What SNAP can buy
Can I buy energy drinks with EBT?
The USDA rule
"Vitamins, medicines, and supplements. If an item has a Supplement Facts label, it is considered a supplement and is not eligible for SNAP purchase."
USDA, What Can SNAP Buy? (page updated June 4, 2025)
Good to know
- Look at the back of the can before you pay.
- Several states also block energy drinks by name.
States with a rule on energy drinks
8 states have a USDA waiver that can cover energy drinks; 6 are in effect now. Courts blocked the waivers of Colorado, Iowa, Tennessee and West Virginia on June 22, 2026.
| State | Status | What the waiver restricts |
|---|---|---|
| Arkansas | In effect | Restricts purchase of soda, fruit and vegetable drinks with less than 50% natural juice, energy drinks, unhealthy drinks, and candy. |
| Florida | In effect | Restricts purchase of soda, energy drinks, candy, and prepared desserts. |
| Louisiana | In effect | Restricts purchase of soft drinks, energy drinks, and candy. |
| Montana | In effect | Restricts purchase of high-sugar beverages, energy drinks, candy, and prepared desserts. |
| Nebraska | Starts Dec 1, 2026 | Restricts purchase of soda, soft drinks, and energy drinks. Effective March 1, 2027, restricts purchase of soda, soft drinks, energy drinks, and candy. |
| North Dakota | In effect | Restricts purchase of sweetened beverages, energy drinks, and candy. |
| South Carolina | In effect | Restricts purchase of candy, energy drinks, soft drinks, and sweetened beverages. |
| Tennessee | Waiver blocked by a court | Restricts purchase of processed foods and beverages such as soda, energy drinks, and candy. |
More answers
Common questions
Can I buy energy drinks with EBT?
It depends on the label and the state. An energy drink with a Nutrition Facts label is food. One with a Supplement Facts label is a supplement and cannot be bought.
Who decides at the register?
The store's system follows the SNAP rules for each product. If you think a charge is wrong, ask the store, then your state SNAP agency.
Sources: USDA, What Can SNAP Buy? (page updated June 4, 2025); USDA, SNAP Food Restriction Waivers (page updated October 13, 2026).
Independent guide. Not a government website. Not affiliated with USDA or any state agency. We do not take applications, and we never ask for your case number, card number or PIN. Amounts and rules can change: your state SNAP agency has the final word.