAP benefits?
No, there are no exceptions. Hygiene products are universally considered non-food items and are not eligible for purchase with SNAP benefits.
2. Will my EBT benefits be halted if I attempt to buy hygiene products with them?
No, your EBT benefits will not be halted. However, the transaction will be declined, and you will need to use another form of payment for the hygiene products.
3. Can I purchase a basket containing both food and hygiene products with my SNAP benefits?
Only the food items in the basket can be purchased with SNAP benefits. You will need to pay for the hygiene products separately using another form of payment.
4. Are there any programs that help cover the cost of hygiene products for SNAP recipients?
While SNAP does not cover hygiene products, some local charities and community organizations offer assistance programs that provide hygiene products to those in need. Check with local food banks or community centers for available resources.
