Can You Buy 5 Gallon Water Jugs with EBT/Food Stamps? (2025)

Understanding what can and cannot be bought with the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) helps recipients spend their benefits wisely. A common question is whether 5 gallon water jugs qualify as an approved purchase.

Can You Buy 5 Gallon Water Jugs with EBT/ Food Stamps?

Yes, you can buy 5 gallon water jugs with EBT or Food Stamps.

This is because water is considered a staple food item under SNAP guidelines. As long as the water is intended for human consumption, it qualifies as an eligible purchase. This allows recipients to use their benefits to ensure they have access to essential hydration.

How to Check If 5 Gallon Water Jugs Is SNAP-Eligible

To determine if an item is SNAP-eligible, check its label. If the item has a "Nutrition Facts" label, it is likely eligible. Conversely, if it has a "Supplement Facts" label, it is not eligible. Additionally, hot, prepared foods meant for immediate consumption are generally not SNAP-eligible. For example:

• Frozen pizza: It’s cold, packaged, and intended for home consumption. Therefore, it is SNAP-eligible.

• Hot soup from a deli: It’s hot, prepared, and meant for immediate consumption. Therefore, it is not SNAP-eligible.

If in doubt, compare the product to USDA rules to determine SNAP eligibility.

Large chain stores often use small shelf labels or icons that say "SNAP Eligible" or "EBT Accepted." Websites of large chains like Walmart, Amazon, or delivery platforms like Instacart often let you filter by SNAP-eligible items. If still unsure, ask the shop assistant before making a purchase.

Surprising Things You Can Buy with EBT

Besides 5 gallon water jugs, you might be surprised to know that SNAP benefits cover many of these items:

• Plants: Vegetable seeds, fruit plants, and starters used to grow food at home.

• Farmers’ Markets: Eligible at many markets, often via tokens or electronic payments.

• Energy Drinks: Eligible if labeled with a "Nutrition Facts" panel (not "Supplement Facts").

• Bakery Items and Birthday Cakes: Decorated birthday cakes and baked goods.

• Seafood and Fresh Meat: Fresh, frozen, or canned seafood and meats.

• Snack Foods: Chips, ice cream, candy, and other snacks.

What Happens If You Try to Buy an Ineligible Item with an EBT Card?

If you try to buy an ineligible item with your EBT card, the transaction will be declined at checkout. The cashier or the self-checkout system will notify you that the item cannot be purchased with SNAP benefits. You will need to use another form of payment or remove the item from your purchase. This ensures that SNAP benefits are used only for approved items.

Manage Your SNAP Benefits and Get Cashback with Benny

Benny is a great option to manage your SNAP benefits effectively. With Benny, you can check your EBT balance and transactions in real-time, helping you stay on top of your spending. Plus, earn cash back on groceries and other purchases at popular stores like Walmart, Target, and 7-Eleven.

Download Benny to start saving on your EBT benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there any restrictions on the type of 5 gallon water jugs you can buy with EBT?

Yes, the 5 gallon water jugs must be intended for human consumption to be eligible for purchase with EBT. This means that water jugs labeled for other uses, such as for pets or industrial purposes, would not qualify.

Can you buy 5 gallon water jugs from any store with EBT?

You can buy 5 gallon water jugs from any store that accepts EBT and sells them as a food item. Most grocery stores, big-box retailers, and some convenience stores that accept EBT will have these jugs available for purchase.

Do 5 gallon water jugs need to have a specific label to be EBT-eligible?

Yes, 5 gallon water jugs need to have a "Nutrition Facts" label to be considered EBT-eligible. This label indicates that the water is intended for human consumption, making it a qualifying purchase under SNAP guidelines.

Can you use EBT to buy 5 gallon water jugs online?

Yes, you can use EBT to buy 5 gallon water jugs online from retailers that accept EBT payments. Websites like Amazon and Walmart allow you to filter for SNAP-eligible items, making it easier to find and purchase these jugs.