Can You Buy Meal Replacement Shakes with EBT/Food Stamps? (2025)

Understanding what you can and cannot buy with the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), previously known as food stamps, helps recipients spend their benefits wisely. A common question is whether meal replacement shakes qualify as an approved purchase.

Can You Buy Meal Replacement Shakes with EBT/ Food Stamps?

Yes, you can buy meal replacement shakes with Food Stamps or SNAP.

Meal replacement shakes are considered eligible because they are classified as food items. SNAP benefits cover products that provide nutritional value, and these shakes often serve as a convenient source of essential nutrients. As long as the shakes are intended for human consumption and meet the nutritional guidelines set by SNAP, they can be purchased using EBT benefits.

How to Check If Meal Replacement Shakes Is SNAP-Eligible

To check if meal replacement shakes 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 eligible 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?

Besides meal replacement shakes, 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:

• Alcoholic Beverages: Beer, wine, and liquor are strictly prohibited.

• Vitamins and Supplements: Items labeled with a "Supplement Facts" panel are ineligible.

• Hot 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.

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

Benny is a beneficial option for managing SNAP benefits. Our app allows users to check their EBT balance and transactions instantly, eliminating the need for phone calls or checking receipts.

Users can also earn cash back on groceries and other purchases at stores like Walmart, Target, 7-Eleven, and many more. Start saving with Benny today. Download Benny from the Apple App Store to begin managing your SNAP benefits more effectively.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Are all brands of meal replacement shakes eligible for purchase with SNAP?

Not all brands of meal replacement shakes are eligible. To be eligible, the shakes must be labeled with "Nutrition Facts" rather than "Supplement Facts." Always check the packaging to ensure compliance.

2. Can I buy meal replacement shakes online with my EBT card?

Yes, you can buy meal replacement shakes online with your EBT card from retailers that accept SNAP benefits for online purchases. Make sure the retailer is approved for EBT transactions.

3. Do the rules for buying meal replacement shakes with SNAP vary by state?

No, the rules for buying meal replacement shakes with SNAP do not vary by state. The eligibility criteria are set by federal guidelines, which apply uniformly across all states.

4. Are there any restrictions on the quantity of meal replacement shakes I can buy with SNAP benefits?

There are no specific restrictions on the quantity of meal replacement shakes you can buy with SNAP benefits. However, your total purchase must stay within your available SNAP balance.