Is Pedialyte Covered by EBT? A Comprehensive Guide to SNAP Eligibility

November 30, 2025 •

3 min read

According to the USDA, millions of Americans use Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits to purchase groceries, and many wonder if specific items like Pedialyte are covered. Yes, Pedialyte is covered by EBT and can be purchased using your SNAP benefits. This is because the product is categorized as a food item rather than a nutritional supplement, a distinction key to its eligibility.

Quick Summary

Pedialyte is eligible for purchase with EBT/SNAP benefits because it features a standard nutrition facts label rather than a supplement facts label. Eligibility for other electrolyte drinks varies, so shoppers must check the label to determine if they can be purchased with EBT. This guide explains SNAP eligibility rules and highlights where you can purchase Pedialyte with your EBT card.

Key Points

Pedialyte is EBT Eligible: Pedialyte is covered by EBT/SNAP benefits, and you can purchase it at most major retailers.
Check the Label: The deciding factor for eligibility is whether the product has a 'Nutrition Facts' label (eligible) or a 'Supplement Facts' label (ineligible).
Where to Buy: Pedialyte can be purchased with an EBT card both in-store and online at authorized retailers like Amazon, Walmart, and Target.
Other Electrolytes: Not all electrolyte drinks are eligible; always check the label, as some products are categorized as supplements.
FSA/HSA vs. SNAP: FSA/HSA eligibility for Pedialyte is separate from SNAP/EBT coverage, although it is often eligible for both.
Baby Formula: Like Pedialyte, most baby formulas and nutritional shakes (such as PediaSure) are also covered by SNAP benefits.

Understanding SNAP Eligibility for Pedialyte

Yes, you can use your EBT card to purchase Pedialyte, along with other similar items that fall under the category of eligible food products. The key factor in determining whether an item like Pedialyte is eligible for SNAP purchase is the type of label it carries. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) governs which items are covered by the program, and their guidelines specify that food items intended for human consumption are eligible.

The Critical 'Nutrition Facts' vs. 'Supplement Facts' Distinction

To be eligible for purchase with SNAP benefits, an item must carry a 'Nutrition Facts' label, not a 'Supplement Facts' label. Pedialyte products, regardless of whether they are a liquid solution or a powder packet, display a nutrition facts label, which is why they are covered. In contrast, products that display a supplement facts label, such as vitamins or certain energy drinks, are explicitly ineligible for SNAP purchase. This rule is in place to ensure that SNAP benefits are used for food and non-alcoholic beverages rather than dietary supplements.

Where to Buy Pedialyte with Your EBT Card

Since Pedialyte is an EBT-eligible item, you can purchase it at any authorized SNAP retailer, both in-store and online. Most major retailers and grocery chains accept EBT cards for online and in-store purchases. You can find it at:

Online retailers: Websites like Amazon, Instacart, and Gopuff often accept EBT and indicate which products are eligible.
Grocery stores: Large chains such as Target, Walmart, Aldi, and local grocery stores typically accept EBT.
Pharmacies: Stores like Walgreens and CVS that operate as SNAP-authorized retailers also sell Pedialyte.

Always look for the SNAP or EBT logo at the checkout or on product listings when shopping online to confirm eligibility.

Comparison of Electrolyte Drink Eligibility

To help shoppers navigate the difference between eligible and ineligible products, here is a comparison table:


Item	Label Type	EBT/SNAP Eligibility	Notes
Pedialyte	Nutrition Facts	Yes	Considered a food item for rehydration.
Gatorade	Nutrition Facts	Yes	Standard sports drink with nutrition facts.
Liquid I.V.	Supplement Facts*	No*	The label is the determining factor; some brands may vary.
Hydralyte	Nutrition Facts*	Yes*	Check specific product label as some may be supplements.
Many Vitamin Water varieties	Nutrition Facts	Yes	Many flavors have a standard nutrition label.
Herbal Supplements	Supplement Facts	No	Not considered food items.

Note: Always check the specific product label, as formulations and labeling can change over time. The distinction between 'Nutrition Facts' and 'Supplement Facts' is the ultimate rule.

Other Related Purchases

In addition to Pedialyte, other items that are often questioned by SNAP users include:

Baby Formula: Most baby formulas are EBT eligible, including specialized ones like PediaSure, as they are considered food.
Soda and Juice: Most non-alcoholic beverages with a nutrition facts label, including soda and juice, are covered.
FSA/HSA Eligibility: It is important to note that while Pedialyte is often eligible for Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) and Health Savings Accounts (HSA) for medical purposes, this is a separate program from SNAP/EBT and does not affect your EBT eligibility.

Conclusion: How to Shop Smart with Your EBT Card

In summary, the question "is Pedialyte covered by EBT?" has a clear answer: yes. The overarching rule is simple—check the label. If a product has a 'Nutrition Facts' panel, it is generally considered an eligible food item under SNAP guidelines. If it features a 'Supplement Facts' panel, it is not eligible. This guideline is straightforward and empowers you to make informed decisions at the grocery store. Next time you are shopping, remember this simple tip to confidently purchase Pedialyte and other hydration products for your family's needs.

Final Thoughts on EBT and Pedialyte

By understanding the distinction between food and supplements based on their labels, shoppers can easily navigate EBT rules. Pedialyte's status as an eligible item ensures families can access essential rehydration products. For more information on SNAP eligibility, visit the official USDA website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, Walmart is an authorized SNAP retailer, and you can use your EBT card to purchase Pedialyte, along with other eligible grocery items, both in-store and through their online platform.

No, not all electrolyte drinks are covered. The determining factor is the type of label on the product. Drinks with a 'Nutrition Facts' label, like Pedialyte and many sports drinks, are typically covered, while those with a 'Supplement Facts' label are not.

The easiest way to check is by looking at the product's label. If it has a 'Nutrition Facts' panel, it should be eligible. When shopping online, many retailers explicitly label eligible products with a SNAP or EBT icon.

While Pedialyte is covered by EBT/SNAP, WIC eligibility is different. It may be available through WIC with a medical prescription and authorization from a state agency nutritionist, but it is not a standard WIC-covered item.

Yes, both the liquid Pedialyte solution and the powder packets are eligible for purchase with an EBT card, as both carry a 'Nutrition Facts' label.

A 'Nutrition Facts' label is for food and beverages intended for consumption, while a 'Supplement Facts' label is for vitamins, dietary supplements, and certain fortified products. Under USDA rules, only items with a 'Nutrition Facts' label are eligible for SNAP purchase.

You can purchase Pedialyte at most major retailers and grocery stores that accept EBT, including Target, Walmart, Aldi, and many online stores like Amazon. If you have a specific store in mind, it's best to check their website or in-store signage.