Apr 24, 2025
Understanding what can and cannot be bought with SNAP, previously known as Food Stamps, helps recipients spend their benefits wisely. Many wonder if tea qualifies as an approved purchase.
Can I Buy Tea with Food Stamps?
Yes, you can buy tea with Food Stamps or SNAP.
Tea is considered a food item, making it eligible for purchase under SNAP guidelines. This includes both bagged and loose-leaf tea, as long as it is intended for home consumption. However, pre-prepared or ready-to-drink teas from cafes or restaurants are not covered.
How to Check If Tea is SNAP-Eligible
To check if tea 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 tea, 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 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.
Vitamins and Supplements: Products labeled with "Supplement Facts" are not covered.
Hot Foods: Foods that are hot at the point of sale, such as deli meals, 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 transaction will be declined at checkout. The cashier or the self-checkout system will notify you that the item cannot be purchased with your EBT card. You will need to use another form of payment for that item or remove it 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 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 all types of tea eligible for purchase with SNAP?
Yes, both bagged and loose-leaf teas intended for home consumption are eligible for purchase with SNAP benefits. However, pre-prepared or ready-to-drink teas from cafes or restaurants are not covered.
2. Can I buy herbal tea with my SNAP benefits?
Yes, herbal teas are considered food items and are eligible for purchase with SNAP benefits, as long as they are intended for home consumption.
3. Does the eligibility of tea for SNAP benefits vary by state?
No, the eligibility of tea for SNAP benefits does not vary by state. The USDA sets the guidelines, and tea is considered a food item eligible for purchase nationwide.
4. Can I use SNAP benefits to buy tea online?
Yes, you can use SNAP benefits to buy tea online from approved retailers that accept EBT payments. Make sure to check if the retailer is part of the USDA's Online Purchasing Pilot program.
