Related video above: Federal lawmakers debated the merits of these SNAP restrictions in 2024
(NEXSTAR) – The initiative to prohibit SNAP recipients from purchasing sugary beverages and snacks is gaining momentum across the U.S. As more states adopt these measures, the implications for low-income shoppers become increasingly significant.
Four more states have received waivers from the United States Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Services to limit the use of SNAP dollars for sugary drinks and sweets.
SNAP, or the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, provides financial assistance to low- and no-income individuals for purchasing groceries. Current regulations already restrict SNAP recipients from buying certain products, such as alcohol and tobacco.
At present, 22 states have implemented or are preparing to introduce additional restrictions on grocery items classified as “non-nutritious,” which include soda and candy. Recently, Kansas, Nevada, Ohio, and Wyoming have proposed new regulations.
However, the new regulations in these states will not be implemented immediately; some may take several months or even years to come into effect.
Starting in April, four states will begin enforcing new restrictions: Colorado, Florida, Texas, and West Virginia.
In Colorado and West Virginia, the purchase of soda or soft drinks will not be allowed with SNAP benefits. Florida’s regulations are even stricter, banning not only soda but also energy drinks, candy, and prepared desserts. Texas consumers will be prohibited from using their benefits to buy any candy or sweetened beverages that exceed 5 grams of added sugar or contain artificial sweeteners.
Originally, Virginia was scheduled to implement new restrictions in April; however, this date has been postponed to October, according to the United States Department of Agriculture. West Virginia has also adjusted its timeline, requiring retailers to comply by April 1 instead of the earlier proposed date of January 1, 2026.
“With these new waivers, we are empowering states to lead, protecting our children from the dangers of highly-processed foods, and moving one step closer to the President’s promise to Make America Healthy Again,” stated USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins in a press release.
Critics argue, however, that these restrictions disproportionately affect the poorest Americans.
“It’s an opportunity to say you’re doing something, while really just stigmatizing a single group of people for choices that everybody in America really makes,” remarked Chris Bernard of Hunger Free Oklahoma in an interview with Nexstar’s KFOR.
Approximately 1 in 8 Americans rely on SNAP, formerly known as the Food Stamp Program, to buy their groceries.
In addition to the recent proposals, certain items are already restricted across all states. Non-food products (such as soaps and paper goods), alcohol, tobacco, vitamins, medications, and hot foods cannot be purchased with SNAP benefits.
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) aims to support individuals in obtaining the food necessary for a healthy lifestyle. Eligible purchases include:
- Fruits, vegetables, garden seeds, and plants that produce food.
- Milk, milk substitutes, and other dairy products.
- Bread and cereal.
- Meat, fish, and poultry.
SNAP food benefits are loaded onto a Lone Star Card and can be used like a debit card at participating stores.
Items that cannot be purchased with SNAP include:
- Tobacco.
- Alcohol.
- Non-food items.
- Vitamins and medicines.
Effective April 1, 2026, new restrictions will expand the list of prohibited items, including:
- Candy, such as:
- Candy bars.
- Gum.
- Taffy.
- Nuts, raisins, or fruits that have been candied, crystallized, glazed, or coated with chocolate, yogurt, or caramel.
- Sweetened drinks, including nonalcoholic beverages containing 5 grams or more of added sugar or any amount of artificial sweetener.
Eligible beverages include those that:
- Contain milk or milk products, such as soy, rice, or similar milk substitutes.
- Have more than 50% vegetable or fruit juice by volume.
SNAP benefits can also be used for online grocery purchases. For more information, visit the Buying Food Online with SNAP webpage or the SNAP Purchase Restrictions webpage.
Key Takeaways
- The SNAP program helps low-income individuals purchase essential groceries.
- A growing number of states are introducing restrictions on purchasing sugary foods and beverages.
- New regulations will soon take effect in Colorado, Florida, Texas, and West Virginia.
- Opponents argue that these restrictions may unfairly target vulnerable populations.
- SNAP benefits cannot be used to buy items like alcohol, tobacco, and certain non-food products.
FAQ
What is SNAP?
SNAP stands for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, which aids low-income individuals in purchasing food.
What are the new restrictions?
Four states have recently announced bans on purchasing soda, candy, and other sugary items with SNAP benefits.
When do the new restrictions go into effect?
Restrictions in Colorado, Florida, Texas, and West Virginia will begin in April 2026.
What can SNAP benefits be used to purchase?
Eligible items include fruits, vegetables, bread, dairy, and meat products.
Are there any existing restrictions on SNAP purchases?
Yes, items like alcohol, tobacco, and non-food goods are already prohibited from being purchased with SNAP benefits.
