Shopping with SNAP
Apr 24, 2025
Understanding what can and cannot be bought with the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) helps recipients spend their benefits wisely. Many recipients may wonder whether toilet paper, a common household item, is an eligible purchase.
Can You Buy Toilet Paper with EBT/ Food Stamps?
No, you cannot buy toilet paper with Food Stamps or EBT.
This is because SNAP benefits are intended to cover food items that are essential for nutrition. Non-food items, such as household supplies, do not qualify under the program's guidelines. Therefore, toilet paper and other similar items must be purchased with other forms of payment.
How to Check If Toilet Paper Is SNAP-Eligible
To determine if an item is SNAP-eligible, check its label. If it has a "Nutrition Facts" label, it is likely eligible. Conversely, items with a "Supplement Facts" label are not eligible. Additionally, hot, prepared foods meant for immediate consumption are generally not covered by SNAP. For example:
Frozen vegetables: They have a "Nutrition Facts" label and are intended for home consumption. Therefore, they are SNAP-eligible.
Hot deli sandwich: It’s hot, prepared, and meant for immediate consumption. Therefore, it is not SNAP-eligible.
If in doubt, compare the product to USDA rules to determine SNAP eligibility.
Large chain stores often use small shelf labels or icons that say "SNAP Eligible" or "EBT Accepted." Websites of large chains like Walmart, Amazon, or delivery platforms like Instacart often let you filter by SNAP-eligible items. If still unsure, ask the shop assistant before making a purchase.
What Else Can You Not Buy with EBT/Food Stamps?
While SNAP benefits cover a wide range of essential food items, there are products like toilet paper that cannot be purchased with these benefits, including:
Alcoholic Beverages: Beer, wine, and other alcoholic drinks are not eligible for purchase with SNAP benefits.
Vitamins and Supplements: Items with a "Supplement Facts" label, such as vitamins and dietary supplements, are not covered.
Pet Foods: Food products intended for pets are not eligible for purchase with SNAP benefits.
Household Supplies: Cleaning products, paper goods, and other non-food household items are not covered by SNAP.
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 to complete the purchase for that item. This ensures that SNAP benefits are used only for eligible food items.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is toilet paper ever eligible for purchase with SNAP benefits?
No, toilet paper is not eligible for purchase with SNAP benefits. SNAP is designed to cover food items essential for nutrition, and non-food items like toilet paper do not qualify under the program's guidelines.
Will my EBT benefits be halted if I try to buy toilet paper with SNAP?
No, your EBT benefits will not be halted if you attempt to buy toilet paper with SNAP. However, the transaction for the ineligible item will be declined, and you will need to use another form of payment to complete the purchase.
Can I purchase a basket of groceries that includes toilet paper with my EBT card?
Yes, you can purchase a basket of groceries that includes toilet paper with your EBT card, but the cost of the toilet paper will not be covered by SNAP benefits. You will need to pay for the toilet paper separately using another form of payment.
Are there any state-specific rules that allow toilet paper to be purchased with SNAP?
No, there are no state-specific rules that allow toilet paper to be purchased with SNAP benefits. The guidelines for SNAP eligibility are federally regulated, and non-food items like toilet paper are universally ineligible.
