Recent updates to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) are poised to significantly change what recipients can purchase with their benefits. The new rules, which will take effect in three states this month, are part of a broader initiative aimed at curbing junk food purchases with federal assistance.
Which States Are Enforcing SNAP Junk Food Restrictions Now?
Starting on February 15, Idaho and Oklahoma will implement new regulations, followed by Louisiana on February 18. These changes are part of a larger movement that has already impacted several states, with additional regulations anticipated in 2026.
This month, Idaho, Oklahoma, and Louisiana will join Indiana, Iowa, Nebraska, Utah, and West Virginia in restricting certain purchases through SNAP.
While the specific waivers vary by state, the majority prohibit the use of SNAP benefits to buy soda, energy drinks, and candy.
This initiative aligns with the Trump administration’s Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) agenda. According to Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins, “Under the MAHA initiative, we are taking bold, historic steps to reverse the chronic diseases epidemic that has taken root in this country for far too long.”
Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. praised the governors leading this reform effort, highlighting the positive impact it aims to have on the health of Americans, particularly children.
How Does SNAP Work?
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Service manages SNAP, a program that allocated over $100 billion in fiscal year 2024. It provided an average of $190.59 monthly to more than 42 million individuals.
Federal funds are distributed to states, which oversee applications and eligibility according to federal guidelines. Benefits are delivered via Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards, enabling recipients to purchase groceries.
Which States Will Implement Restrictions in 2026?
Several additional states are expected to adopt SNAP purchase restrictions in 2026. Here’s a look at which states will implement changes and what those entail:
- Arkansas (7/01/26): Restricts soda, fruit and vegetable drinks with less than 50% natural juice, unhealthy drinks, and candy.
- Colorado (4/30/26): Restricts soft drinks.
- Florida (4/20/26): Restricts soda, energy drinks, candy, and prepared desserts.
- Hawaii (8/01/26): Restricts soft drinks.
- Idaho (2/15/26): Restricts soda and candy.
- Indiana (1/01/26): Restricts soft drinks and candy.
- Iowa (1/01/26): Restricts all taxable food items, except for food-producing plants and seeds.
- Louisiana (2/18/26): Restricts soft drinks, energy drinks, and candy.
- Missouri (10/01/26): Restricts candy, prepared desserts, and certain unhealthy beverages.
- Nebraska (1/01/26): Restricts soda and energy drinks.
- North Dakota (9/01/26): Restricts soft drinks, energy drinks, and candy.
- Oklahoma (2/15/26): Restricts soft drinks and candy.
- South Carolina (8/31/26): Restricts candy, energy drinks, soft drinks, and sweetened beverages.
- Tennessee (7/31/26): Restricts processed foods such as soda, energy drinks, and candy.
- Texas (4/01/26): Restricts sweetened drinks and candy.
- Utah (1/01/26): Restricts soft drinks.
- Virginia (4/01/26): Restricts “sweetened beverages.”
- West Virginia (1/01/26): Restricts soda.
Why Are States Making These Changes?
Proponents of these new regulations contend that they aim to combat chronic health issues and enhance public health by limiting the use of taxpayer money for purchasing high-sugar and highly processed foods.
As more states prepare to join this initiative in 2026, the SNAP food purchase restrictions are expected to transform the way millions of Americans utilize their benefits.
Key Takeaways
- New SNAP restrictions begin in Idaho and Oklahoma on February 15 and in Louisiana on February 18.
- More states, including Indiana, Iowa, and Nebraska, are already implementing similar restrictions.
- The initiative aims to limit the purchase of soda, energy drinks, and candy with SNAP benefits.
- A total of 18 states are expected to adopt purchase restrictions by 2026.
- This movement is part of the Make America Healthy Again agenda aimed at improving public health.
FAQ
When do the new SNAP restrictions begin?
Idaho and Oklahoma start on February 15, while Louisiana will implement its rules on February 18. Additional states will follow throughout 2026.
What items are commonly restricted?
Common restrictions include soda, energy drinks, candy, and other sweetened beverages when using SNAP benefits.
