Apr 24, 2025
Understanding what can and cannot be bought with SNAP, previously known as Food Stamps, helps recipients spend their benefits wisely. Many recipients may wonder whether supplements qualify as an approved purchase.
Can I Buy Supplements with Food Stamps?
No, you cannot buy supplements with Food Stamps or SNAP.
Supplements are not eligible because SNAP benefits are intended to cover essential food items. The program restricts purchases to items that have a nutrition label, while most supplements carry a supplement facts label instead. This distinction ensures that benefits are used for basic nutritional needs rather than non-essential products.
How to Check If Supplements is SNAP-Eligible
To check if a supplement is 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 I Buy with SNAP?
While supplements aren'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 I Not Buy with SNAP?
While SNAP benefits cover a wide range of essential food items, there are products like supplements that cannot be purchased with these benefits, including:
Alcoholic Beverages: Beer, wine, and liquor are not eligible for purchase.
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.
Tobacco Products: Cigarettes, cigars, and other tobacco-related items.
What Happens If I Try to Buy an Ineligible Item with EBT?
If you try to buy an ineligible item with SNAP, the transaction will be declined at checkout. The cashier or the point-of-sale system will notify you that the item cannot be purchased with your EBT card. You will need to use another form of payment or remove the item from your purchase. This ensures SNAP benefits are used only for approved 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, 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 exceptions to the rule that supplements cannot be purchased with SNAP?
No, there are no exceptions. Supplements are universally ineligible for purchase with SNAP benefits because they carry a supplement facts label rather than a nutrition facts label.
2. Will my EBT benefits be halted if I try to buy supplements with SNAP?
No, your EBT benefits will not be halted. However, the transaction will 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 supplements with SNAP?
Yes, you can buy a basket of groceries with SNAP, but the supplements will need to be paid for separately using another form of payment. Only the eligible items in the basket can be purchased with SNAP benefits.
4. How can I identify if a product is considered a supplement and not eligible for SNAP?
Check the label on the product. If it has a supplement facts label instead of a nutrition facts label, it is considered a supplement and is not eligible for purchase with SNAP benefits.
