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. Many recipients may wonder whether slushies, a popular treat, are an eligible purchase.
Can You Buy Slushies with EBT/ Food Stamps?
Yes, you can buy slushies with EBT or Food Stamps.
Slushies are considered eligible under SNAP because they are classified as a cold beverage. As long as they are intended for home consumption and not sold as a prepared food item, they meet the criteria set by the program. This means you can enjoy this refreshing treat using your benefits without any issues.
How to Check If Slushies 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, if the item is hot, prepared, and meant for immediate consumption, it is likely not SNAP-eligible. For example:
Frozen pizza: It’s cold, packaged, and intended for home consumption. Therefore, it is SNAP-eligible.
Hot soup from a deli: 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.
Surprising Things You Can Buy with EBT
Besides slushies, 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.
Snack Foods: Chips, ice cream, candy, and other snacks.
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 can either remove the item from your purchase or pay for it using another form of payment. This ensures that only eligible items are bought with SNAP benefits.
Manage Your SNAP Benefits and Get Cashback with Benny
Benny is a great option to manage your SNAP benefits effectively. With Benny, you can check your EBT balance and transactions in real-time, helping you stay on top of your EBT spending. Plus, you can earn cash back on groceries and other purchases at popular stores such as Walmart, Target, and 7-Eleven.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are all types of slushies eligible for purchase with SNAP benefits?
Not all slushies are eligible for purchase with SNAP benefits. Only slushies that are sold as cold beverages intended for home consumption qualify. If the slushie is sold as a prepared food item meant for immediate consumption, it is not eligible.
Do SNAP eligibility rules for slushies vary by state?
SNAP eligibility rules for slushies do not vary by state. The federal guidelines classify slushies as eligible if they are cold beverages intended for home consumption. However, individual store policies may differ, so it's always good to check with the retailer.
Can you buy slushies from convenience stores with EBT?
Yes, you can buy slushies from convenience stores with EBT as long as they are sold as cold beverages for home consumption. Many convenience stores accept EBT and have eligible items clearly marked.
What should you do if your EBT card is declined when buying a slushie?
If your EBT card is declined when buying a slushie, it likely means the item is not eligible under SNAP rules. You can either remove the slushie from your purchase or pay for it using another form of payment. Always check the label and store policies to avoid such issues.
