The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) lets over 41 million Americans buy SNAP eligible foods with their EBT card at stores, farmers markets, and online.
This guide details everything you can purchase—from dairy products and fruits to vegetables, eggs, beans, grains, pasta, condiments, spices, coffee, tea, sports drinks, juice, water, frozen foods, baby food, formula, snack foods, and cold ready-to-eat items.
We’ll also cover soda and candy, plus foods not eligible for SNAP. Note: While federal rules apply nationwide, some states have variations (e.g., restrictions on sugary items).
Don’t run out of Food Stamps this month.” Get our 7-Day Meal Plan & Shopping List
Dairy Products
SNAP Eligible: All dairy items for home use are allowed federally.
- Cow’s milk, goat milk, lactose-free milk
- Plant-based alternatives (almond, soy, oat milk—with nutrition label)
- Cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, cream cheese, string cheese)
- Yogurt (plain, flavored, Greek, kids’ pouches)
- Butter, margarine, whipped toppings
- Sour cream, cottage cheese, half-and-half
- Ice cream, frozen yogurt, gelato, sherbet
State Note: No major restrictions; available in all states.
Read more: 30 Surprising Things You Can Buy with EBT (SNAP)
Fruits and Vegetables
SNAP Eligible: Fresh, frozen, canned, dried, or juiced (100% pure).
- Apples, oranges, bananas, berries, grapes, melons, citrus
- Leafy greens (lettuce, spinach, kale), broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, onions, peppers, tomatoes
- Frozen mixed vegetables, peas, corn, green beans
- Canned fruits (in juice, not syrup), veggies (low-sodium preferred but not required)
- Dried fruits (raisins, apricots, cranberries—unsweetened)
- 100% fruit/veggie juices
State Note: In states like Florida (pilot since 2025), high-sugar canned fruits in syrup may be restricted, but fresh/frozen remain fully eligible.
Eggs
SNAP Eligible: All eggs and substitutes.
- Fresh eggs (large, medium, organic, free-range)
- Duck, quail, or specialty eggs
- Liquid eggs, egg whites, powdered eggs
State Note: Universally eligible; no variations.
Beans, Grains, and Pasta
SNAP Eligible: Dry, canned, or ready-to-eat staples.
- Beans (black, pinto, kidney, garbanzo), lentils, chickpeas
- Grains (rice—white, brown, wild; quinoa, barley, bulgur)
- Oats, cornmeal, flour (all-purpose, whole wheat)
- Pasta (spaghetti, lasagna noodles, ramen, couscous)
- Breads (sliced, rolls, tortillas, bagels, pita)
- Cereals (oatmeal, granola, cold cereals)
State Note: In West Virginia and Texas (2025 waivers), certain high-sugar cereals may be limited, but basic grains/pasta are unaffected.
Condiments and Spices
SNAP Eligible: Anything for flavoring home-cooked meals.
- Ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise, relish
- Salad dressings, BBQ sauce, hot sauce, soy sauce
- Oils (olive, vegetable, sesame), vinegars
- Spices (salt, pepper, garlic powder, cumin, paprika)
- Herbs (fresh basil, dried oregano), baking essentials (yeast, extracts)
State Note: No restrictions; condiments are standard across states.
Coffee and Tea
SNAP Eligible: Brewed or instant beverages.
- Ground coffee, instant coffee, decaf, espresso
- Tea bags, loose-leaf tea, iced tea mixes
- Coffee creamers, flavored syrups (non-alcoholic)
State Note: Eligible everywhere; some states like California highlight them in nutrition education.
Sports Drinks, Juice, and Water
SNAP Eligible: Non-alcoholic hydrators with nutrition labels.
- Sports drinks (Gatorade, Powerade)
- 100% juices (orange, apple, cranberry—no added sugar required)
- Flavored waters, sparkling water
- Bottled water, electrolyte packets
State Note: Florida and Oklahoma (2025 pilots) restrict high-sugar sports drinks/energy drinks, classifying them as ineligible like soda.
Frozen Foods
SNAP Eligible: Meals and ingredients for home prep.
- Frozen fruits/veggies (berries, spinach, fries)
- Frozen meats (chicken breasts, ground beef, fish fillets)
- Frozen entrees (pizza, burritos—if not fully cooked/hot)
- Ice cream, frozen desserts, veggies
State Note: Frozen prepared meals are eligible federally, but Louisiana (waiver state) limits high-sugar frozen desserts.
Baby Food and Formula
SNAP Eligible: Infant and toddler nutrition.
- Powdered/liquid formula
- Jarred purees (fruits, veggies, meats)
- Baby cereals, oatmeal
- Teething biscuits, yogurt pouches
State Note: Fully eligible; no state variations.
Snack Foods
SNAP Eligible: Packaged treats.
- Chips (potato, tortilla), pretzels, popcorn
- Cookies, crackers, granola bars
- Nuts, trail mix, dried fruit mixes
- Jerky, cheese puffs
State Note: Colorado (2025 waiver) excludes candy-like snacks with high sugar content.
Cold, Ready-to-Eat Foods
SNAP Eligible: Chilled deli/pre-packaged items.
- Cold cuts, cheese slices, salads
- Sushi rolls, hummus dips
- Cold sandwiches, wraps (from cooler)
- Yogurt parfaits, fruit cups
State Note: Eligible federally; in RMP states (see below), some can be hot.
What About Soda and Candy?
SNAP Eligible (Federally): Yes—soda, candy, and sweets are allowed.
- Sodas (Coke, Pepsi, root beer)
- Candy (chocolate bars, gummies, hard candy)
- Energy drinks (if labeled as “food”)
State Variations: Starting 2025, waivers in Florida, West Virginia, Colorado, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Texas, Nebraska, Iowa, Indiana, Arkansas, Idaho, Utah exclude soda, energy drinks, candy, and prepared desserts from SNAP purchases. Households cannot opt out. In these states, check labels—high-sugar items are blocked at checkout. Other states follow federal rules (all allowed).
What Food Is NOT Eligible for Food Stamps?
Federally, SNAP covers food for home consumption only. Non-eligible items include:
| Category | Examples |
|---|---|
| Hot Foods | Deli hot bar, rotisserie chicken, pizza slices |
| Alcohol/Tobacco | Beer, wine, cigarettes |
| Supplements | Vitamins, protein shakes (supplement facts label) |
| Non-Food | Pet food, soap, diapers, paper towels |
| Live Animals | Lobsters in tanks (except removed shellfish) |
State-Specific: In waiver states (listed above), add soda/candy restrictions.
Restaurant Meals Program (RMP) Exception: Allows hot prepared meals for elderly, disabled, or homeless in 9 states: Arizona (statewide), California (statewide), Illinois (Cook/Franklin Counties), Maryland (select areas), Massachusetts (statewide), Michigan (select counties), New York (statewide since Feb 2025), Rhode Island (statewide), Virginia (select areas). Participating restaurants: Subway, Taco Bell, etc.—use EBT for discounted hot meals.
Pro Tips for SNAP Eligible Foods
- Check Labels: Nutrition facts = eligible; supplement facts = no.
- Farmers Markets: Double Up programs in 25+ states match SNAP on produce.
- Online: Amazon, Walmart deliver SNAP items.
- Grow Food: Buy seeds/plants with SNAP—eligible everywhere.
Need Help?
- Apply: How to Apply for SNAP
- Eligibility: SNAP Calculator
- Stores: Grocery Stores That Take EBT
- Restaurants: Restaurants That Accept EBT
SNAP eligible foods keep it simple: If it’s food for home and not hot/alcohol/non-food, buy it—unless your state says otherwise.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I buy birthday cake with SNAP?
Yes — cakes, cupcakes, pies, and donuts are SNAP eligible as long as they’re not hot and ready-to-eat from a bakery counter. Pre-packaged or bakery items from the shelf (like Sara Lee pound cake) are fine nationwide. In waiver states like Florida, avoid those with excessive added sugar, but most cakes qualify under federal rules. This lets you celebrate special occasions without extra cost—pair it with SNAP-eligible ice cream for a full dessert.
Are protein shakes SNAP eligible?
Only if they have a nutrition facts label (not “supplement facts”). Meal replacement shakes like Ensure or Boost are eligible because they’re classified as food. However, gym-focused protein powders (e.g., whey isolate) with supplement labels are not. Check the packaging: If it’s sold as a beverage with calories and nutrients like food, it’s good to go. In states like Oklahoma, high-sugar versions might be restricted, so opt for low-sugar options to stay safe.
Can I buy baby food or formula?
Yes — jarred baby food, cereal, and formula are 100% SNAP eligible with no limits. This includes organic brands like Earth’s Best or Happy Baby, as well as standard Gerber and Similac. Powdered, ready-to-feed, or soy-based formulas all count. SNAP recognizes the high cost of infant nutrition, so you can stock up without worry. No state variations apply here—it’s a federal priority for families with young children.
What about rotisserie chicken?
No — it’s hot and prepared for immediate eating, so it’s ineligible federally. However, cold rotisserie chicken from the refrigerated section (e.g., pre-cooked and chilled) is allowed. In Restaurant Meals Program (RMP) states like Arizona or California, eligible seniors or disabled individuals can buy hot chicken at participating spots like KFC. Always ask the cashier to confirm—better to buy raw chicken and cook at home to avoid issues.
Can I buy seeds to grow food?
Yes — one of SNAP’s best-kept secrets. Buy vegetable seeds (tomatoes, lettuce, peppers), herb plants (basil, mint), or fruit starters (strawberry plants)—anything that produces edible food is eligible. This turns a $3 seed packet into months of free produce. No state restrictions, and it’s encouraged for self-sufficiency. Start small with pots if you lack a garden; resources like community plots can help maximize this benefit.
Is kombucha SNAP eligible?
Sometimes — if it’s non-alcoholic (under 0.5% ABV) and has a nutrition facts label as a beverage, yes. Brands like GT’s or Health-Ade qualify as tea-based drinks. However, if labeled as “alcohol” or supplement, no. In waiver states like Texas, high-sugar kombuchas might be blocked. Check the label and alcohol content—most grocery store versions are fine for SNAP use.
Can I buy pet food with SNAP?
No — pet food, treats, or supplies are never eligible, as SNAP is strictly for human consumption. This applies nationwide. If you’re struggling with pet costs, look into local pet food banks or programs like Feeding Pets of the Homeless, which partner with food pantries.
What if an item is mixed food and non-food?
Partial eligibility — SNAP covers only the food portion. For example, a gift basket with 70% food (cheese, crackers) and 30% non-food (wine) allows purchase of the food value only. The cashier deducts the non-eligible part. In practice, ask to ring up food items separately to simplify.
Are energy drinks like Monster SNAP eligible?
Yes federally — if they have a nutrition facts label and are sold as beverages. Monster, Red Bull, and Rockstar count as “sports drinks.” However, in 2025 waiver states like Nebraska or Iowa, they’re treated like soda and restricted due to high sugar/caffeine. Scan the label at checkout—your EBT will decline if ineligible in those areas.
Can I use SNAP for delivery fees on eligible foods?
No — SNAP covers only the cost of food items, not delivery, service, or convenience fees. When ordering from Instacart or Amazon, the EBT pays for groceries only; use another payment for extras. This rule is federal and uniform across states.