Yes, you can buy chips with your EBT card.

If you have SNAP benefits, also known as food stamps, you can purchase chips. They are considered an eligible food item under the program. Most authorized grocery stores and convenience stores will accept SNAP payments for them.

For those with EBT Cash benefits from programs like TANF, buying chips is also allowed. EBT Cash can be used like a debit card for a wide variety of purchases, including both food and non-food items.

How to Check If an Item Is EBT-Eligible

To figure out if you can buy something with your EBT card, you need to know whether you are using SNAP or EBT Cash benefits, as the rules are different for each.

SNAP Eligibility for Chips

SNAP eligibility is determined by the item itself, not the store. The USDA considers packaged chips a household food item, making them eligible. You can find a complete list of what SNAP covers on the official food eligibility list.

However, SNAP benefits cannot be used for hot foods prepared for immediate consumption. This means while a bag of chips is fine, any chips served hot at the point of sale, like those from a deli, would not be eligible for purchase with your SNAP funds.

If you try to buy an ineligible item, the register will flag it. You will then have to either remove the item from your purchase or pay for it using a different method, such as your EBT Cash balance, a debit card, or actual cash.

EBT Cash Eligibility for Chips

Unlike SNAP, EBT Cash eligibility is based on the merchant, not the product. This means you can always buy chips with your cash benefits at any authorized retailer. The transaction is treated just like using a standard debit card for the purchase.

While no foods are banned, states can restrict where you use EBT Cash. These restrictions typically apply to places like casinos or liquor stores. You can check the specific location restrictions for your state to be sure where your card can be used.