Can You Buy Nachos 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. A common question is whether nachos qualify as an approved purchase.

Can You Buy Nachos with EBT/ Food Stamps?

Yes, you can buy nachos with Food Stamps or SNAP.

Nachos are considered a food item, which makes them eligible for purchase under SNAP guidelines. As long as the nachos are bought from a retailer that accepts EBT, they qualify for purchase. This includes nacho ingredients like chips, cheese, and toppings, as well as pre-made nachos from grocery stores.

How to Check If Nachos Is SNAP-Eligible

To check if nachos are SNAP-eligible, look for “EBT/SNAP eligible” shelf tags 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 nachos, 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:

• Alcohol and Tobacco: Beer, wine, liquor, cigarettes, and other tobacco products.

• Non-Food Items: Household supplies, pet foods, and personal care products.

• Hot Foods: Foods that are hot at the point of sale, such as deli meals.

• Vitamins and Supplements: Items labeled with "Supplement Facts" instead of "Nutrition Facts".

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 is not covered by SNAP benefits. You will need to pay for the ineligible item with another form of payment or remove it from your purchase.

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, eliminating the need for phone calls or checking receipts.

Additionally, Benny offers cash back on groceries and other purchases at stores like Walmart, Target, 7-Eleven, and many more. This makes it simpler to save money while shopping. Learn more about Benny and start managing your SNAP benefits more effectively today.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Are pre-made nachos from grocery stores eligible for purchase with SNAP?

Yes, pre-made nachos from grocery stores are eligible for purchase with SNAP as long as they are not hot at the point of sale.

2. Can I buy nacho ingredients like chips, cheese, and toppings with SNAP benefits?

Yes, you can buy nacho ingredients such as chips, cheese, and toppings with SNAP benefits, as these are considered food items.

3. Are nachos from a convenience store eligible for purchase with SNAP?

Yes, nachos from a convenience store are eligible for purchase with SNAP, provided they are not hot at the point of sale and the store accepts EBT.

4. Do SNAP eligibility rules for nachos vary by state?

No, SNAP eligibility rules for nachos do not vary by state. As long as the nachos are not hot at the point of sale, they are eligible for purchase with SNAP benefits nationwide.