You cannot buy Red Bull with EBT SNAP benefits, but you can if you have EBT Cash benefits.

EBT SNAP, also known as food stamps, has strict rules. The program only covers staple food items. Energy drinks like Red Bull are not eligible because they are classified as supplements, not food.

The key difference is the label. SNAP-eligible items have a "Nutrition Facts" label. Red Bull has a "Supplement Facts" label, which makes it ineligible for purchase with food stamps at any authorized retailer.

If your EBT card includes cash benefits, such as TANF, the rules are different. These funds can be used to buy non-food items, including energy drinks. You can purchase Red Bull with EBT Cash.

EBT Cash works like a debit card at most stores. However, not all EBT cardholders receive cash benefits. Your eligibility depends on the specific assistance programs you are enrolled in through your state.

What Happens If You Try to Purchase Red Bull with EBT SNAP/Food Stamps

If you attempt to buy Red Bull using your EBT SNAP benefits at checkout, the transaction will simply be declined. The cashier will inform you that the item is not eligible, and you will need to pay for it using another method, like cash, a debit card, or your EBT Cash balance if available.

How to Check If an Item Is EBT-Eligible

Knowing how to check an item's eligibility can save you time at the register. The rules for SNAP are based on the item itself, while EBT Cash rules are typically based on the store where you shop.

Checking SNAP Eligibility

The simplest check is the product label. According to the USDA, items with a "Nutrition Facts" label are generally eligible for SNAP, while those with a "Supplement Facts" label are not. Standard cans of Red Bull have a "Nutrition Facts" label, making them eligible under this federal rule.

While federal rules are uniform, states can request waivers to exclude certain items. For example, Nebraska will ban SNAP purchases of many energy drinks starting in 2026. Always check your state’s specific list of eligible foods online or by calling the number on your EBT card.

If you try to buy an ineligible item, the register will automatically flag it. The system will deduct eligible groceries from your SNAP balance, but you will be prompted to pay for the restricted item, like Red Bull in some states, with another payment method.

Checking EBT Cash Eligibility

EBT Cash benefits, like TANF, have different restrictions. Federal rules focus on where you shop, not what you buy. Purchases are blocked at specific venues like liquor stores or casinos, but not at grocery or convenience stores where you would find Red Bull.

Because the restrictions are location-based, you can typically buy any item, including Red Bull, with your EBT Cash balance at an approved store. States rarely add their own product-specific bans to cash benefits, but you can confirm by checking your state's TANF card restrictions.