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 soap, a common household item, is an eligible purchase.
Can You Buy Soap with EBT/ Food Stamps?
No, you cannot buy soap with Food Stamps or EBT.
This is because SNAP benefits are intended to cover food items and beverages that are essential for nutrition. Non-food items, including soap, are not eligible for purchase under the program. The focus of SNAP is to ensure that recipients have access to nutritious food, and therefore, household items like soap must be bought with other funds.
How to Check If Soap Is SNAP-Eligible
To determine if an item is SNAP-eligible, check its label. If the item 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 covered by SNAP. For example:
Frozen vegetables: They have a "Nutrition Facts" label and are intended for home consumption. Therefore, they are SNAP-eligible.
Hot pizza: 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.
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 soap that cannot be purchased with these benefits, including:
Household Supplies: Items such as paper towels, cleaning products, and toiletries are not covered by SNAP benefits.
Pet Food: Food for pets is not considered a necessity for human nutrition and is therefore ineligible.
Alcohol and Tobacco: These items are strictly prohibited from being purchased with SNAP benefits.
Vitamins and Supplements: Products with a "Supplement Facts" label, including vitamins and dietary supplements, are not eligible for purchase.
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 to complete the purchase for that item. This ensures that SNAP benefits are used only for eligible food items.
Manage Your SNAP Benefits and Get Cashback with Benny
Managing your SNAP benefits is easier with Benny. Our app allows you to check your EBT balance and transactions in real-time, helping you stay on top of your spending. Plus, earn cash back on groceries and other purchases at popular stores like Walmart, Target, and 7-Eleven. Download Benny to start saving on your EBT benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is soap ever eligible for purchase with SNAP benefits?
No, soap is not eligible for purchase with SNAP benefits. SNAP is designed to cover food items and beverages essential for nutrition, and non-food items like soap do not fall under this category.
Can a basket containing soap be purchased with SNAP benefits?
No, if your shopping basket contains soap, the cost of the soap will not be covered by SNAP benefits. You will need to use another form of payment to cover the cost of the soap, while the eligible food items can be paid for with your EBT card.
Will my EBT benefits be halted if I try to buy soap with SNAP?
No, your EBT benefits will not be halted if you try to buy soap with SNAP. However, the transaction for the soap will be declined, and you will need to use another form of payment to complete the purchase.
Do SNAP eligibility rules for soap vary by state?
No, SNAP eligibility rules for soap do not vary by state. Soap is universally considered a non-food item and is therefore not eligible for purchase with SNAP benefits across all states.
