SNAP Restrictions on Soda and Candy Starting in 2026: State-by-State Changes

Some states began implementing new rules on January 1 that limited purchases of soda, energy drinks, candy, and other foods for people who receive SNAP benefits, according to a list of changes provided by the Department of Agriculture. In total, 22 states plan to introduce new restrictions starting in 2026.

While some of the restrictions have already taken effect, others won’t begin until later this year, according to approval notices sent by the federal government to the states. In some instances, shoppers won’t notice changes until 2027 or 2028.

Nearly 42 million people, or about 12% of the US resident population, relied on SNAP benefits each month during the 2024 federal fiscal year, according to the Department of Agriculture.

The changes align with Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s Make America Healthy Again initiative. Alongside vaccine mandate skepticism, Kennedy emphasizes the need to limit certain food ingredients, such as sugar and various food dyes.

To put these changes into effect, states needed to request waivers from the federal government regarding existing rules that dictate how SNAP benefits can be utilized.

The effectiveness of these restrictions in promoting healthier food choices among SNAP beneficiaries is still uncertain.

In many cases, shoppers and retailers have yet to receive a detailed list of products that will no longer be eligible for purchase with SNAP funds, as noted by the anti-hunger advocacy group Food Research and Action Center (FRAC) in a blog post last December.

In Iowa, for example, forthcoming restrictions indicate that purchases of items such as vitamins and minerals, as well as candy-covered products, will no longer be permissible under SNAP guidelines. This lack of clarity does little to assist shoppers in making informed choices at the store, according to FRAC.

“The items list does not provide enough specific information to prepare a SNAP participant to go to the grocery store,” FRAC stated.

Here are all the states that are changing which foods are SNAP-eligible in 2026 and beyond, per the Department of Agriculture:

Starting July 1, SNAP rules in Arkansas will restrict purchases of soda, “unhealthy drinks,” drinks that are less than 50% natural juice, and candy.

Colorado will restrict the purchase of soft drinks with SNAP funds on April 30.

Florida SNAP shoppers will face new restrictions on purchases of soda, energy drinks, candy, and “prepared desserts” starting on April 20.

The 50th state will limit SNAP shoppers’ ability to purchase soft drinks, beginning on August 1.

Soda and candy purchases were restricted for SNAP users in Idaho starting on February 15.

In Indiana, shoppers who use SNAP benefits faced new restrictions on buying soft drinks and candy on January 1.

Iowa, another state that enacted SNAP changes on January 1, restricted purchases of “all taxable food items.” According to a notice sent to SNAP recipients, that means that shoppers can’t purchase soda, candy, candy-coated items, vitamins and minerals, chewing gum, or drinks with 50% or less fruit and vegetable juice.

Starting February 15, 2027, Kansas will ban SNAP recipients from buying candy and soft drinks.

Louisiana restricted SNAP purchases of soft drinks, energy drinks, and candy starting February 18.

People who use SNAP benefits in Missouri will see new restrictions on buying candy, prepared desserts, and “certain unhealthy beverages” starting on October 1.

Nebraska SNAP recipients faced restrictions on buying soda and energy drinks starting on January 1.

Candy and sugar-sweetened beverages will be off the table for SNAP recipients in Nevada starting on February 1, 2028.

North Dakota will restrict purchases of soft drinks, energy drinks, and candy for SNAP shoppers starting September 1.

Ohio will ban the purchase of sugar-sweetened beverages with SNAP benefits starting on October 1.

Oklahoma shoppers who use SNAP will see fresh restrictions on purchasing soft drinks and candy as of February 15.

Candy, energy drinks, soft drinks, and sweetened beverages will all face new SNAP buying restrictions in South Carolina on August 31.

On July 31, Tennessee will restrict SNAP purchases of processed foods and beverages, “such as soda, energy drinks, and candy.”

Texas’ new rule, which takes effect on April 1, will limit purchases of sweetened drinks and candy among SNAP shoppers.

Utah restricted the purchase of soft drinks for SNAP users starting January 1.

Purchases of “sweetened beverages” will be restricted for SNAP users in Virginia starting on April 1.

Buying soda was restricted for SNAP shoppers in West Virginia starting on January 1.

Starting on February 1, 2027, Wyoming will prohibit SNAP recipients from using benefits to buy sugar-sweetened carbonated beverages.