The Key Difference: Nutrition Facts vs. Supplement Facts
Whether you can purchase an energy drink with your EBT card, which provides Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, hinges entirely on its product label. The USDA distinguishes between beverages with a "Nutrition Facts" label and those with a "Supplement Facts" label. Red Bull, along with many other popular energy drink brands, falls into the first category, making it eligible for purchase. The "Nutrition Facts" label indicates the item is a food product, and thus, an eligible food item under SNAP regulations. On the other hand, items labeled with "Supplement Facts," such as 5-Hour Energy shots, are classified as dietary supplements and are not covered by EBT benefits. This is a crucial distinction that can save you confusion at the checkout counter.
General SNAP Rules for Beverages
While the label is the deciding factor for many energy drinks, broader SNAP rules also apply to beverages. The general rule is that you can use your EBT card for most non-alcoholic beverages that are intended for home consumption and are not hot at the point of sale. This includes items like:
- Juices and bottled water
- Soda and soft drinks
- Sports drinks (e.g., Gatorade)
- Bottled or canned iced coffees and teas
- Milk and dairy alternatives
There is an important caveat regarding hot beverages. For instance, you cannot buy a hot coffee from a cafe with your EBT card, but you can buy a bottle of iced coffee from the refrigerated section. The same logic applies to other hot prepared foods—they are not eligible. For SNAP recipients, this means planning ahead and purchasing ingredients to make hot beverages at home, as packaged coffee beans, tea bags, and cocoa mix are all eligible.
Potential State-Level Restrictions on Energy Drinks
It is important to be aware that while federal rules currently allow for the purchase of energy drinks like Red Bull with EBT, this is subject to change at the state level. Several states have begun pursuing waivers from the USDA to restrict the purchase of certain items deemed less nutritious, including some energy and sweetened beverages. For example, some states have already initiated or proposed such waivers, with changes potentially taking effect in 2026. These state-specific rules could add new complexities to what can be bought with EBT, so it is always wise to check your specific state's regulations, particularly for sugary drinks and energy boosters.
| Feature | Red Bull (and similar eligible energy drinks) | 5-Hour Energy (and similar ineligible supplements) |
|---|---|---|
| EBT Eligibility | Yes, generally eligible | No, considered a supplement |
| Label Type | "Nutrition Facts" | "Supplement Facts" |
| Purchase Context | Considered a food product/beverage | Considered a dietary supplement |
| Primary Ingredients | Water, sugar, taurine, caffeine, B-vitamins | Proprietary blend of nutrients, vitamins, and amino acids |
Online Shopping and EBT
As online grocery shopping has become more common, so has the use of EBT benefits online. Retailers like Amazon and Gopuff clearly indicate whether products are SNAP EBT eligible. When shopping on these platforms, look for the specific "SNAP EBT Eligible" tag or icon next to the product. However, even for eligible purchases, EBT benefits cannot be used for delivery fees, service fees, or tips. You will need a separate credit or debit card to cover these extra costs, as well as any non-eligible items in your cart. This is another key detail to remember when budgeting and planning your grocery purchases.
Conclusion
In summary, the answer to whether you can buy Red Bull with EBT is a definitive yes, based on federal SNAP guidelines. The crucial factor for Red Bull and other energy drinks is the presence of a "Nutrition Facts" label, which classifies them as an eligible food item rather than an ineligible dietary supplement. While the rules are consistent across most of the country for now, SNAP beneficiaries should remain aware of potential changes due to state-level restrictions on sweetened beverages, which could take effect in the coming years. For now, keep an eye on the label and shop confidently for your preferred energy boost with your EBT card. For more official information, the USDA Food and Nutrition Service is the primary authority on SNAP guidelines: USDA Food and Nutrition Service Website.
