USDA Data Reveals Spending Patterns
In a detailed analysis of household food purchases, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) investigated how consumers, including those receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, allocate their grocery budgets. The study revealed that a significant portion of all food expenditures, not just those by SNAP recipients, goes toward soft drinks, making it the most purchased item across the board. This challenges some popular misconceptions and highlights that SNAP purchasing patterns often mirror those of the general population.
Core Food Spending vs. Snack Spending
While soft drinks receive the highest single category expenditure, the bulk of SNAP money is dedicated to core, essential food groups. These staples form the foundation of most grocery shopping, ensuring households have the ingredients necessary for meals. According to the data, these essential purchases include:
- Meat, poultry, and fish
- Fruits and vegetables (fresh, frozen, and canned)
- Dairy products like milk, cheese, and eggs
- Breads, cereals, and grains
This distribution shows a clear focus on acquiring fundamental food items. However, the study also indicates that a smaller, but still notable, percentage of expenditures goes toward snack-type items. Specifically, about 20 cents of every dollar is spent on sweetened drinks, desserts, and salty snacks. This pattern is not unique to SNAP households; the USDA found that the top seven commodity items purchased were the same for both SNAP and non-SNAP groups, with only slight differences in ranking.
Factors Influencing SNAP Spending Choices
The way SNAP benefits are spent is influenced by various factors that are not always apparent. Affordability is a major concern, with a 2021 USDA survey finding that 61% of SNAP participants cited cost as the biggest hurdle to a healthy diet. This makes low-cost, calorie-dense foods, which may not be the most nutritious, an understandable part of the purchasing mix. Furthermore, food access plays a significant role. Households receiving SNAP are more likely to live in 'food deserts'—areas with limited availability of fresh, healthy, and affordable food options. This lack of access can steer purchases toward more convenient but less nutritious items found at smaller stores or convenience shops, even though most benefits are redeemed at larger supermarkets and superstores.
Another consideration is time. A 2021 study revealed that a lack of time was the most common barrier preventing SNAP participants from preparing healthy meals. Many households, particularly those with multiple working parents, find it difficult to allocate sufficient time for meal planning and cooking from scratch, making faster, pre-packaged options more appealing. The program itself is built on an assumption that households have ample time to prepare meals from basic ingredients, which is not always a realistic expectation for busy families.
SNAP vs. Non-SNAP Household Spending Comparison
To understand the nuances of SNAP spending, it is useful to compare it with the purchasing habits of non-SNAP households. While the item categories purchased are broadly similar, there are minor differences in allocation. The table below provides a simplified overview based on USDA research findings.
| Food Category | SNAP Household Spending | Non-SNAP Household Spending |
|---|---|---|
| Soft Drinks | ~5% | ~4% |
| Salty Snacks (Chips, etc.) | ~3% | ~3% |
| Cookies, Ice Cream, Desserts | ~2% | ~2% |
| Staple Foods (Meat, Dairy, Veggies, etc.) | Remainder | Remainder |
This comparison highlights a key finding from USDA reports: the differences in expenditure patterns between the two groups are quite limited. The minor variances, such as the slightly higher percentage spent on soft drinks by SNAP households, are often cited in public debate. However, critics argue this overlooks the structural barriers, like affordability and access, that drive these choices, and instead unfairly focuses on perceived 'junk food' purchases.
The Bigger Picture: Policy, Health, and Economics
Federal policies have long recognized the importance of SNAP benefits for economic well-being. Studies have shown SNAP's effectiveness in reducing food insecurity and even lifting millions out of poverty. During a weak economy, every $1 in new SNAP benefits can generate up to $1.50 in economic activity. In this context, focusing narrowly on a few high-expenditure items can obscure the program's broader success. The debate over restricting certain food purchases, such as in states seeking waivers to ban junk food purchases starting in 2026, continues. Proponents argue it would encourage healthier eating, while critics suggest it further stigmatizes recipients and fails to address the root causes of poor nutrition and food insecurity. It is important to remember that SNAP is a vital tool for ensuring food security for millions, freeing up their limited resources for other necessities like housing and utilities.
Conclusion
What is most SNAP money spent on is a mix of essential food items and some less-nutritious, affordable options, much like the average American family. While soft drinks represent the highest single commodity expenditure, staples like meat, produce, and dairy constitute the core of most purchases. Critically, SNAP spending is heavily influenced by factors such as limited access to affordable, healthy foods and time constraints for meal preparation. Understanding the full context of SNAP spending is crucial to moving beyond simplistic stereotypes and appreciating the program's vital role in supporting households across the nation.
Center on Budget and Policy Priorities - A Quick Guide to SNAP Eligibility and Benefits
How SNAP money is typically spent
- Staple Foods First: SNAP benefits are primarily spent on fundamental food items such as meats, dairy, bread, and produce, which are necessary for preparing meals.
- Soft Drinks Top the List: In single-item analysis, soft drinks surprisingly rank as the most frequently purchased item by both SNAP and non-SNAP households, reflecting general consumer habits.
- Processed Snacks are a Smaller Portion: While often highlighted in public debate, expenditures on snack-type items like cookies and salty bags comprise a smaller percentage of overall spending compared to basic staples.
- Affordability is a Key Driver: High cost is a primary barrier to healthy eating for many SNAP households, driving decisions toward more affordable, sometimes less nutritious, options.
- Spending Mirrors General Population: Overall, the food expenditure patterns of SNAP households are very similar to those of non-SNAP households, indicating shared consumer preferences and budget constraints.
Where SNAP benefits are most frequently used
- Supermarkets and Superstores Dominate: The vast majority of SNAP benefits are redeemed at large superstores and supermarkets, which offer a wider variety and typically lower prices.
- Limited Spending at Convenience Stores: Despite their abundance, convenience stores account for only a small fraction of total SNAP benefit redemption, suggesting they are a less frequent and supplementary shopping choice.
- Online Retailers are Growing: Many retailers now accept EBT payments for online grocery orders, offering greater convenience and access, especially for those with transportation challenges.
- Farmers Markets Offer Incentives: Many farmers markets accept EBT and some offer programs that match the value of SNAP purchases for fresh produce, providing an opportunity to stretch benefits.
- Restaurant Meals Program (RMP): In some states, qualifying elderly, disabled, or unhoused individuals can use their SNAP benefits at participating restaurants, though this represents a very specific use case.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What specific items are purchased most often with SNAP benefits? A: A USDA study found that while the vast majority of money goes towards basic food groups, soft drinks represent the single highest commodity expenditure for SNAP households.
Q: Do SNAP recipients buy more unhealthy food than non-SNAP recipients? A: Research suggests the overall purchasing patterns of SNAP and non-SNAP households are remarkably similar. Both groups purchase staples and a mix of less nutritious items, with SNAP households spending only a slightly higher proportion on soft drinks.
Q: Are there restrictions on what can be purchased with SNAP? A: Yes. Federal rules prohibit the purchase of alcohol, tobacco products, vitamins, and hot, ready-to-eat foods. Starting in 2026, some states have also received waivers to restrict the purchase of certain sweetened beverages and snacks.
Q: How does a lack of time impact SNAP spending habits? A: For many SNAP households, limited time for meal planning and preparation, often due to work schedules, makes pre-packaged or quicker-to-prepare food items a more practical choice, influencing their purchases.
Q: How do "food deserts" affect SNAP purchasing? A: Households in food deserts have limited access to fresh, healthy, and affordable food, which can constrain their choices. This can lead to a higher reliance on smaller stores with less nutritious options, though most benefits are still redeemed at larger stores.
Q: What is the purpose of the SNAP program? A: The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program is designed to help low-income households afford a nutritionally adequate diet. It also serves as a critical economic support system and stimulus, especially during economic downturns.
Q: What resources are available to help maximize SNAP benefits? A: Several programs and strategies exist, including using SNAP at farmers markets that double the value of fresh produce purchases, planning meals, comparing online prices, and seeking information through resources like the USDA's Shop Simple tool.
