Draft, under review. Not yet approved for publication.
Can you buy cold deli food and sandwiches with EBT?
Short answer: Yes, if cold and not eaten in the store. Yes. Cold sandwiches, salads and other deli food can be bought with EBT if they are not hot when sold and are not meant to be eaten in the store.
USDA's policy memo on prepared foods describes cold prepared foods, meaning food a store makes or assembles and sells cold, such as sandwiches, salads, salad bars, and meat and cheese platters. It says a cold prepared sandwich or salad can be bought with SNAP benefits.
A second USDA memo adds two limits. Food that is hot at the point of sale is not eligible. Prepared food meant to be eaten at the store is not eligible either, while prepared food meant to be eaten elsewhere is eligible if it is not hot.
So the test has two parts: is it hot when you buy it, and is it meant for eating on the spot. The same soup or chicken that is eligible chilled is not eligible from the hot case.
Your state may restrict some items, such as candy or sweetened drinks. See the state restrictions page.
Sources
- USDA Food and Nutrition Service: Retailer Eligibility, Prepared Foods and Heated Foods (policy memo 2020-06, July 29, 2020)
- USDA Food and Nutrition Service: Food Determinations, Eligible Foods Excluding Meal Services (policy memo 2020-03, July 13, 2020)
- USDA Food and Nutrition Administration: What Can SNAP Buy?, page updated June 4, 2025
Related questions
- Can you buy hot food with EBT?
- Can you buy rotisserie chicken with EBT?
- Can you buy soda and candy with EBT?
Rules can differ by state. For decisions about your benefits, contact your state SNAP agency.