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. A common question is whether potato chips, previously known as food stamps, qualify as an approved purchase.
Can You Buy Potato Chips with EBT/ Food Stamps?
Yes, you can buy potato chips with Food Stamps or SNAP.
Potato chips are considered a snack food, which falls under the category of eligible food items that can be purchased with SNAP benefits. The program allows for the purchase of most food products intended for home consumption, including snacks like potato chips, as long as they are not hot or prepared foods meant for immediate consumption.
How to Check If Potato Chips Is SNAP-Eligible
To check if potato chips are SNAP-eligible, look for “EBT/SNAP eligible” shelf tags or icons on retailer websites. Most major grocers label qualifying foods, making it easy to identify eligible items while shopping.
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 potato chips, 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 "Supplement Facts" are not eligible.
Hot Foods: Foods that are hot at the point of sale or meant for immediate consumption.
Non-Food Items: Household supplies, pet foods, and hygiene 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 item. 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 to proceed.
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 helps you earn cash back on groceries and other purchases at stores like Walmart, Target, and 7-Eleven. Learn more about how Benny can help you manage your SNAP benefits more effectively.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Are all brands of potato chips eligible for purchase with SNAP benefits?
Yes, all brands of potato chips are eligible for purchase with SNAP benefits as long as they are intended for home consumption and not hot or prepared foods meant for immediate consumption.
2. Can I buy potato chips in bulk with my EBT card?
Yes, you can buy potato chips in bulk with your EBT card. As long as the potato chips are packaged and intended for home consumption, they are eligible for purchase with SNAP benefits.
3. Are there any restrictions on the types of potato chips I can buy with SNAP?
No, there are no specific restrictions on the types of potato chips you can buy with SNAP. You can purchase any flavor or variety as long as they are not hot or prepared foods meant for immediate consumption.
4. Do the rules for buying potato chips with SNAP benefits vary by state?
No, the rules for buying potato chips with SNAP benefits do not vary by state. Potato chips are considered an eligible food item under federal SNAP guidelines, and this applies uniformly across all states.
