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 vegetable glycerin qualifies as an approved purchase.
Can You Buy Vegetable Glycerin with EBT/ Food Stamps?
No, you cannot buy vegetable glycerin with Food Stamps or EBT.
Vegetable glycerin is not considered a food item under SNAP guidelines. The program restricts purchases to items that provide nutritional value, and since vegetable glycerin is typically used in non-food products like cosmetics and personal care items, it does not qualify for purchase with SNAP benefits.
How to Check If Vegetable Glycerin Is SNAP-Eligible
To check if vegetable glycerin 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 approved 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 vegetable glycerin 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 vegetable glycerin 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 with the checkout.
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 helps you earn cash back on groceries and other purchases at stores like Walmart, Target, 7-Eleven, and many more. Learn more about how Benny can help you manage your SNAP benefits effectively by visiting Benny.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Does the eligibility of vegetable glycerin for SNAP benefits vary by state?
No, the eligibility of vegetable glycerin for SNAP benefits does not vary by state. It is uniformly ineligible across all states as it is not considered a food item under SNAP guidelines.
2. Will my EBT benefits be halted if I try to buy vegetable glycerin with SNAP?
No, your EBT benefits will not be halted if you try to buy vegetable glycerin. The transaction for the ineligible item will simply be declined, and you will need to use another form of payment or remove the item from your purchase.
3. Are baskets containing vegetable glycerin eligible for purchase with SNAP?
No, baskets containing vegetable glycerin are not eligible for purchase with SNAP. You will need to remove the ineligible item from your basket to proceed with the transaction using your EBT card.
4. Why is vegetable glycerin not considered a food item under SNAP guidelines?
Vegetable glycerin is not considered a food item under SNAP guidelines because it does not provide nutritional value. It is typically used in non-food products like cosmetics and personal care items, which are not covered by SNAP benefits.
