Many consumers are curious about the extent of their SNAP benefits, particularly regarding the purchase of beverages like soda and juice. As regulations evolve, it’s essential to keep abreast of what you can buy with these benefits in your state. Here’s what you need to know about purchasing nonalcoholic drinks with SNAP benefits as states introduce restrictions.
Can You Buy Soda with SNAP Benefits?
Generally, yes, you can purchase soda and other nonalcoholic drinks such as juice, sparkling water, and energy drinks with SNAP benefits (often referred to as food stamps).
However, in some states, laws have been enacted that limit or prohibit the use of SNAP benefits for purchasing soda and similar sweetened beverages, with these changes set to begin in 2026.
The eligibility of soda under SNAP currently varies by location.
Propel is the #1-rated EBT balance checking app
State Restrictions on Soda Purchases
As of March 2026, several states have passed laws restricting the use of SNAP benefits for buying soda and other “junk foods.” It’s important to stay informed, as more states may follow suit, and the implementation dates could change.
- Arkansas: SNAP benefits cannot be used to buy soda, low and no-calorie soda, fruit and vegetable drinks with less than 50% natural juice, unhealthy drinks, and candy starting July 1, 2026.
- Colorado: Starting March 1, 2026, SNAP benefits will no longer cover “soft drinks,” which include sweetened nonalcoholic beverages like soda.
- Florida: From April 20, 2026, you can no longer purchase soda, energy drinks, candy, and prepared desserts with SNAP benefits.
- Hawaii: Effective August 1, 2026, SNAP recipients will not be able to use benefits for “soft drinks,” which are defined as any nonalcoholic beverage made with carbonated water and sweetened with more than 10 grams of sugar per serving.
- Idaho: Starting February 15, 2026, soda and candy will not be eligible for purchase with SNAP benefits.
- Indiana: “Soft drinks” and candy will no longer be SNAP-eligible as of January 1, 2026.
- Iowa: From January 1, 2026, SNAP benefits can’t be used to buy “soft drinks,” like soda and similar beverages. Purchases will also be restricted for items considered taxable in Iowa.
- Kansas: Effective February 15, 2027, candy and soft drinks will be banned from SNAP purchases.
- Louisiana: From February 18, 2026, soft drinks, energy drinks, and candy cannot be purchased with SNAP benefits.
- Missouri: As of October 1, 2026, SNAP will restrict purchases of candy, prepared desserts, and certain unhealthy beverages, including some soft drinks and energy drinks.
- Nebraska: Starting January 1, 2026, you cannot use SNAP to buy soda, “soft drinks,” and energy drinks.
- Nevada: Starting February 1, 2028, candy and sugar-sweetened beverages will no longer be eligible for purchase with SNAP benefits.
- North Dakota: Beginning September 1, 2026, restrictions will be placed on the purchase of soft drinks, energy drinks, and candy.
- Ohio: Effective October 1, 2026, sugar-sweetened beverages will be banned from SNAP purchases.
- Oklahoma: As of February 15, 2026, SNAP recipients will not be able to buy “soft drinks” and candy with their benefits.
- South Carolina: Starting August 31, 2026, soft drinks, energy drinks, candy, and other sweetened beverages will no longer be eligible for SNAP.
- Tennessee: From July 31, 2026, SNAP benefits can no longer be used for processed foods and beverages, including soda and energy drinks.
- Texas: Effective April 1, 2026, SNAP will not cover sweetened drinks (nonalcoholic beverages with five grams or more of added sugar or any amount of artificial sweetener) and candy.
- Utah: As of January 1, 2026, carbonated drinks sweetened with sugar or artificial sweeteners, including sodas and diet sodas, will no longer be SNAP eligible.
- Virginia: Starting April 1, 2026, “sweetened beverages”—made with carbonated water that are flavored or sweetened with sugar or artificial sweeteners—will no longer be eligible for SNAP.
- West Virginia: From January 1, 2026, SNAP benefits cannot be used for soda or other carbonated sweetened drinks.
- Wyoming: On February 1, 2027, Wyoming plans to prohibit the purchase of sweetened, carbonated beverages with SNAP.
Overall SNAP Benefit Guidelines
With these new regulations on soda and sweetened beverages, it’s beneficial to review the general rules regarding SNAP benefits. The program is designed to assist low-income families in supplementing their grocery budget. You can utilize your SNAP benefits to purchase a wide range of groceries, including dairy products (such as milk and cheese), fruits and vegetables, beans and nuts, snack foods (like chips and cookies), bread, pasta, and various grains.
According to federal USDA regulations, SNAP benefits can also be used to purchase most cold drinks, which include soda, energy drinks, juice and juice concentrates, sparkling and bottled water, cold coffee drinks, and seltzer, unless specific state restrictions are in place.
Items that are not eligible for SNAP purchase encompass hot foods, alcoholic beverages (even for cooking), tobacco products, pet food, and any non-food items, such as vitamins and supplements, medicine, paper products like toilet paper or paper towels, baby wipes and diapers, cleaning products, and toiletries.
Key Takeaways
- Soda and nonalcoholic drinks can generally be purchased with SNAP benefits.
- Some states have enacted restrictions on using SNAP benefits for certain beverages, including soda.
- Check your state’s regulations to see specific restrictions on soft drinks and sweetened beverages.
- SNAP primarily aids low-income families in covering essential grocery items.
- The program allows the purchase of a variety of groceries, but excludes certain items like hot foods and alcoholic beverages.
FAQ
Can I use SNAP benefits to buy soda in my state?
It depends on your state’s regulations; while many states allow it, some have instituted restrictions starting in 2026.
What can I purchase with SNAP benefits?
You can buy most groceries, including dairy products, fruits and vegetables, grains, and certain cold drinks, unless restricted by your state.
Are there items I cannot buy with SNAP benefits?
Yes, SNAP benefits cannot be used for hot foods, alcoholic beverages, tobacco products, pet food, and non-food items.
When do states plan to implement these SNAP restrictions?
Implementation dates vary by state, with many changes scheduled to start in 2026.
In conclusion, as state regulations concerning SNAP benefits evolve, staying informed is crucial for consumers. This ensures a clear understanding of what can be purchased with these benefits and helps families manage their grocery budgets effectively.
