USDA rules
What can you buy with SNAP?
SNAP buys food for the household to eat at home. Hot food, alcohol, tobacco, supplements and nonfood items are out, and some states also block soda and candy.
Yes SNAP can buy
- Fruits and vegetables
- Meat, poultry and fish
- Dairy products
- Breads and cereals
- Snack foods and drinks without alcohol
- Seeds and plants that grow food
No SNAP cannot buy
- Beer, wine and liquor
- Cigarettes and tobacco
- Food and drinks with CBD or cannabis
- Vitamins, medicines and supplements (Supplement Facts label)
- Live animals (except shellfish and fish out of the water)
- Food that is hot at the point of sale
- Pet food
- Cleaning supplies, paper products and other household supplies
- Hygiene items and cosmetics
State soda and candy rules
19 states have a USDA waiver that blocks some sweet drinks or candy, with start dates from January 2026 to February 2028. See every state.
Quick answers
Yes
It depends
No
Common questions
Can I buy hot food with SNAP?
No, unless you are in the Restaurant Meals Program. Food that is hot at the point of sale is not allowed.
Can I buy energy drinks with SNAP?
Only if the can has a Nutrition Facts label and your state does not block them. A Supplement Facts label means it is a supplement.
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.