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 liquor qualifies as an approved purchase.
Can You Buy Liquor with EBT/ Food Stamps?
No, you cannot buy liquor with Food Stamps or EBT.
Liquor is not eligible for purchase under SNAP because the program is designed to assist with the purchase of essential food items. Alcoholic beverages, including liquor, are considered non-essential and are therefore excluded from the list of approved items. This restriction ensures that SNAP benefits are used to support nutritional needs rather than non-nutritional expenditures.
How to Check If Liquor 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:
Frozen vegetables: They have a "Nutrition Facts" label and are intended for home consumption. Therefore, they are 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 liquor that cannot be purchased with these benefits, including:
Vitamins and Supplements: Items with a "Supplement Facts" label are not eligible for purchase with SNAP benefits.
Hot Foods: Prepared foods meant for immediate consumption, such as hot deli items, are not covered.
Non-Food Items: Household supplies, pet foods, and other non-food products are excluded from SNAP eligibility.
Alcoholic Beverages: Beer, wine, and other alcoholic drinks are not eligible for purchase with SNAP benefits.
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 or remove the item from your purchase. This ensures that SNAP benefits are used only for approved items.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is liquor eligible for purchase with SNAP benefits in any state?
No, liquor is not eligible for purchase with SNAP benefits in any state. The federal guidelines for SNAP explicitly exclude alcoholic beverages from the list of approved items, and this rule is uniformly applied across all states.
What happens if you try to buy liquor with an EBT card?
If you attempt to buy liquor with an EBT card, the transaction will be declined at checkout. The cashier or self-checkout system will notify you that the item cannot be purchased with SNAP benefits, and you will need to use another form of payment or remove the liquor from your purchase.
Can your EBT benefits be halted if you try to buy liquor?
Your EBT benefits will not be halted if you try to buy liquor. However, the transaction will be declined, and you will need to use another form of payment for the liquor. Repeated attempts to misuse SNAP benefits could lead to further scrutiny or penalties.
Are baskets containing liquor eligible for purchase with SNAP?
No, baskets containing liquor are not eligible for purchase with SNAP benefits. If your shopping basket includes liquor, you will need to separate the liquor from the rest of your items and pay for it using a different form of payment.
