30 Surprising Things You Can Buy with EBT (SNAP)

Most people think SNAP EBT only covers basic groceries: bread, eggs, rice, milk, and vegetables. That belief is completely outdated. Under current federal rules, SNAP covers a far wider range of foods, including items many would never expect: take-and-bake pizza, lobster, cold sushi, iced coffee drinks, edible gift baskets, meal replacement shakes, and even seeds and plants that produce food.

This guide provides the most detailed, accurate, and up-to-date explanation of what you can buy with EBT. If you want a simple overview of foods that are always eligible, see the SNAP Eligible Foods reference guide. This article goes far beyond the basics.

How SNAP Eligibility Works at the Federal Level

The SNAP rules for what you can buy are far simpler than most people assume. They can be summarized in three core principles.

1. If a product has a Nutrition Facts label, it is considered food.

Examples:

• Soda
• Energy drinks
• Frozen meals
• Cereal
• Ice cream
• Jerky
• Protein bars
• Bottled iced coffee

2. If a product has a Supplement Facts label, it is considered a supplement and is not eligible.

Examples:

• Vitamins
• Pre-workout powder
• Creatine mixes
• Herbal supplements

3. Hot foods prepared for immediate consumption are not eligible (except in RMP).

Examples:

• Hot deli chicken
• Hot pizza
• Freshly cooked meals at grocery stores
• Hot bar foods

Cold prepared food is eligible. Temperature matters.

Federal SNAP Eligibility

If you need a full overview of SNAP program rules, income limits, and benefit amounts, see What SNAP Is and How It Works.

The 30 Most Surprising Things You Can Buy with EBT

Below begins the expanded list of unexpected SNAP-eligible items.

1. Take-and-Bake Pizza

Most people are shocked that EBT covers pizza, but the rule is simple: uncooked pizza is classified as a grocery item.

What qualifies

• Refrigerated take-and-bake pizzas
• Frozen pizzas
• Build-your-own pizza kits
• Dough, sauce, cheese, and toppings

Where you can buy it

• Papa Murphy’s (accepts EBT at most locations)
• Walmart deli
• Costco
• Kroger
• Safeway
• Aldi

Price range

• $5 to $12 for large take-and-bake
• $4 to $9 for frozen pizzas

Why it qualifies

It is not hot and must be prepared at home.

Not eligible

• Hot deli pizza
• Restaurant pizza (unless RMP in your state)

For a full list of acceptable grocery retailers, see Grocery Stores That Take EBT.

2. Seeds and Plants That Grow Food

This category is one of the most powerful and least known benefits of SNAP. You can use EBT to grow your own groceries.

Eligible items

• Herb seeds
• Vegetable seeds
• Starter plants
• Tomato seedlings
• Pepper seedlings
• Strawberry plants
• Fruit trees
• Seed potatoes
• Garlic bulbs for planting

Stores

• Walmart
• Home Depot
• Lowe’s
• Local nurseries
• Farmers markets

Value

A $1 packet of seeds can produce $25 to $40 worth of food.

Why eligible

USDA explicitly allows seeds and food-producing plants to support household food production.

3. Energy Drinks (Nutrition Facts Label Only)

Many energy drinks qualify for EBT because they are classified as beverages rather than supplements.

Eligible brands

• Monster
• Red Bull (standard versions)
• Prime Hydration
• Rockstar
• Reign
• Full Throttle

Not eligible

• Bang formulations with Supplement Facts
• C4
• Any product labeled as a supplement

Price

$2 to $3 per can
$10 to $15 per 12-pack

Important note

Some states with sugar-ban waivers block energy drinks at POS. This is covered in detail later in the state rule section.

4. Soda and Sugary Drinks

Contrary to popular belief, soda is fully eligible under federal SNAP rules.

Examples:

• Coke
• Pepsi
• Sprite
• Dr Pepper
• Mountain Dew
• Arizona Iced Tea

Price

$5 to $9 for a 12-pack
$1 to $2 for single bottles

State-level restrictions

11 states currently enforce sugar/candy bans under USDA waivers. This will be covered in detail in later sections.

5. Lobster, Crab, Shrimp, and Gourmet Seafood

The USDA does not restrict luxury foods. Cost does not affect eligibility.

Eligible items

• Lobster tails
• Snow crab legs
• King crab
• Fresh shrimp
• Scallops
• Mussels
• Oysters
• Canned gourmet seafood

Why eligible

All are classified as food products with Nutrition Facts.

Price range

• Lobster: $10 to $12 per tail
• Shrimp: $5 to $9 per bag
• King crab: $40 to $55 per pound

6. Caviar

Caviar qualifies because it is packaged food with Nutrition Facts.

Where to buy

• Costco
• Amazon
• High-end grocery stores

Price

$35 to $150 per jar
Premium imported caviar can exceed $300, still eligible.

7. Cold Deli Food

If it is cold and prepackaged, it is typically eligible.

Eligible

• Cold rotisserie chicken
• Chilled fried chicken
• Cold subs
• Cold burritos
• Pasta salads
• Potato salad
• Cold pizza slices

Not eligible

• Hot versions of any of the above
• Meals from a heated deli counter

8. Prepackaged Cold Sushi

Sushi is eligible if sold cold from the refrigerated case.

Eligible

• California rolls
• Cooked shrimp rolls
• Vegetable sushi
• Pre-made poke bowls (cold)

Not eligible

• Sushi made fresh to order
• Restaurant sushi
• Hot sushi

9. Cakes, Cupcakes, and Bakery Treats

The rule is simple: if more than 50 percent of the value is edible, it is eligible.

Eligible

• Birthday cakes
• Custom cakes
• Cupcakes
• Donuts
• Pastries (cold)
• Cookies
• Sheet cakes

Not eligible

• Hot baked goods
• Cakes that are almost entirely decorative

10. Cold Brew Coffee, Bottled Coffee, and Coffee Beans

Coffee is always considered a grocery item unless sold hot.

Eligible

• Coffee beans
• Ground coffee
• Instant coffee
• K-Cups
• Bottled iced coffee drinks

Not eligible

• Hot coffee from Starbucks
• Hot coffee from grocery stores

11. Meal Replacement Shakes

Meal replacement beverages are fully eligible when they carry a Nutrition Facts label and are intended as food rather than supplements.

Eligible brands

• Ensure (original, Plus, High Protein)
• Boost (High Protein, Plus, Very High Calorie)
• Glucerna (for diabetes-friendly nutrition)
• Premier Protein (Nutrition Facts version)
• Orgain Nutritional Drinks (check label version)

Not eligible

• Shake powders with Supplement Facts
• Fitness-oriented shakes sold as supplements
• Bodybuilding formulas

Why eligible

The USDA classifies these as food products designed for human nutrition.

Price

$7–$12 for a 4- to 6-pack.

Who benefits most

• Seniors
• Individuals with medical challenges
• People recovering from illness
• Households needing shelf-stable nutrition

12. Long-Term Emergency Food Kits

Many households do not realize that emergency food kits, including freeze-dried meals, qualify for SNAP if they contain Nutrition Facts.

Eligible

• 72-hour emergency kits
• 1-week meal kits
• 30-day survival buckets
• USDA-certified freeze-dried meals
• Long shelf-life pouches (10–25 years)

Not eligible

• Emergency “supply kits” that contain non-food gear like flashlights or blankets.

Why eligible

These kits are classified as food, not emergency equipment, as long as Nutrition Facts appear.

Stores

• Amazon
• Walmart
• Augason Farms
• Emergency Essentials (eligible products only)

Price

$20 to $150 depending on size.

13. Jerky, Meat Snacks, and High-Protein Portable Foods

Jerky is a staple for many households and is fully eligible.

Eligible

• Beef jerky
• Turkey jerky
• Pork rinds
• Meat sticks
• Salmon jerky

Why eligible

They contain Nutrition Facts and are considered shelf-stable foods.

Price

$3–$15 depending on brand and size.

Not eligible

Jerky sold at hot delis or prepared fresh in-store.

14. Premium Cheese and Charcuterie Items

Luxury and gourmet foods are not restricted by SNAP.

Eligible

• Brie
• Camembert
• Goat cheese
• Gouda
• Aged cheddar
• Prosciutto
• Salami
• Chorizo
• Smoked meats

Not eligible

• Wooden charcuterie boards
• Cheese knives
• Serving accessories

Price

$5–$20 depending on type and store.

15. Frozen Appetizers and Party Foods

Many households do not realize that frozen appetizers qualify even if similar items from the hot deli do not.

Eligible

• Mozzarella sticks
• Jalapeño poppers
• Chicken wings (uncooked or fully cooked, frozen)
• Taquitos
• Mini tacos
• Egg rolls
• Dumplings
• Spring rolls

Why eligible

Frozen foods require home preparation, even if they are pre-cooked.

Price

$4–$12 per box or bag.

16. Cold Prepared Meals (Refrigerated Section)

Cold meals from the supermarket are eligible as long as they are not hot at purchase.

Eligible

• Refrigerated pasta meals
• Cold sandwiches
• Cold wraps
• Refrigerated burritos
• Cold fried chicken
• Cold turkey plates
• Salad bowls
• Refrigerated meal kits

Not eligible

• Hot rotisserie chicken
• Hot burritos
• Meals from warmed deli cases

Price

$4–$10 depending on item.

17. Protein Bars and Nutrition Bars

Bars are eligible if they are classified as food.

Eligible

• Clif Bar
• RxBar
• Luna
• Quest Bars (Nutrition Facts versions)
• Kind Bars

Not eligible

Bars marketed as supplements with a Supplement Facts label.

Why eligible

Nutrition bars are considered food items rather than supplements.

Price

$1–$3 each or $10–$15 for multipacks.

18. Edible Gift Baskets

Gift baskets qualify when more than half of the value consists of edible items.

Eligible

• Fruit baskets
• Chocolate boxes
• Cookie baskets
• Cheese and cracker baskets
• Mixed snack baskets
• Gourmet popcorn tins
• Holiday food gift sets

Not eligible

• Baskets mostly valued for the containers
• Sets containing primarily non-food items

Price

$20–$60 depending on size and store.

Why eligible

USDA rules judge only the edible content, not presentation or holiday packaging.

19. Bottled Water, Sparkling Water, and Ice

These items are officially eligible as they are considered consumable groceries.

Eligible

• Bottled spring water
• Distilled water
• Sparkling water (La Croix, Perrier, etc.)
• Mineral water
• Ice (bagged or block)

Not eligible

• Carbonated waters marketed as supplements
• Water containing vitamins with Supplement Facts

Price

$1–$12 depending on brand and quantity.

20. Instant Noodles, Ramen Kits, and Asian Meal Bowls

Most instant bowls, soups, and noodle kits qualify.

Eligible

• Ramen cups
• Udon bowls
• Pho bowls
• Curry noodle bowls
• Stir fry kits
• Frozen Asian-style meals

Not eligible

• Hot ramen sold at in-store food courts
• Restaurant noodles

Price

$1–$4 per bowl, $5–$10 per multipack.

21. Organic, Vegan, and Gluten-Free Foods

SNAP imposes no restrictions based on dietary preferences.

Eligible

• Gluten-free bread
• Organic produce
• Organic dairy
• Vegan meat substitutes (Beyond Meat, Impossible)
• Almond flour, coconut flour
• Specialty breads
• Organic soups

Price

Varies widely: $3–$10+ per item.

22. Pre-Made Dips, Spreads, and Specialty Foods

Many surprising premium dips qualify because they are in the grocery category.

Eligible

• Guacamole
• Salsa
• Hummus
• Spinach artichoke dip
• Cream cheese dips
• Pesto
• Gourmet spreads
• Olive tapenade

Not eligible

Dips that are hot or that come with serving tools or non-food accessories.

Price

$3–$8 per container.

23. Baking Ingredients, Specialty Flours, and Premium Cooking Items

SNAP allows all baking ingredients, including premium and specialty items.

Eligible

• Almond flour
• Coconut flour
• Chickpea flour
• Organic baking mixes
• Cake mixes
• Brownie mixes
• Spices (all types)
• Vanilla extract (non-alcoholic)
• Baking chocolate
• Yeast
• Cornmeal
• Bread flour
• Premium olive oils
• Avocado oil

Not eligible

• Alcohol-based vanilla extract
• Baking kits containing non-food tools

Why eligible

All are classified as food products for home preparation.

Price

$3–$12 depending on brand and type.

24. Baby Food, Formula, and Toddler Snacks

Many families rely on SNAP for baby nutritional needs.

Eligible

• Infant formula
• Baby cereal
• Pouch purees
• Toddler snacks
• Baby yogurt
• Baby smoothies

Not eligible

• Bottles
• Diapers
• Wipes
• Baby toiletries

Note

WIC often covers formula, but SNAP can be used when WIC does not.

25. Frozen Desserts and Premium Sweets

Desserts are fully eligible under SNAP because they are considered food.

Eligible

• Ice cream
• Gelato
• Frozen yogurt
• Ice cream cakes
• Mochi
• Frozen pies
• Cheesecake
• Specialty dessert bars

Not eligible

• Hot desserts from bakery sections
• Sundae items prepared in-store

Price

$4–$20 depending on brand and size.

26. Kombucha and Fermented Drinks

Most kombucha products are eligible because they contain Nutrition Facts and low alcohol content (below 0.5 percent).

Eligible

• Bottled kombucha
• Sparkling probiotic drinks
• Prebiotic sodas with Nutrition Facts

Not eligible

Products sold as supplements or probiotic shots with Supplement Facts.

Price

$3–$6 per bottle.

27. Cold Brew Coffee, Iced Teas, and Specialty Beverages

Any bottled beverage with a Nutrition Facts label qualifies.

Eligible

• Bottled cold brew
• Bottled iced tea
• Sweet tea
• Milk tea
• Ready-to-drink coffee
• Flavored milk
• Hot chocolate mixes
• Specialty lattes (bottled)

Not eligible

• Hot beverages sold in-store
• Beverages served at cafes or food courts

28. Ethnic and International Foods

SNAP places no restrictions on cultural or regional foods.

Eligible

• Tortillas
• Plantains
• Masa harina
• Ghee
• Kimchi (Nutrition Facts version)
• Nori
• Rice noodles
• Lentils
• Curry pastes
• Tofu
• Naan
• Pickled vegetables
• Dried seaweed snacks

Price

Varies by product and store.

Why eligible

These are standard grocery items for home consumption.

29. Pantry Staples and Shelf-Stable Foods

The USDA specifically includes pantry staples in SNAP eligibility.

Eligible

• Pasta
• Canned beans
• Canned meats
• Canned vegetables
• Rice
• Quinoa
• Oats
• Flour
• Sugar
• Cooking oils
• Canned soups
• Broths and stocks
• Peanut butter
• Jams and spreads
• Boxed mac and cheese

Price

Low-cost options available at discount retailers like Aldi or Walmart.

30. Hunting and Fishing Items (Limited Rural Exemption)

This category applies to rural communities where households rely on hunting or fishing for food.

Eligible

Only for qualified households in remote areas.

Eligible items (restricted areas only)

• Fishing lines
• Hooks
• Lures
• Nets
• Basic hunting gear to obtain food
• Worms and bait (in qualifying states)

Not eligible

• Firearms
• Ammunition
• High-end gear
• Fishing boats
• Hunting clothing

Eligibility

Must be in a USDA-verified subsistence hunting area.
Contact your state SNAP office for approval.

AMAZON EBT GUIDE

Amazon EBT access has expanded nationwide and is now one of the most important ways SNAP recipients shop online.

Amazon Accepts EBT in 48 States

Excluding Alaska and Hawaii.

What you can buy on Amazon with EBT

• Groceries with the “SNAP EBT Eligible” label
• Frozen foods
• Beverages
• Pantry staples
• Bottled drinks
• Canned goods
• Baby food
• Meat and seafood
• Emergency food kits
• Breakfast items
• Coffee and tea
• Meal replacement shakes
• Energy drinks with Nutrition Facts

Not eligible

• Household goods
• Toiletries
• Pet food
• Hot food
• Kitchen devices

Prime Access Discount

Amazon offers a reduced-cost Prime membership for EBT users.

Prime Access

• $6.99 per month (discounted)
• Free delivery on many groceries
• SNAP-specific coupons and offers

This helps lower delivery costs when ordering EBT foods online.

How to Use EBT on Amazon

1. Log into your Amazon account.
2. Go to Account > Payment Options.
3. Add your EBT card.
4. Shop for items marked “SNAP EBT Eligible.”
5. On checkout, apply EBT to food costs and a debit/credit card for non-food items if needed.

Eligible Amazon Categories

1. Fresh groceries

Includes produce, meat, dairy, and frozen food.

2. Amazon Pantry

Cases of bottled drinks, snacks, canned goods, etc.

3. Emergency food kits

Long-term storage food buckets and pouches.

4. Health-oriented foods

Gluten-free, organic, vegan options.

5. Specialty beverages

Cold brew, iced tea, bottled lattes.

Amazon Ordering Pro Tips

• Split payments: EBT covers eligible food; a debit card covers non-eligible items.
• Watch for SNAP coupons under each item.
• Bulk orders reduce per-unit cost significantly.
• Some states offer Amazon Fresh delivery with EBT.

If you want more stores that accept EBT, see Grocery Stores That Take EBT.

WALMART EBT GUIDE

Walmart is the most widely used retailer for EBT purchases in the United States.

Walmart Accepts EBT In

• All physical stores
• Curbside pickup
• Online grocery delivery

What You Can Buy with EBT at Walmart

Groceries

• Produce
• Meat
• Seafood
• Bread
• Dairy

Specialty Items

• Cold pre-made meals
• Frozen food
• Bakery items
• Meal replacement shakes
• Energy drinks
• Premium grocery brands
• Garden seeds and food plants

Not eligible

• Delivery fees
• Electronics
• Household items
• Vitamins or supplements
• Hot prepared foods

Walmart Pickup and Delivery with EBT

Walmart allows:

• Online ordering
• Pickup with no surcharge
• Delivery in many ZIP codes

Delivery fees cannot be paid with EBT; they require another payment method.

Steps to use EBT online

1. Add EBT card to Walmart account.
2. Shop for items marked “EBT Eligible.”
3. Choose pickup or delivery.
4. Pay for eligible items with EBT.
5. Pay service fees with a debit/credit card.

Walmart+ Assist

Walmart offers discounted Walmart+ membership for qualifying households.

Benefits include

• Free grocery delivery on orders over minimum threshold
• Fuel discounts
• Scan-and-go shopping

This is helpful for households with limited transportation.

The Restaurant Meals Program (RMP)

The Restaurant Meals Program allows eligible SNAP recipients to buy hot, prepared food at participating restaurants. Federal rules normally prohibit hot foods, but certain categories of people face barriers to cooking, and RMP addresses that.

RMP is available only to people who are:

• Elderly (age 60+)
• Disabled
• Homeless
• Spouses of eligible individuals

If you are not in one of these groups, you cannot use EBT for any hot food regardless of location.

How RMP Works

Under RMP, restaurants sign contracts with their state SNAP agency, enabling EBT payments at the counter. The card is swiped like a normal debit card, and food is taxed the same as it is for cash customers.

Restaurants That Accept EBT Under RMP

Examples of chains that participate in RMP (varies by state):

• Subway
• Domino’s
• Pizza Hut
• Popeyes
• Jack in the Box
• Taco Bell
• El Pollo Loco
• Carl’s Jr.
• Church’s Chicken
• Denny’s
• Local restaurants approved by your state

Restaurant participation varies. For the most up-to-date list, see Restaurants That Accept EBT.

RMP States List

The following nine states operate an approved Restaurant Meals Program:

Important:
RMP is not national. In non-RMP states, hot food will always decline at the POS.

The 11 Sugar-Ban Waiver States

Beginning in 2025, 11 states received USDA permission to block certain high-sugar foods from EBT purchases. These items decline at checkout in those states.

Blocked items in waiver states

• Soda
• Candy
• Sugary energy drinks
• High-sugar bakery items (in some states)
• Sugary cereals (in limited regions)

List of 11 Sugar-Ban Waiver States (2025)

These waivers only affect certain categories; the majority of SNAP-eligible foods remain unchanged.

What You Cannot Buy with EBT

The following items are not eligible under any circumstances unless specifically mentioned in a state-approved exception.

1. Hot Prepared Foods

Examples:

• Hot rotisserie chicken
• Hot pizza slices
• Hot deli meals
• Hot soups
• Ready-to-eat food at grocery store hot bars

Exception: RMP states and RMP-approved recipients.

2. Supplements

Any product with a Supplement Facts label is ineligible.

Examples:

• Vitamins
• Protein powders
• Herbal blends
• Pre-workouts
• Probiotic shots with Supplement Facts

3. Alcohol and Tobacco

• Beer
• Wine
• Liquor
• Cigarettes
• Cigars
• Chewing tobacco

4. Non-Food Items

• Cleaning supplies
• Diapers
• Toilet paper
• Shampoo
• Toothpaste
• Paper towels
• Pet food
• Cosmetics
• Laundry detergent

5. Hot Coffee and Hot Beverages

• Hot Starbucks drinks
• Hot gas-station coffee
• Cappuccino machines
• Hot tea

Cold bottled versions are eligible.

6. Restaurant Food in Non-RMP States

Any dining establishment outside RMP automatically declines.

7. Household and Lifestyle Items

• Cookware
• Kitchen utensils
• Food storage bags
• Aluminum foil
• Charcoal
• Automobiles or fuel
• Clothing

Benefits, Monthly Amounts, Rollover Rules

Monthly Benefits

In 2025, the average SNAP benefit is approximately:

• $195 per person per month
• $390 for a two-person home
• $973 maximum for a family of four
• $1,751 maximum for a household of eight

Exact figures vary by state, household size, and income.
To check if you qualify, use the SNAP Eligibility Calculator homepage.

Rollover Rules

SNAP benefits do not expire monthly. Unused benefits roll over for up to 9 months.

After 9 months

If the card shows no activity for nine consecutive months, remaining benefits may be removed.

Federal Eligibility Summary

Amazon vs Walmart EBT Comparison

Cold vs Hot Eligibility

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I buy hot food with EBT?

No, except in RMP states and only if you qualify (elderly, disabled, homeless).

2. Can I buy pizza with EBT?

Yes, take-and-bake or frozen. No, hot pizza.
Papa Murphy’s accepts EBT in most states.

3. Can I buy energy drinks?

Yes, if they show a Nutrition Facts label. No, if they contain a Supplement Facts label.

4. Are soda and candy allowed?

Yes federally.
No in 11 waiver states, where soda and candy automatically decline.

5. Can I buy sushi?

Yes, refrigerated store sushi. No, fresh sushi counters or restaurant sushi.

6. Does Amazon accept EBT?

Yes, in 48 states. Many items are labeled “SNAP EBT Eligible.”

7. What about Walmart delivery?

Walmart accepts EBT for grocery pickup and delivery. Delivery fees require a debit or credit card.

8. Can EBT be used at Costco?

Yes, for eligible groceries only.

9. What about Sam’s Club?

Yes, Sam’s Club accepts EBT in stores (not online).

10. Can I buy ice cream?

Yes. All frozen desserts qualify.

11. Can I get baby formula with EBT?

Yes. All infant formula is eligible.

12. Can I buy pet food?

No. Pet food is never eligible.

13. Can I buy vitamins?

No. Vitamins always have a Supplement Facts label and are ineligible.

14. What is the difference between Nutrition Facts and Supplement Facts?

Nutrition Facts = food = eligible.
Supplement Facts = supplement = not eligible.

15. Can I buy bottled water with EBT?

Yes. Both still and sparkling water are eligible.

16. Why are hot foods banned?

Federal SNAP law prohibits ready-to-eat foods except in RMP states for vulnerable individuals.

17. Can I use EBT in another state?

Yes. EBT cards work nationwide.

18. Do EBT benefits expire?

Unused benefits roll over for up to 9 months with card activity.

19. Can I buy cooking oils and spices?

Yes. All cooking oils, spices, and herbs are eligible.

20. Does SNAP monitor what I buy?

No. As long as purchases meet eligibility rules, SNAP does not judge food choices.

Conclusion

SNAP offers far more flexibility than most people realize. Beyond basic groceries, it covers gourmet foods, meal replacement shakes, cold deli items, frozen desserts, emergency kits, bottled beverages, and hundreds of specialty items.