Can EBT Pay for Snacks? Your Ultimate Guide

January 12, 2026 •

4 min read

According to the USDA, Americans spend a significant portion of their grocery budget on snack foods, including those who rely on SNAP benefits. This often leads to questions about what is and isn't allowed when using an EBT card. The answer to 'Can EBT pay for snacks?' is generally yes, but it comes with specific federal rules and some important state-level caveats.

Quick Summary

SNAP benefits, loaded onto an EBT card, can typically be used for most snack foods as long as they have a 'Nutrition Facts' label. While federal rules allow for the purchase of chips, cookies, and other non-hot snack items, some states have implemented restrictions on so-called 'junk food,' like candy and soda.

Key Points

Federal Rule: If a product has a "Nutrition Facts" label, it is generally eligible for purchase with an EBT card.
Snack Eligibility: Most snack foods like chips, cookies, ice cream, and crackers are considered eligible food items under federal SNAP guidelines.
State-Specific Bans: Several states are now restricting or banning the purchase of certain snack foods, such as soda and candy, with EBT.
Nutrition vs. Supplement: Items with a "Supplement Facts" label, like some energy drinks or protein bars, are not eligible for purchase with EBT.
Online Shopping: Many major retailers like Amazon and Instacart accept EBT for online grocery and snack orders, but delivery fees are not covered.
Hot vs. Cold Food: EBT can only be used for cold foods intended for at-home preparation, not hot, ready-to-eat meals from a deli counter.
Verification is Key: Due to changing regulations, it is important to verify what is covered in your specific state before shopping.

Federal Guidelines for SNAP-Eligible Snacks

Under federal guidelines, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), also known as food stamps, covers a wide range of snack foods. The core principle is that if a food item has a "Nutrition Facts" label, it is generally considered eligible. This includes many items that are not considered 'health foods' but are classified as grocery items, not supplements.

Examples of Eligible Snacks

Salty Snacks: Chips (potato, corn, etc.), pretzels, popcorn, and crackers are all typically eligible.
Sweet Snacks: Cookies, baked goods, ice cream, and many types of candy and chocolate are usually covered. However, this is one of the areas where state restrictions are becoming more common.
Nuts and Trail Mix: Packaged nuts, seeds, and trail mixes are considered eligible food items.
Granola and Fruit Bars: Most granola bars, protein bars, and other types of snack bars are covered, provided they have a Nutrition Facts label rather than a Supplement Facts label.
Other Cold Snacks: Refrigerated or pre-packaged cold deli snacks, like pre-cut fruit platters or cheese and cracker packs, are generally eligible, but hot, prepared foods are not.

State-Specific Restrictions and the Junk Food Debate

While federal law has been fairly permissive with snack purchases, a growing number of states are taking initiative to restrict what can be bought with SNAP benefits. The movement to ban so-called "junk food" is driven by concerns over public health and the taxpayer funds used to purchase these items. This creates a complex and changing landscape for EBT users.

Notable State Restrictions (as of late 2025)

As of the time of this article, several states have either approved or are pursuing waivers from the federal government to impose tighter restrictions on certain purchases.

Arkansas: Has banned soda, candy, and fruit drinks with less than 50% natural juice.
Idaho: Prohibits the use of EBT for all soda and candy.
Indiana: Has banned soft drinks and candy.
Nebraska: Restricts the purchase of soft drinks and energy drinks with specific stimulants.
Iowa: Excludes soda, flavored water, and juice drinks with less than half fruit content.
Utah: Prohibits carbonated soft drinks that are flavored and sweetened.

Using Your EBT Card for Snacks: Online vs. In-Store

Whether you're shopping in person or online, the process for using your EBT card for eligible snacks is straightforward, though some key differences apply.

Shopping in a Physical Store

Check for EBT Signs: Most grocery stores, supermarkets, and even many convenience stores that accept SNAP will have a sign indicating they accept EBT.
Separate Non-Food Items: At checkout, you will need to separate your food items from any non-food items (e.g., cleaning supplies, household goods). The cashier will process the food items first.
Swipe and Enter PIN: You will swipe or insert your EBT card and enter your Personal Identification Number (PIN) to complete the purchase.
Pay for Ineligible Items: If you have ineligible items, you will need a separate form of payment, such as a debit card or cash, to pay for them.

Shopping for Snacks Online

Check Retailer's EBT Policy: Major online grocery platforms like Amazon, Instacart, and Walmart accept SNAP EBT, but you must check their specific policies.
Add Your EBT Card: You will need to add your EBT card as a payment method in your account settings.
Identify Eligible Items: Many online retailers mark eligible items with an "EBT" label. You can often filter your search to show only these items.
Pay for Fees Separately: Delivery fees, service fees, and tips cannot be paid with your SNAP benefits. You must use a credit or debit card for these charges.

Comparison Table: SNAP-Eligible vs. Ineligible Items for Snacks


Item Category	Typically Eligible	Typically Ineligible	Caveat/Note
Salty Snacks	Chips, pretzels, crackers, popcorn, nuts, trail mix	None	State bans on specific non-staple foods are possible.
Sweet Snacks	Cookies, ice cream, cakes, candy (in most states)	Candy and sugary drinks in states with specific restrictions	Check state-specific junk food bans as they begin implementation.
Protein/Snack Bars	Bars with a "Nutrition Facts" label	Bars with a "Supplement Facts" label	The label is the key differentiator for eligibility.
Beverages	Soda, juice, sports drinks with a "Nutrition Facts" label	Hot prepared beverages, energy drinks with a "Supplement Facts" label	Some states are banning sugary drinks outright.
Prepared Foods	Cold deli sandwiches, salads, take-and-bake pizza	Hot, ready-to-eat foods like rotisserie chicken	The temperature at the point of sale is the deciding factor.

Conclusion

In summary, your EBT card can absolutely pay for snacks, but it is not an all-access pass. The core rule of thumb is that if it's a food item intended for preparation at home and has a Nutrition Facts label, it's likely covered. However, the legal landscape is evolving, with several states implementing bans on high-sugar products like soda and candy. EBT users should stay informed about the specific rules in their state to avoid any surprises at the checkout counter, particularly regarding snack food and beverage purchases. For the most accurate information, it is always best to consult your state's SNAP agency or check the USDA's Food and Nutrition Service website.

Resources

: A Full List Of Everything You Can Buy With SNAP - Propel : What Can You Buy With a SNAP EBT Card? - Benefits Checkup : Use EBT SNAP for Grocery Delivery or Pickup - Instacart

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, under federal rules, you can buy potato chips and candy with your EBT card as they are considered food items. However, some states, like Idaho and Arkansas, have implemented their own bans on these items, so it's crucial to check local regulations.

Energy drinks are only covered if they have a "Nutrition Facts" label, not a "Supplement Facts" label. Bottled water and most other non-alcoholic beverages are eligible for purchase.

Yes, many online retailers like Instacart, Walmart, and Amazon accept EBT for eligible grocery items, including snacks. Remember that SNAP benefits cannot cover delivery or service fees.

SNAP benefits are designed to supplement a household's grocery budget for food preparation at home. Hot, ready-to-eat meals, like a rotisserie chicken from a deli, are generally prohibited because they are considered restaurant food.

The simplest rule is to look for a "Nutrition Facts" label on the packaging. Most grocery food items, including most snacks, will have this. In contrast, items with a "Supplement Facts" label are typically ineligible.

SNAP offers broader eligibility for food items, including most snacks. WIC, or the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children, has a much more restrictive list of specific nutritious foods that can be purchased, which does not include most junk food snacks.

If you are referring to a cash benefit card from programs like TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families), these funds can generally be used to buy items that are not covered by SNAP food benefits, including non-food items, at any place that accepts debit cards.