Can I Buy Canned Green Beans with WIC? Your Definitive Guide

January 5, 2026 •

4 min read

Over 8 million participants are enrolled in the WIC program, which provides federal grants for supplemental foods to low-income women, infants, and children. A common question among these shoppers is: can I buy canned green beans with WIC? The answer depends on your state's specific food list, but generally, canned green beans are an approved vegetable when purchased with your Cash Value Benefit (CVB).

Quick Summary

WIC participants can use their Cash Value Benefit (CVB) to purchase canned green beans in many states, though regulations vary by location. The article clarifies eligibility rules, what to look for on product labels, and how canned green beans differ from other WIC-approved beans and legumes. It also provides tips for smart WIC shopping.

Key Points

CVB is Key: You can buy canned green beans using your Cash Value Benefit (CVB), not your allotment for dried or canned mature beans.
Plain is Mandatory: Canned green beans must be plain, without added ingredients like fats, oils, meat, or cheese sauce.
Check Your State's List: Every state's WIC program has a specific approved food list, so what's allowed can vary by location.
Use the WIC App: Many WIC apps have a scanner to check if a specific product is approved before you buy.
Read Labels Closely: Always check the ingredients to ensure there are no unapproved additives in your canned vegetables.
Frozen is an Alternative: If you can't find approved canned green beans, frozen green beans are often a WIC-eligible alternative.

Understanding the WIC Fruit and Vegetable Benefit

The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) is a federal program that provides grants to states to distribute supplemental foods, health care referrals, and nutrition education. For purchasing fruits and vegetables, WIC issues a Cash Value Benefit (CVB) on an eWIC card, allowing families to buy a variety of produce. While regulations differ slightly from state to state, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) provides core guidelines that all state agencies must follow. These rules dictate which types of canned vegetables are eligible for purchase.

Can You Use Your CVB for Canned Vegetables?

Yes, in most states, you can use your CVB to purchase canned vegetables. This was a significant program change in recent years to increase flexibility and access to healthy foods. However, there are crucial restrictions on what is permitted. Canned vegetables must be plain and free of added ingredients that are not WIC-eligible. For example, canned green beans with added cheese sauce, butter, or meat would not be approved. Similarly, those with excess added sugars, artificial sweeteners, or oils are disallowed. This is different from the regulations for dried or canned mature beans (like kidney or black beans), which fall under a different food category.

The Difference Between Green Beans and Other WIC-Approved Beans

One of the most confusing aspects for WIC participants is understanding how canned green beans are categorized. Unlike mature, dried or canned beans like kidney beans or black beans, which are considered protein sources, immature vegetables like green beans, wax beans, and lima beans are purchased using your Cash Value Benefit for fruits and vegetables. This is a critical distinction that can impact what you can buy and how your benefits are spent.

Comparison: WIC Bean Categories


Feature	Immature Beans (Green Beans, Wax Beans)	Mature Beans (Black Beans, Kidney Beans)
WIC Benefit Type	Cash Value Benefit (CVB) for fruits and vegetables	Allotted amount of canned or dried beans
Purchase Form	Fresh, frozen, or canned	Canned or dried
Allowed Additives	Canned vegetables may be regular or low-sodium	Canned beans must be plain, regular or low-sodium
Disallowed Additives	Creamed, sauced, or with added fats, oils, or meat	Baked beans, refried beans, or added seasonings, meat, or oils
Purpose	Part of a varied fruit and vegetable intake	Protein and fiber source

Tips for Successfully Purchasing Canned Green Beans with WIC

Check Your State's Approved List: Each state agency has its own specific list of authorized products. While USDA guidelines are standard, states may have brand-specific or size-specific requirements. Check your state's WIC website or app for the most accurate information.
Read Labels Carefully: Always read the ingredients list. Ensure the canned green beans do not contain added ingredients like fats, oils, meats, or excessive sugar. Choosing a low-sodium option is often a good practice for overall health.
Utilize the WIC App: Many state WIC programs offer a mobile app with a built-in food scanner. You can scan the product's barcode at the store to instantly check if it is WIC-eligible. This is an incredibly useful tool that eliminates guesswork.
Know Your Benefits: Understand that canned green beans come out of your fruit and vegetable CVB, not your allocation for dried or canned mature beans. Be mindful of your remaining CVB balance to avoid checkout surprises.
Look for Shelf Tags: Many stores that accept WIC will place shelf tags or stickers next to approved items. These are helpful visual cues, but you should always double-check with the WIC app or the product label if you're unsure.

Making the Most of Your WIC Benefits

Beyond canned green beans, WIC benefits can be used for a wide range of nutritious foods. For your fruit and vegetable benefit, you can typically purchase fresh, frozen, and other canned options. This offers a great deal of flexibility in your meal planning. For example, if your store is out of canned green beans, you can often choose frozen green beans or another plain canned vegetable instead. Combining different types of produce can help you create balanced, healthy meals for your family.

Conclusion

In conclusion, buying canned green beans with WIC is possible for most participants, but it's important to understand the program's specific rules. Canned green beans are purchased with your fruit and vegetable Cash Value Benefit and must be a plain variety without added sauces, fats, or meats. By checking your state's approved food list, carefully reading product labels, and utilizing your WIC app, you can easily navigate your grocery store and make smart, WIC-approved purchases for your family. Understanding these distinctions ensures you are maximizing your benefits and providing healthy, nutritious foods for your family, while saving time and avoiding confusion at the checkout counter.

For more information on the WIC program and food regulations, consult the official USDA Food and Nutrition Service website.(https://www.fns.usda.gov/wic/food-packages/regulatory-requirements)

Frequently Asked Questions

No, canned green beans are classified as an immature vegetable and are purchased with the fruit and vegetable Cash Value Benefit (CVB), not the same category as mature, dried or canned beans like black beans or kidney beans.

Yes, many WIC programs allow for the purchase of any brand, including store brands, as long as the product meets the specific requirements and is on the state's approved food list. Always check the label and ingredients.

No, canned green beans with added seasonings, fats, oils, or sauces are generally not WIC-approved. You must choose a plain, unseasoned variety.

Shelf tags can be inconsistent. The most reliable method is to use your state's WIC app to scan the barcode or check your official state WIC shopping guide.

The main difference is the benefit category. Canned green beans are an immature vegetable purchased with the CVB, while canned kidney beans are mature legumes purchased with a separate beans/peanut butter allowance.

Yes, in most states, frozen green beans are an eligible purchase with your fruit and vegetable CVB. They must also be plain, without added sauces or fats.

Yes, low-sodium canned vegetables are typically approved and are a healthy option. Check the ingredients to ensure no other non-approved additives are present.