Federal Guidelines for EBT and Cold Beverages
Under the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) guidelines for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), EBT benefits can be used to purchase most food items intended for at-home consumption. For beverages, this means that most non-alcoholic, cold drinks are eligible. A key differentiator for eligibility is the product label. If a beverage has a "Nutrition Facts" label, it is generally considered a food item and can be purchased with EBT. This includes a wide array of drinks found in grocery store aisles.
What Kind of Cold Drinks are Eligible?
Your EBT card covers a significant range of cold beverages. These options help households stay hydrated and provide variety in their diet. Eligible items typically include:
- Soda and other carbonated soft drinks
- Juice and juice concentrates
- Sports drinks, such as Gatorade (where state-specific bans are not in effect)
- Bottled water, including flavored or sparkling water
- Iced tea and bottled cold coffee drinks
- Energy drinks that have a "Nutrition Facts" label (some are labeled as supplements and are ineligible)
- Milk and non-dairy milk alternatives
The 'Nutrition Facts' vs. 'Supplement Facts' Rule
One of the most important distinctions to remember when using your EBT card is the type of label on the product. The FDA regulates the labeling of food and supplements, and the SNAP program follows these regulations.
- Nutrition Facts Label: This label lists carbohydrates, fat, protein, and more. Products with this label are considered food and are typically EBT eligible.
- Supplement Facts Label: This label, commonly found on vitamins, some energy drinks, and certain protein powders, classifies a product as a dietary supplement. These items are not eligible for EBT purchase.
Recent State-Level EBT Restrictions and Waivers
While federal rules provide a broad framework, the EBT landscape for beverages is changing due to recent state-level policy shifts. A growing number of states are receiving waivers from the USDA to restrict the purchase of certain items, especially sweetened beverages, with SNAP benefits. These changes are motivated by public health concerns but have been met with significant debate. These state-specific bans can make it confusing for shoppers, so it is essential to check the latest rules in your area.
EBT Eligibility: Federal Rules vs. State Waivers
| Feature | Federal Rule (Standard) | State-Specific Waivers (Varies by State) |
|---|---|---|
| Soda & Soft Drinks | Generally eligible, provided they have a Nutrition Facts label. | May be prohibited. Several states have received or are seeking waivers to ban sweetened drinks. |
| Juice | Eligible, including most fruit and vegetable juices and concentrates. | Some states may ban juice drinks with low percentages of real juice. |
| Bottled Water | Always eligible. | No changes. Remains eligible. |
| Energy Drinks | Eligible if it has a Nutrition Facts label. | Some states explicitly ban energy drinks, particularly those with added stimulants. |
| Hot Beverages | Ineligible if prepared hot, like a hot coffee from a cafe. | Ineligible. This rule is consistent across all states. |
Notable State Restrictions Starting in 2026
Several states have received USDA approval for waivers to modify their SNAP eligibility rules, with many changes taking effect in 2026. For example, in Arkansas, restrictions will include soda, candy, and fruit drinks with less than 50% real juice. Idaho will ban most sodas and non-alcoholic sweetened drinks, with exceptions for milk-based and high-juice content beverages. Other states like Indiana, Nebraska, and Utah have also secured waivers to restrict purchases of soft drinks and certain energy drinks. These changes highlight the need for shoppers to stay informed about local policies, as a purchase that is eligible in one state may not be in a neighboring one.
How to Check Your State's EBT Beverage Rules
With the evolving nature of EBT policies, especially with the introduction of state waivers, beneficiaries must know how to find accurate, up-to-date information. The best sources are official government websites and reputable advocacy organizations. You can visit the USDA Food and Nutrition Service website for general information and a list of approved state waivers. Most state Department of Human Services or social services websites also provide detailed, localized information on SNAP benefits. Additionally, many retailers authorized to accept EBT clearly mark eligible items in-store and on their online platforms, such as Amazon's dedicated SNAP EBT page.
Conclusion
The ability to buy cold drinks with EBT is largely determined by federal guidelines that classify most cold, non-alcoholic beverages with a "Nutrition Facts" label as food. However, this is no longer a uniform rule across the United States. Recent state-level waivers are introducing new restrictions on sweetened and certain energy drinks, starting largely in 2026. For EBT users, this means staying informed about local policies is more important than ever to ensure a smooth shopping experience. Always verify eligibility, either by checking your state's official website or by looking for clear markings at the point of purchase.
Final Recommendations
- Verify State Rules: Check with your state's Department of Human Services for the most current rules, as waivers are increasingly common.
- Inspect Product Labels: Before purchasing, check if the beverage has a "Nutrition Facts" label, not a "Supplement Facts" label.
- Shop Smart: Plan your shopping trips with these restrictions in mind, distinguishing between standard eligible items and those potentially banned in your state.
For more detailed information, you can consult the official USDA Food and Nutrition Service website.
