Does EBT allow energy drinks? Understanding SNAP Purchase Rules

January 8, 2026 •

4 min read

The USDA confirms that EBT eligibility for energy drinks depends entirely on the product's label. If an energy drink has a 'Nutrition Facts' label, it is generally eligible, while a 'Supplement Facts' label makes it ineligible, a critical detail for SNAP recipients navigating grocery store aisles.

Quick Summary

EBT eligibility for energy drinks is determined by the product's label; drinks with a 'Nutrition Facts' panel are eligible for SNAP purchase, while those with a 'Supplement Facts' panel are considered supplements and are not covered.

Key Points

Label Matters: An energy drink with a 'Nutrition Facts' label is generally eligible for EBT purchase, whereas one with a 'Supplement Facts' label is not.
Federal Standard: The USDA's policy categorizes products with a 'Supplement Facts' label as supplements, which are not allowed under SNAP rules.
State Restrictions: Beginning in 2026, several states, including Louisiana and Nebraska, are implementing bans on energy drinks and other sugary beverages for SNAP purchases.
Label Check: Before buying, always inspect the container for the 'Nutrition Facts' panel to confirm eligibility. Ineligible supplements must be paid for with other means.
Examples: Common energy drinks like Red Bull and Monster are typically eligible, while concentrated shots like 5-hour Energy are not.
Stay Informed: Given changing state regulations, SNAP recipients should monitor specific rules in their state to ensure compliance at the grocery store.

Federal Rule: Nutrition Facts vs. Supplement Facts

For the majority of states, the decisive factor for whether you can use your EBT card to buy an energy drink is the type of information label on the container. The USDA, which oversees the SNAP program, distinguishes between a 'food item' and a 'supplement' based on this labeling.

The Nutrition Facts Label

If an energy drink features a prominent 'Nutrition Facts' label, it is classified as a food item and is eligible for purchase with your EBT benefits. This label, standard for most beverages and packaged foods, lists key information like calories, fats, carbohydrates, protein, and sugars per serving. Popular examples of energy drinks that typically have a Nutrition Facts label and are therefore eligible include Red Bull, Monster, and Rockstar. These products are considered non-alcoholic beverages under the federal SNAP guidelines, which are broadly eligible.

The Supplement Facts Label

Conversely, products marked with a 'Supplement Facts' label are classified as dietary supplements, not food, and are not eligible for SNAP purchase. This label often focuses more on active ingredients rather than a full nutritional breakdown. Common examples of ineligible products include 5-hour Energy shots, certain protein drinks, and vitamin-fortified energy drink mixes like Zipfizz. Retailers are trained by the USDA to recognize and refuse EBT payment for any item with this type of label. This policy extends beyond energy drinks to cover vitamins, medicines, and other health supplements.

Recent and Upcoming State-Level Restrictions

While the federal guideline on labels has been the standard, a growing number of states are implementing additional restrictions on what can be purchased with SNAP benefits. Beginning in 2026, several states will start banning certain items, often described as 'junk food,' from being purchased with EBT.

States with confirmed or planned restrictions (as of late 2025) include:

Arkansas: Bans soda, candy, and fruit drinks with less than 50% juice.
Florida: Excludes energy drinks, candy, and prepared desserts.
Idaho: Bans all soda and non-alcoholic beverages with artificial sweeteners, excluding milk-based and 50%+ juice drinks.
Indiana: Bans soft drinks and sweetened non-alcoholic drinks.
Iowa: Excludes soda, flavored water, and low-juice drinks.
Louisiana: Bans candy, soft drinks, and energy drinks.
Nebraska: Bans soft drinks and energy drinks containing stimulants like caffeine, guarana, or taurine.
Oklahoma: Restricts soda, sweet tea, energy drinks, sports drinks, and candy.
Texas: Prohibits non-alcoholic beverages with more than 5 grams of added sugar or any amount of artificial sweetener.
Utah: Bans carbonated soft drinks that are flavored and sweetened.

These changes mean that even if an energy drink has a 'Nutrition Facts' label, it may become ineligible in certain states, depending on specific ingredient bans. This makes it essential for SNAP recipients to check both the product's label and their specific state's rules.

How to Check Your Product's Eligibility

Knowing how to identify an eligible product is crucial. Follow these steps when shopping:

Locate the Label: On any packaged food or beverage, look for the 'Nutrition Facts' panel. It is usually a vertical or horizontal rectangular box.
Read the Title: The heading should explicitly say 'Nutrition Facts'. If it says 'Supplement Facts', the product is ineligible for purchase with your EBT card.
Cross-Reference State Rules: If you live in one of the states enacting restrictions in 2026, be aware of additional criteria. A product may be ineligible based on its sugar content or specific ingredients like stimulants, regardless of the label type.
Confirm at Checkout: If you are unsure, you can always ask a store employee or scan the item at a self-checkout to see if the system accepts the EBT payment. If it does not, you will need to pay with an alternative method.

Comparison Table: Eligible vs. Ineligible Energy Drinks

To simplify, here is a quick comparison of typical energy drink types and their EBT eligibility based on the standard federal rule. State-specific bans may override this table, so always confirm local rules.


Feature	Typically EBT-Eligible Energy Drink	Typically EBT-Ineligible Energy Drink/Supplement
Label Type	'Nutrition Facts' Panel	'Supplement Facts' Panel
Primary Function	Beverage/Food for energy and taste	Dietary Supplement for a concentrated boost
Example Brands	Red Bull, Monster, Rockstar, C4 Energy	5-hour Energy, CELSIUS Sparkling, Zipfizz
Regulation	Governed as food products by FDA	Governed as dietary supplements by FDA
Form	Cans or bottles sold in beverage aisles	Small shots, powders, or specialty drinks

Conclusion

In summary, the key to answering 'does EBT allow energy drinks?' is to first check the product's label. The presence of a 'Nutrition Facts' label generally indicates eligibility under federal SNAP rules, while a 'Supplement Facts' label signifies ineligibility. However, this is not the end of the story. Recipients must stay informed about new or upcoming state-level restrictions, especially those being implemented in 2026, which ban certain sweetened or stimulant-containing beverages regardless of their label. Always check both the product label and your state's specific guidelines to ensure a smooth purchase with your EBT card. For the most authoritative and up-to-date information on SNAP eligibility, visit the official USDA Food and Nutrition Service website.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, not all energy drinks are eligible. Eligibility depends on the product's label. You can purchase energy drinks with a 'Nutrition Facts' label, but not those with a 'Supplement Facts' label, as they are considered dietary supplements.

Some energy drinks, particularly concentrated shots or fortified powders, are categorized by the FDA as dietary supplements due to their ingredients and how they are formulated. Because SNAP rules do not permit the purchase of supplements, these items are ineligible.

A 'Nutrition Facts' label provides a comprehensive breakdown of standard nutritional information like calories, fats, and sugars. A 'Supplement Facts' label typically focuses on specific active ingredients, distinguishing it as a supplement rather than a food item in the eyes of the USDA.

Not necessarily. While brands like Red Bull and Monster are typically eligible based on their 'Nutrition Facts' label, some states are implementing future bans on all energy drinks regardless of brand or label type. Always check local rules.

States enacting new restrictions will typically issue public notices and update their SNAP program information. Retailers are also trained to block EBT payments for banned items. Check your state's Department of Human Services or SNAP office website for updates.

Some energy drink mixes are eligible, while others are not. If the mix has a 'Nutrition Facts' label and not a 'Supplement Facts' label, it is eligible. Examples like Zipfizz, which carry a 'Supplement Facts' label, are not.

No, you cannot use EBT for any item that is hot at the point of sale. This rule applies to hot coffee, hot food from a deli, and other heated items, but you can buy cold canned or bottled coffee with a 'Nutrition Facts' label.