Apr 24, 2025
Understanding what can and cannot be bought with SNAP, previously known as Food Stamps, helps recipients use their benefits effectively. Many wonder if soda is an eligible purchase.
Can I Buy Soda with Food Stamps?
Yes, you can buy soda with Food Stamps or SNAP.
Soda is considered a food item under SNAP guidelines, making it eligible for purchase. The program allows recipients to buy most food products, including beverages, as long as they are intended for home consumption. This includes sugary drinks like soda, despite ongoing debates about their nutritional value.
How to Check If Soda is SNAP-Eligible
To check if soda is 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 I Buy with SNAP?
Besides soda, 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 Can I Not Buy with SNAP?
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 not eligible for purchase.
Vitamins and Supplements: Items with a "Supplement Facts" label are excluded.
Prepared Foods: Hot foods and foods meant for immediate consumption are not covered.
Non-Food Items: Household supplies, pet foods, and hygiene products are ineligible.
What Happens If I Try to Buy an Ineligible Item with EBT?
If you try to buy an ineligible item with SNAP, the cashier or the checkout system will alert you. The item will not be covered by your EBT card, and you will need to pay for it using another form of payment. This ensures that SNAP benefits are only used for approved food items, helping to maintain the program's integrity.
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 instantly, helping you stay on top of your benefits.
Additionally, Benny lets you earn cash back on groceries and other purchases at stores like Walmart, Target, and 7-Eleven. Learn more about Benny and start managing your SNAP benefits more effectively today.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Are there any restrictions on the types of soda I can buy with SNAP?
No, there are no specific restrictions on the types of soda you can buy with SNAP. As long as the soda is intended for home consumption, it is eligible for purchase.
2. Can I buy soda in bulk with my SNAP benefits?
Yes, you can buy soda in bulk with your SNAP benefits. There are no quantity limits on eligible food items, including soda.
3. Do all states allow the purchase of soda with SNAP benefits?
Yes, soda is considered an eligible food item under federal SNAP guidelines, and this rule applies across all states. However, individual retailers may have their own policies, so it's always good to check.
4. Can I use my SNAP benefits to buy soda from vending machines?
No, you cannot use SNAP benefits to buy soda from vending machines. SNAP benefits are intended for food items meant for home consumption, and vending machine purchases are not covered.
