2026 changes · junk-food restrictions

SNAP junk-food & soda restrictions

For the first time, USDA is approving state waivers that bar SNAP from buying soda, candy, and other junk food. 23 states approved, 10 already in effect. This tracks every state, what's restricted, and when.

23 states approved · 10 in effect · Last reviewed: 2026-06-03

In effect now

StateStatusEffectiveWhat's restricted
IndianaIn effectJan 1, 2026Soft drinks + candy
IowaIn effectJan 1, 2026All state-taxable food (incl. soda, candy, gum) except produce — the broadest
UtahIn effectJan 1, 2026Soft drinks / soda
West VirginiaIn effectJan 1, 2026Carbonated sweetened beverages
IdahoIn effectFeb 15, 2026Soda + candy
OklahomaIn effectFeb 15, 2026Candy + soft drinks
LouisianaIn effectFeb 18, 2026Soft drinks, energy drinks, candy
TexasIn effectApr 1, 2026Sweetened drinks + candy
VirginiaIn effectApr 1, 2026Sweetened beverages (soda, diet soda, energy drinks)
FloridaIn effectApr 20, 2026Soda, energy drinks, candy, prepared desserts

Approved & scheduled

StateStatusEffectiveWhat's restricted
NebraskaScheduledPhasing in 2026Soda + energy drinks (first state approved, May 2025)
ArkansasScheduledJul 1, 2026Soda, candy, low-juice fruit/veg drinks
TennesseeScheduledJul 31, 2026Processed foods with sugar as the first ingredient
HawaiiScheduledAug 1, 2026Soft drinks over 10g sugar per serving
South CarolinaScheduledAug 31, 2026Candy, energy drinks, soft/sweetened drinks
North DakotaScheduledSep 1, 2026Candy, soft drinks, energy drinks, baking decorations
MissouriScheduledOct 1, 2026Candy, prepared desserts, unhealthy drinks
OhioScheduledOct 1, 2026Sugar-sweetened beverages
ColoradoScheduledOct 30, 2026Soft drinks
WyomingScheduledFeb 1, 2027Sweetened carbonated beverages
KansasScheduledFeb 15, 2027Candy + soft drinks
NevadaScheduledFeb 1, 2028Candy + sugar-sweetened beverages
MontanaScheduledDate TBDHigh-sugar beverages, energy drinks, candy, pre-packaged desserts

Requested (not yet approved)

StateStatusEffectiveWhat's restricted
ArizonaRequestedRequestedPending USDA decision
GeorgiaRequestedRequestedPending USDA decision
MichiganRequestedRequestedPending USDA decision
MississippiRequestedRequestedPending USDA decision
WisconsinRequestedRequestedWaiver request directed by 2026 law

Note: SNAP recipients have sued USDA over these restrictions; a state's status could change if a court intervenes.

What counts as "candy" and "soda"

Most states use the Streamlined Sales and Use Tax Agreement definitions (the de-facto standard): Candy = sugar/sweeteners in bars, drops, or pieces — but it excludes anything containing flour (so many cookies aren't "candy") and anything needing refrigeration. Soft drinks = non-alcoholic sweetened beverages — but excludes drinks with milk/milk substitutes or more than 50% juice. Iowa is the outlier: it uses its broader state taxable-food list.

What it means for you

If you live in a state that's in effect, your EBT card will simply decline the restricted items at checkout — the rest of your benefit works normally and your benefit amount doesn't change. You can still buy those items with your own money. Exactly what's restricted varies by state, so when in doubt, ask at the store or check your state's notice. For what you CAN buy, see the eligible-item lookup.

A 20-year policy reversal

From 2004 to 2024, USDA denied every state request to restrict SNAP purchases — Minnesota (2004), New York City (2010), and Maine (2015/2018) were all turned down. That reversed in May 2025: Nebraska was the first state approved, as part of the "Make America Healthy Again" push. These are demonstration waivers, not a permanent change to the federal eligible-foods law.

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