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 wine coolers are an eligible purchase, especially since SNAP was previously known as Food Stamps.
Can You Buy Wine Coolers with EBT/ Food Stamps?
No, you cannot buy wine coolers with Food Stamps or EBT.
Wine coolers are considered alcoholic beverages, and SNAP benefits cannot be used to purchase any form of alcohol. The program is designed to help low-income individuals and families buy nutritious food, and alcoholic drinks do not fall under this category. Therefore, wine coolers and other alcoholic products are not eligible for purchase with SNAP benefits.
How to Check If Wine Coolers Is SNAP-Eligible
To check if wine coolers are 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 You Buy with EBT/Food Stamps?
While wine coolers 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 You Not Buy with EBT/Food Stamps?
While SNAP benefits cover a wide range of essential food items, there are products like wine coolers that cannot be purchased with these benefits, including:
Alcoholic Beverages: All forms of alcohol, including beer, wine, and spirits.
Household Supplies: Items such as cleaning products, paper goods, and pet food.
Vitamins and Supplements: Products labeled with "Supplement Facts" instead of "Nutrition Facts".
Hot Prepared Foods: Foods that are hot at the point of sale, like deli meals.
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 transaction.
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 without hassle.
Additionally, Benny lets you earn cash back on groceries and other purchases at stores like Walmart, Target, 7-Eleven, and many more. This can help you stretch your benefits further and save more on everyday essentials.
Learn more about how Benny can help you manage your SNAP benefits effectively.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Are wine coolers ever eligible for purchase with SNAP benefits?
No, wine coolers are never eligible for purchase with SNAP benefits. They are classified as alcoholic beverages, which are not covered by the program.
2. Can attempting to buy wine coolers with SNAP benefits result in my EBT benefits being halted?
No, attempting to buy wine coolers with SNAP benefits will not result in your EBT benefits being halted. However, the transaction for the wine coolers will be declined, and you will need to use another form of payment.
3. If my shopping basket contains wine coolers, can I still use my SNAP benefits for the other items?
Yes, you can still use your SNAP benefits for eligible items in your shopping basket. The wine coolers will need to be paid for separately with another form of payment.
4. Why are wine coolers not eligible for purchase with SNAP benefits?
Wine coolers are not eligible for purchase with SNAP benefits because they contain alcohol. SNAP benefits are intended to help recipients buy nutritious food, and alcoholic beverages do not fall under this category.
