General SNAP Rules for Candy Purchases
For many years, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which distributes benefits via an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card, operated under broad federal guidelines that included snacks and candy. The primary rule was that if an item had a 'Nutrition Facts' label, it was generally considered an eligible food item for household consumption. This rule allowed beneficiaries to purchase a wide variety of grocery store products, including items often labeled as 'junk food,' such as candy, soda, and ice cream. The logic was to provide food security without micro-managing dietary choices, leaving the final decision up to the individual recipient.
However, this long-standing practice has been subject to increasing scrutiny and political debate, leading to significant changes at the state level. While the foundational federal rule still exists in many places, the landscape is rapidly shifting. Critics argued that taxpayer-funded programs should not subsidize items with little nutritional value, prompting various states to seek waivers from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to impose their own restrictions.
State-Specific Restrictions and Recent Waivers
As of late 2025, a growing number of states have received federal waivers allowing them to prohibit the purchase of certain items, most notably candy and soda, with SNAP benefits. The list of states implementing or planning to implement these restrictions is expanding, making it essential for recipients to stay informed about the specific regulations in their area.
States Restricting Candy Purchases with SNAP
- Arkansas: Banned candy, as well as sweetened drinks with less than 50% real juice, and other unhealthy beverages.
- Idaho: Prohibited the purchase of all soda and candy.
- Indiana: Implemented a ban on candy and soft drinks for SNAP users.
- Iowa: Excluded candy, soda, and fruit drinks with less than 50% juice content from eligible purchases.
- Louisiana: Banned soft drinks, candy, and energy drinks.
- Texas: Effective April 1, 2026, candy and most sweetened drinks will be prohibited.
- Oklahoma: Federal waiver approved in August 2025 to exclude candy and soft drinks.
How to Check Your State's EBT Rules
With rules varying significantly by location, the most reliable way to check for restrictions is to consult your state's official department of health and human services or social services website. These sites typically have detailed SNAP program information, including lists of eligible and ineligible items. Alternatively, many EBT retailers have updated their systems to automatically reject ineligible products at checkout, though relying solely on this can lead to awkward moments at the register.
The Changing Landscape: Comparisons and Context
The move to restrict candy and soda purchases represents a significant shift in SNAP policy, driven by public health concerns and the goal of promoting more nutritious eating habits. This differs from other federal food assistance programs and historic SNAP regulations.
Comparison: SNAP Before and After State Waivers
| Feature | SNAP Rules (Pre-2025 General Policy) | SNAP Rules (Waiver States, Post-2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Candy Purchases | Generally allowed, provided it has a 'Nutrition Facts' label. | Banned. Specific definitions of candy and restricted sweets apply. |
| Soda & Sweetened Drinks | Generally allowed if non-alcoholic and with a 'Nutrition Facts' label. | Banned. Restrictions include soda, energy drinks, and flavored water. |
| Focus of the Program | Broad food security, allowing consumer choice for household food. | Increased emphasis on nutritional outcomes and promoting healthier purchases. |
| Retailer Responsibility | Ensure basic food items are purchased. | Update POS systems to block specific, coded products deemed ineligible by the state. |
| Stigma | Lower potential for stigma as nearly all groceries are eligible. | Higher potential for stigma due to specific item restrictions. |
Potential Challenges and Counterarguments
The implementation of these state-level bans is not without controversy. Critics raise concerns about increased stigma and the administrative burden placed on both recipients and retailers. Some argue that restricting a few items does little to improve overall nutrition and creates more red tape for an already complex system. Additionally, the definition of what constitutes 'candy' can be confusing for retailers and recipients alike, as it can sometimes exclude items with flour content, like certain cookies or pastries.
For consumers, especially those with children, the bans remove the ability to use their benefits for small treats, which can be a source of stress and embarrassment. Organizations like Hunger Free Oklahoma advocate for alternative approaches, such as incentivizing healthy choices rather than restricting unhealthy ones, citing research suggesting incentives are more effective at changing behavior than restrictions.
Conclusion
The ability to buy candy with EBT SNAP is no longer a simple yes-or-no question. While federal regulations once allowed it under general household food provisions, a wave of state-specific waivers and legislative action is rapidly changing the landscape. As of late 2025, a dozen or more states have banned or are planning to ban candy purchases with SNAP benefits, citing public health goals. It is now imperative for SNAP recipients to verify the specific rules and regulations of their state before heading to the grocery store to avoid complications at the checkout line. Staying informed through official state government channels or retailer updates is the most reliable way to navigate these new restrictions.
