Big changes are coming to how shoppers can use SNAP food benefits in some states.
Starting on January 1, some states are planning to implement new rules limiting 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, 18 states plan to introduce new restrictions in 2026.
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 coming 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 highlighted the importance of 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 on December 29.
In Iowa, for instance, the changes indicate that products, including vitamins and minerals, as well as candy-coated products, will no longer be eligible for SNAP in the new year. But 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 18 states that are changing which foods are SNAP-eligible in 2026, 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 March 1.
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 will be restricted for SNAP users in Idaho starting on February 15.
Indiana
In Indiana, shoppers who use SNAP benefits will face new restrictions on buying soft drinks and candy on January 1.
Iowa
Iowa, another state enacting SNAP changes on January 1, will restrict 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.
Louisiana
Louisiana will restrict 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 will face restrictions on buying soda and energy drinks starting on January 1.
North Dakota
North Dakota will restrict purchases of soft drinks, energy drinks, and candy for SNAP shoppers starting September 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 will restrict 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 will be restricted for SNAP shoppers in West Virginia starting on January 1.
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