What SNAP can buy
Can I buy hot coffee with EBT?
NoNo. A hot cup of coffee is hot at the point of sale. Coffee beans or ground coffee are fine.
The USDA rule
"Households CANNOT use SNAP benefits to buy: foods that are hot at the point of sale."
USDA, What Can SNAP Buy? (page updated June 4, 2025)
Good to know
- In Restaurant Meals Program states, eligible households can buy hot food at participating restaurants.
More answers
Rotisserie chickenSeeds and plantsBaby formulaProtein powderVitaminsPedialyteLive lobsterSushiDeli sandwichesCoffeeBottled waterSoap and shampooPet foodDiapersToilet paperAlcoholCigarettesCBDMeal kitsFrozen pizzaSpices
Everything SNAP can and cannot buyWhat you can buyThe full USDA listEBT near meStores by city, county or ZIPSoda and candy rulesState by state
Common questions
Can I buy hot coffee with EBT?
No. A hot cup of coffee is hot at the point of sale. Coffee beans or ground coffee are fine.
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).
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.