The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is changing, and although some believe it is for the best, others are concerned with the consequences that it will have for the families that rely on the program. SNAP might be a federal program, but it is state run and states have a lot of sway in how the benefits can be allocated and which products can be bought using benefits, which in many cases helps families, but in this case, it might hinder them.
As a general rule, families that are eligible for SNAP benefits can use them to purchase foods like produce, meat, dairy, grains and certain snacks, but hot meals, junk food and alcoholic beverages, tobacco and non-food items are not permitted. During the pandemic and during extreme weather events some of these restrictions can be temporarily lifted, but now that the world has come back to normal, states are tightening up restrictions once again.
The states that are now removing the pandemic era SNAP provisions
An estimated 41 million Americans received SNAP benefits in 2024, that is 1 in 8 people, so it is a very widespread federal program that helps a lot of individuals belonging to lower-income households. There are some states that rely on the program more than others, but in this case the changes have to doo with encouraging Americans to make healthier choices, at least on the government’s dime. According to a report from the USDA:
- Arkansas: Starting in July 2026, this state will no longer allow SNAP beneficiaries to purchase soft drinks, candy and other unhealthy beverages. This includes soda as well as fruit and vegetable drinks with less than 50% natural juice.
- Idaho: As of January 2026, SNAP recipients will not be able to purchase candy or soda with their benefits.
- Utah: Also starting in January, Utah residents are banned from using SNAP for soft drinks (including any nonalcoholic beverage made with carbonated water that uses artificial sweeteners or sugar).
- Indiana: As of January 2026, SNAP recipients can no longer purchase candy or soft drinks.
- Iowa: Snacks, sweetened drinks and candy will be ineligible for purchase through the SNAP program as of January of next year. Other taxable food items are also restricted.
- Nebraska: Effective January 2026, energy drinks and soda are no longer eligible for purchase through SNAP.
This is not the first time that initiatives like these are proposed, after all, lower income families with limited access to healthcare are some of the ones that are more negatively impacted by heart disease and diabetes, which makes it rally hard to justify allowing these groups of people to purchase the same things that make them sick with government money meant to help them eat healthier. Another state that is trying to implement a similar ban, although they are doing it through an extra tax and it is still not applicable to SNAP beneficiaries is Texas.
This is showing a growing concern over the expense in healthcare that we are seeing come from certain states that for years have refused to regulate how their residents shop and the amounts of sugars and fats that they allow everyone, but especially minors in delicate home situations, to consume.
While this change may worry some, there are still plenty of snacks available through SNAP benefits that can still be purchased, as well as plenty of other healthier food and drink alternatives that will keep beneficiaries sated and in better cardiovascular shape. Just be sure to remember to check the new restrictions next time you go to the grocery store so you do not attempt to buy some of the new forbidden products.