Shopping with SNAP
May 4, 2025
Understanding what can and cannot be bought with the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) helps recipients use their benefits effectively. Many wonder if sugar, a common pantry item, is an eligible purchase.
Can You Buy Sugar with EBT/ Food Stamps?
Yes, you can buy sugar with Food Stamps or SNAP.
Sugar is considered a staple food item, which makes it eligible for purchase under SNAP guidelines. The program allows recipients to buy most food products intended for home preparation and consumption, and sugar falls into this category. This ensures that households can access essential ingredients for cooking and baking.
How to Check If Sugar Is SNAP-Eligible
To check if sugar 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 You Buy with EBT/Food Stamps?
Besides sugar, 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 not eligible for purchase.
Household Supplies: Items like cleaning products, paper goods, and pet food are excluded.
Hot Foods: Foods that are hot at the point of sale, such as deli meals, are not covered.
Vitamins and Supplements: Products 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 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. This ensures SNAP funds are used only for eligible items.
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, ensuring you always know your available funds.
Additionally, Benny offers cash back on groceries and other purchases at stores like Walmart, Target, and 7-Eleven. This can help you stretch your benefits further. Learn more about Benny and start managing your SNAP benefits more effectively today.

Frequently Asked Questions
1. Are there any restrictions on the type of sugar you can buy with SNAP benefits?
No, there are no specific restrictions on the type of sugar you can buy with SNAP benefits. Whether it's granulated, powdered, or brown sugar, all are eligible for purchase.
2. Can you buy sugar substitutes with SNAP benefits?
Yes, sugar substitutes like stevia, aspartame, and other artificial sweeteners are also eligible for purchase with SNAP benefits, as they are considered food items.
3. Does the eligibility of sugar for SNAP benefits vary by state?
No, the eligibility of sugar for SNAP benefits does not vary by state. Sugar is universally considered an eligible food item under federal SNAP guidelines.
4. Can you use SNAP benefits to buy sugar in bulk?
Yes, you can use SNAP benefits to buy sugar in bulk. As long as the sugar is intended for home preparation and consumption, there are no restrictions on the quantity you can purchase.