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Can you buy soda and candy with EBT?

Short answer: Depends on your state. Under federal rules, snack foods and non-alcoholic drinks are eligible, but a growing list of states has approval to restrict soda, candy or both.

Federal SNAP rules treat snack foods and non-alcoholic beverages as eligible food.

Since 2026, USDA has approved waivers that let individual states restrict items such as soda, energy drinks and candy. Which items are blocked, and from what date, differs by state. In some states a court has since vacated the approval.

Check the state list to see whether your state is on it and what it covers.

• SNAP soda and candy restrictions by state

Last verified November 4, 2026, next check November 18, 2026. How we verify facts

Sources

• USDA Food and Nutrition Administration: What Can SNAP Buy?, page updated June 4, 2025
• USDA Food and Nutrition Administration: SNAP Food Restriction Waivers (page text supplied by the editor), page updated November 3, 2026

Related questions

• Can you buy cold deli food and sandwiches with EBT?

Rules can differ by state. For decisions about your benefits, contact your state SNAP agency.