Long-Standing National Prohibitions
For decades, federal regulations have outlined specific items that are strictly off-limits for purchase with SNAP benefits. These rules apply across all states and serve to define the program's intended purpose of providing supplemental nutritional support. The most critical exclusions fall into several key categories:
Non-Food Items and Household Supplies
SNAP benefits are exclusively for food products intended for human consumption. This means a vast array of household goods and personal care items cannot be purchased, including:
- Toilet paper and paper towels
- Soap, shampoo, and toothpaste
- Cosmetics and grooming items
- Cleaning supplies and disinfectants
- Diapers, baby wipes, and sanitary products
- Vitamins, medicines, and dietary supplements
Hot, Prepared Foods and Restaurant Meals
One of the most well-known restrictions is the inability to purchase foods that are hot at the point of sale. This rule prevents recipients from using benefits for immediate-consumption meals, with very limited exceptions. Ineligible items include:
- Rotisserie chicken and other hot deli items
- Hot pizza or soup from a food bar
- Restaurant meals and fast food, unless part of a state-specific Restaurant Meals Program waiver
Prohibited Addictive and Non-Essential Goods
Certain items are banned due to their addictive nature or classification as non-essential, diverting program funds from their core nutritional purpose. These include:
- Alcoholic beverages, such as beer, wine, and liquor
- Tobacco products, including cigarettes, cigars, and chewing tobacco
Live Animals (with exceptions)
With few exceptions, the purchase of live animals is not permitted. The exceptions typically include live fish and shellfish, as well as animals slaughtered for food prior to pickup.
Recent and Upcoming State-Level 'Junk Food' Restrictions
The most significant change in SNAP purchasing power is the implementation of state-specific waivers to restrict certain foods. In August 2025, the USDA approved waivers for several states to ban so-called "junk food" and sugary drinks, with many of these new rules taking effect in 2026. This represents a major shift from the previous nationwide policy, which allowed most foods with a "Nutrition Facts" label.
What foods are being targeted?
While the specific list varies by state, the restrictions focus on foods deemed to have low nutritional value and high sugar or fat content. Common examples include:
- Soda and other soft drinks
- Energy drinks (in some cases)
- Candy
- Prepared desserts
- Sugary fruit juices with less than 50% juice
A Comparison of SNAP Purchasing Rules
| Item Category | Long-Standing National Rule | Emerging State-Level Restrictions (2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Alcohol & Tobacco | Prohibited nationwide. | No change; remain prohibited. |
| Hot Prepared Foods | Prohibited nationwide, with limited exceptions. | No change; remain prohibited. |
| Non-Food Items | Prohibited nationwide. | No change; remain prohibited. |
| Soda & Candy | Previously allowed nationwide. | Prohibited in specific states (e.g., Arkansas, Florida, Iowa, etc.). |
| Dietary Supplements | Prohibited if they have a "Supplement Facts" label. | No change; remain prohibited. |
| Energy Drinks | Allowed if a "Nutrition Facts" label. | Prohibited in specific states (e.g., Florida, Louisiana, etc.). |
The Reasoning Behind SNAP Restrictions
Regulations are primarily designed to ensure that taxpayer-funded benefits are used for their intended purpose: providing a nutritional safety net. The rationale includes:
Promoting Public Health
New state restrictions on sugary drinks and processed snacks are framed as a public health initiative to combat epidemics of obesity and chronic disease. The argument is that limiting access to unhealthy foods with SNAP funds could encourage healthier eating habits among recipients.
Managing Program Integrity
Federal prohibitions on non-food items, alcohol, and tobacco aim to prevent misuse of funds. The rules establish clear boundaries to ensure benefits are not spent on substances and products that are not considered essential for household nutrition.
State-Level Flexibility
The recent introduction of state-specific waivers allows for more localized control over SNAP purchasing rules. While controversial, this approach gives states the ability to tailor the program to address specific public health concerns within their borders, though it creates a patchwork of rules for recipients.
The Impact on Recipients
These changes have significant implications for SNAP recipients. For those in states adopting the new restrictions, common purchases may suddenly become ineligible. For example, a family that once bought soda or candy with their EBT card will need to use personal cash or forego these items entirely. For some, this may place a greater financial burden on their household budgets, especially if healthy food options remain expensive or inaccessible in their communities. Organizations like the USDA provide guidelines to help navigate these rules. See additional info via USDA's SNAP website.
Conclusion
While the core list of non-purchasable items with food stamps—including hot food, alcohol, tobacco, and non-food goods—remains federally consistent, the recent approval of state-level waivers marks a major shift. The ability to purchase common items like soda and candy is no longer guaranteed for all SNAP recipients, with several states implementing new restrictions effective in 2026. This dynamic situation means recipients should stay informed about both national rules and any specific regulations in their state to avoid issues at the checkout. The overarching goal of the program remains to supplement food budgets, but the definition of what constitutes a valid purchase is becoming increasingly complex and region-specific.
