Your Guide to Shopping for SNAP-Eligible Items on Instacart
Shopping for groceries with EBT SNAP benefits on Instacart is a convenient way to get your essentials delivered right to your door or ready for pickup. For many, the biggest challenge is figuring out which items are eligible for purchase using their EBT card. Instacart has implemented several features to make this process transparent and simple for its users. By using the right settings and search tools, you can fill your cart with approved food items.
Activating the EBT Eligibility Setting
The most straightforward way to see which items are eligible is by enabling a dedicated setting within your Instacart account. This feature permanently displays a "SNAP" label on all eligible items as you browse the virtual store aisles.
To turn on this setting using the Instacart app:
- Tap the Account icon at the bottom of the screen.
- Navigate to Settings.
- Select the EBT SNAP option under
Payment Methods. - Toggle the
Show EBT SNAP eligibility by itemsetting to the On position. The toggle will turn green with a check mark when it's active.
To enable this feature on the Instacart website:
- Click the three horizontal lines in the top-left corner to open the main menu.
- Go to Your account settings.
- Find the EBT SNAP section and click
Add EBT SNAP card. - Toggle the
Show EBT SNAP eligibility by itemsetting to the On position.
Once this is enabled, the 'SNAP' label will appear under the price of eligible items, both on the product listing pages and on the individual product detail pages.
Using the Search Filter for Eligible Items
For targeted shopping, Instacart also provides a search filter that refines your results to show only SNAP-eligible products. This is especially useful if you are looking for a specific item.
To use the EBT search filter in the Instacart app:
- Enter the name of the item you want to find in the search bar.
- Tap the Search button.
- On the search results page, tap the filter icon (usually on the right side of the search bar).
- Scroll down to the EBT category.
- Tap the box next to
SNAP eligibleto select it. - Tap Apply to view only the qualifying items.
To use the filter on the Instacart website:
- Enter your search query in the search bar.
- After the results load, a list of categories and filters may appear below the search bar.
- Click on the EBT option.
- Click the box next to
SNAP eligible. - Click Apply.
Differentiating Between Eligible and Ineligible Items
Understanding the fundamental rules of the SNAP program is key to a smooth shopping experience. While Instacart facilitates the online purchasing process, the eligibility rules are set by the USDA.
What can you buy?
- Fruits and vegetables (fresh, frozen, and canned)
- Meat, poultry, and fish
- Dairy products like milk, cheese, and yogurt
- Breads, cereals, and grains
- Snack foods and non-alcoholic beverages
- Seeds and plants that produce food for the household
What you can't buy:
- Alcoholic beverages, cigarettes, and other tobacco products
- Vitamins, medicines, and supplements (if they have a Supplement Facts label)
- Hot prepared foods and drinks from delis or cafes
- Non-food items such as cleaning supplies, paper products, and pet food
Comparison of EBT and Non-EBT Purchases
To further clarify, this table shows a quick comparison of items typically purchased with EBT SNAP benefits versus those that require a separate payment method.
| Item Category | EBT SNAP Eligible | Requires Separate Payment | Example Items |
|---|---|---|---|
| Staple Foods | ✅ | ❌ | Milk, eggs, cheese, bread, cereals |
| Fresh Produce | ✅ | ❌ | Apples, spinach, carrots |
| Meat & Fish | ✅ | ❌ | Chicken breast, ground beef, salmon |
| Snacks & Drinks | ✅ | ❌ | Potato chips, juice, bottled water |
| Hot Prepared Foods | ❌ | ✅ | Hot rotisserie chicken, coffee, soup from a cafe |
| Alcohol & Tobacco | ❌ | ✅ | Beer, wine, cigarettes |
| Household Supplies | ❌ | ✅ | Paper towels, cleaning spray, dish soap |
| Personal Care | ❌ | ✅ | Shampoo, deodorant, diapers |
The Checkout Process
To successfully check out with your EBT card, you must also have a second, non-EBT payment method (like a credit or debit card) linked to your account. This secondary payment is used to cover any ineligible items, delivery fees, service fees, bottle deposits, and tips.
At checkout, Instacart will automatically split the order, charging the eligible items to your EBT card and the remaining costs to your backup card. You will see a breakdown of the payment split before you place your order.
Conclusion
By utilizing Instacart's built-in features, learning how to find EBT eligible items on Instacart is a simple process. The easiest way to browse is by enabling the 'Show EBT SNAP eligibility' setting in your account profile, which adds a visible SNAP tag to all qualifying products. For more focused searches, use the 'SNAP eligible' filter within the search results. Understanding the USDA guidelines on what constitutes an eligible food item ensures a stress-free checkout. With these tools, you can confidently and conveniently shop for your groceries online, maximizing your SNAP benefits while managing other purchases separately.
