Big changes are coming to how shoppers can use SNAP food benefits in some states.
Some states began implementing new rules on January 1 that limited purchases of soda, energy drinks, candy, and other foods for people who receive SNAP benefits, according to a list of changes provided by the Department of Agriculture. In total, 22 states plan to introduce new restrictions starting in 2026.
While some of the restrictions have already taken effect, others don’t until later this year, according to approval notices that the federal government sent to the states. In other cases, shoppers won’t see changes until 2027 or 2028, according to the notices.
Nearly 42 million people, or about 12% of the US resident population, relied on SNAP benefits each month during the 2024 federal fiscal year, according to the Department of Agriculture.
The changes are in line with Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s Make America Healthy Again effort. Along with skepticism of vaccine mandates, Kennedy has pointed to limiting the consumption of certain food ingredients, such as sugar and some food dyes, as a priority.
To implement the changes, states had to request waivers from the federal government for existing rules governing how SNAP benefits can be spent.
Whether clamping down on purchases of sugary drinks and other foods will make people who rely on SNAP to buy food healthier remains unclear.
In many cases, shoppers and retailers haven’t been provided with a list of which products would no longer be eligible for purchase with SNAP dollars, the anti-hunger advocacy group Food Research and Action Center, or FRAC, wrote in a blog post in December.
In Iowa, for instance, the changes indicate that products, including vitamins and minerals, as well as candy-coated products, are no longer be eligible for SNAP. That directive won’t help shoppers as they head to the store, FRAC said.
“The items list does not provide enough specific information to prepare a SNAP participant to go to the grocery store,” FRAC wrote.
Here are all the states that are changing which foods are SNAP-eligible in 2026 and beyond, per the Department of Agriculture:
Arkansas
Starting July 1, SNAP rules in Arkansas will restrict purchases of soda, “unhealthy drinks,” drinks that are less than 50% natural juice, and candy.
Colorado
Colorado will restrict the purchase of soft drinks with SNAP funds on April 30.
Florida
Florida SNAP shoppers will face new restrictions on purchases of soda, energy drinks, candy, and “prepared desserts” starting on April 20.
Hawaii
The 50th state will limit SNAP shoppers’ ability to purchase soft drinks, beginning on August 1.
Idaho
Soda and candy purchases were restricted for SNAP users in Idaho starting on February 15.
Indiana
In Indiana, shoppers who use SNAP benefits faced new restrictions on buying soft drinks and candy on January 1.
Iowa
Iowa, another state that enacted SNAP changes on January 1, restricted purchases of “all taxable food items.” According to a notice sent to SNAP recipients in that state, that means that shoppers can’t purchase soda, candy, candy-coated items, vitamins and minerals, chewing gum, or drinks with 50% or less fruit and vegetable juice.
Kansas
Starting February 15, 2027, Kansas will ban SNAP recipients from buying candy and soft drinks.
Louisiana
Louisiana restricted SNAP purchases of soft drinks, energy drinks, and candy starting February 18.
Missouri
People who use SNAP benefits in Missouri will see new restrictions on buying candy, prepared desserts, and “certain unhealthy beverages” starting on October 1.
Nebraska
Nebraska SNAP recipients faced restrictions on buying soda and energy drinks starting on January 1.
Nevada
Candy and sugar-sweetened beverages will be off the table for SNAP recipients in Nevada starting on February 1, 2028.
North Dakota
North Dakota will restrict purchases of soft drinks, energy drinks, and candy for SNAP shoppers starting September 1.
Ohio
Ohio will ban the purchase of sugar-sweetened beverages with SNAP benefits starting on October 1.
Oklahoma
Oklahoma shoppers who use SNAP will see fresh restrictions on purchasing soft drinks and candy as of February 15.
South Carolina
Candy, energy drinks, soft drinks, and sweetened beverages will all face new SNAP buying restrictions in South Carolina on August 31.
Tennessee
On July 31, Tennessee will restrict SNAP purchases of processed foods and beverages, “such as soda, energy drinks, and candy.”
Texas
Texas’ new rule, which takes effect on April 1, will limit purchases of sweetened drinks and candy among SNAP shoppers.
Utah
Utah restricted the purchase of soft drinks for SNAP users starting January 1.
Virginia
Purchases of “sweetened beverages” will be restricted for SNAP users in Virginia starting on April 1.
West Virginia
Buying soda was restricted for SNAP shoppers in West Virginia starting on January 1.
Wyoming
Starting on February 1, 2027, Wyoming will prohibit SNAP recipients from using benefits to buy sugar-sweetened carbonated beverages.
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