Is Bottled Water Covered Under SNAP? Your EBT Eligibility Guide

January 7, 2026 •

3 min read

According to the USDA's Food and Nutrition Service, SNAP benefits can be used to purchase most food items intended for human consumption, and this includes bottled water. This guide will detail the eligibility rules for bottled water and other beverages to help you maximize your SNAP benefits.

Quick Summary

SNAP benefits can be used to purchase bottled water and other non-alcoholic drinks. Eligibility depends on the item's classification as a food, not a supplement. This article explains which beverages are approved for purchase with your EBT card and outlines key restrictions to be aware of.

Key Points

Yes, bottled water is covered: Your EBT card can be used to purchase bottled water at SNAP-approved retailers.
Non-alcoholic and not hot: The primary rule for beverage eligibility is that it must be non-alcoholic and not prepared hot for immediate consumption.
Nutrition vs. Supplement Label: Energy drinks are only eligible if they have a 'Nutrition Facts' label, not a 'Supplement Facts' label.
State-level restrictions: Some states are implementing or have proposed restrictions on sweetened drinks, so it's wise to check local rules.
Online purchasing is available: Many retailers allow SNAP online purchases, including bottled water, for pickup or delivery.
Ineligible items: Always remember that alcohol, tobacco, vitamins, medicine, and non-food items like paper towels and cleaning supplies are not covered.

Can You Purchase Bottled Water with SNAP Benefits?

Yes, bottled water is an eligible purchase with Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), which oversees the program, defines eligible foods as items intended for human consumption, and bottled water falls squarely into this category. Your Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card can be used to pay for bottled water at participating grocery stores and retailers, both in-person and through approved online retailers.

General Guidelines for SNAP-Eligible Beverages

When shopping for drinks with your EBT card, the key rule is that the beverage must be non-alcoholic and not sold hot for immediate consumption.

Approved non-alcoholic beverages: This category is broad and includes a variety of items beyond just bottled water. Examples include soda, juice, juice concentrates, sparkling water, seltzer, sports drinks like Gatorade, and even cold coffee drinks sold in bottles or cans.
The 'Nutrition Facts' vs. 'Supplement Facts' rule: A crucial distinction for beverages like energy drinks is the product label.
- Energy drinks with a Nutrition Facts label are typically considered food items and are SNAP-eligible.
- Energy drinks or nutritional shakes with a Supplement Facts label are treated as supplements and are not covered by SNAP.
Hot beverages: Items like hot coffee, tea, or cocoa from a cafe counter are not eligible because they are prepared hot for immediate consumption. However, you can buy coffee beans, ground coffee, tea bags, or cocoa powder to make at home.

What Other Foods Can You Buy with SNAP?

Beyond beverages, SNAP benefits cover a wide range of essential groceries to support a healthy diet:

Fruits and vegetables (fresh, frozen, canned)
Meat, poultry, and fish
Dairy products (milk, cheese, yogurt)
Breads and cereals
Snack foods, including chips and popcorn
Baby food and formula
Seeds and plants that produce food for the household

What Items Are NOT Covered by SNAP?

To avoid surprises at the checkout, be aware of these prohibited items:

Alcoholic beverages and tobacco products
Vitamins, medicines, and supplements with a 'Supplement Facts' label
Hot prepared foods sold ready-to-eat, like rotisserie chicken or a hot deli sandwich
Non-food items such as paper products, cleaning supplies, toiletries, and diapers
Pet food

Are There State-Specific Restrictions on Beverages?

While federal law permits bottled water and many other non-alcoholic drinks, a few states are moving to impose restrictions on certain items, primarily sweetened beverages, starting in 2026. For example, states like Arkansas and Iowa are implementing restrictions on sweetened drinks and candy. This can impact some items that would traditionally be considered SNAP-eligible. It is always wise to check with your state's SNAP agency for the most current rules, as policies can evolve.

Online Shopping and Special Programs

Using your EBT card is not limited to in-store purchases. The USDA has a pilot program that allows SNAP beneficiaries to purchase eligible groceries online from participating retailers, such as Amazon. This includes bottled water and other approved items, making grocery shopping more accessible. Furthermore, some states operate a Restaurant Meals Program (RMP), which allows specific eligible recipients (such as the elderly, disabled, or homeless) to use their EBT card at participating restaurants.

Comparison of SNAP-Eligible vs. Ineligible Items


Category	SNAP-Eligible Examples	SNAP-Ineligible Examples
Beverages	Bottled water, juice, soda, sports drinks (Nutrition Facts label), ice	Hot coffee/tea, alcohol, energy drinks (Supplement Facts label)
Prepared Foods	Cold deli sandwiches, take-and-bake pizza, pre-made salads	Hot rotisserie chicken, hot soup from a food bar, restaurant meals (unless RMP applies)
Household Items	Seeds or plants to grow food	Toilet paper, cleaning supplies, diapers, pet food
Health Products	Food items with Nutrition Facts	Vitamins, medicines, supplements, personal hygiene products

Conclusion: Navigating Your SNAP Benefits

The answer to "is bottled water covered under SNAP?" is a clear yes. However, understanding the specific guidelines for all food and non-food purchases is key to effectively managing your benefits. The eligibility for beverages hinges on them being non-alcoholic and not prepared hot. Staying informed about both federal regulations and any specific state-level restrictions will ensure a smooth shopping experience. Always verify with official sources, such as the USDA, for the most accurate and up-to-date information on eligible items. For more details on federal SNAP policies, visit the USDA Food and Nutrition Service website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, you can use your EBT card to purchase bottled water. It is considered an eligible food item under federal SNAP guidelines.

Yes, SNAP covers a wide variety of non-alcoholic drinks, including juice, soda, sparkling water, and cold coffee drinks, as long as they are not sold hot.

You can buy energy drinks with SNAP only if they have a 'Nutrition Facts' label. Drinks with a 'Supplement Facts' label are considered supplements and are not eligible.

No, you cannot use SNAP benefits for hot prepared beverages ready for immediate consumption. However, you can buy coffee beans or tea bags to brew at home.

Yes, if the online retailer is part of the USDA's SNAP online purchasing pilot program, you can use your EBT card to order bottled water and other eligible groceries for delivery or pickup.

Federal rules are consistent, but some states are enacting waivers to restrict the purchase of certain sweetened beverages starting in 2026. Bottled water itself is not restricted.

Eligible food includes most items for human consumption, while ineligible non-food items include things like paper products, toiletries, household cleaners, vitamins, and pet food.