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 steamed crab legs qualify as an approved purchase.
Can You Buy Steamed Crab Legs with EBT/ Food Stamps?
No, you cannot buy steamed crab legs with Food Stamps or EBT.
The reason is that SNAP benefits cover only unprepared foods meant for home preparation and consumption. Since steamed crab legs are considered a prepared food item, they fall outside the eligible purchase list. SNAP aims to provide essential groceries, and prepared foods are generally excluded to encourage home cooking and meal preparation.
How to Check If Steamed Crab Legs Is SNAP-Eligible
To check if steamed crab legs 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?
While steamed crab legs isn't eligible, 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 like steamed crab legs that cannot be purchased with these benefits, including:
Alcoholic Beverages: Beer, wine, and liquor are strictly prohibited.
Hot Foods: Foods that are hot at the point of sale, such as deli meals.
Non-Food Items: Household supplies, pet foods, and personal care products.
Vitamins and Supplements: Items labeled with "Supplement Facts" are ineligible.
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 or remove the item from your purchase to complete the transaction.
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, eliminating the need for phone calls or checking receipts.
Additionally, Benny offers cash back on groceries and other purchases at stores like Walmart, Target, and 7-Eleven. 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 there any states where steamed crab legs are eligible for purchase with SNAP?
No, steamed crab legs are not eligible for purchase with SNAP benefits in any state. SNAP rules are federally regulated, and prepared foods like steamed crab legs are universally excluded.
2. Will my EBT benefits be halted if I try to buy steamed crab legs with SNAP?
No, your EBT benefits will not be halted if you attempt to buy steamed crab legs. The transaction will simply be declined, and you will need to use another form of payment or remove the item from your purchase.
3. Can I buy a basket of groceries that includes steamed crab legs with SNAP?
No, if your basket contains steamed crab legs, you will need to pay for that item separately using another form of payment. Only the eligible items in your basket can be purchased with SNAP benefits.
4. Why are steamed crab legs considered ineligible for SNAP benefits?
Steamed crab legs are considered ineligible because they are classified as a prepared food item. SNAP benefits are intended for unprepared foods that require home preparation, encouraging recipients to cook meals at home.
