Shopping with SNAP
May 4, 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 deodorant qualifies as an approved purchase.
Can You Buy a Deodorant with EBT/ Food Stamps?
No, you cannot buy deodorant with Food Stamps or EBT.
This is because SNAP benefits are intended to cover food items and beverages that are essential for nutrition. Non-food items, including personal care items like deodorant, are not eligible for purchase with SNAP benefits. The program's guidelines are designed to ensure that recipients use their benefits to meet their dietary needs.
How to Check If a Deodorant Is SNAP-Eligible
To determine if an item is SNAP-eligible, check its label. If it has a "Nutrition Facts" label, it is likely eligible. Conversely, items with a "Supplement Facts" label are not eligible. Additionally, hot, prepared foods meant for immediate consumption are generally not SNAP-eligible. For example:
Frozen vegetables: They have a "Nutrition Facts" label and are intended for home consumption. Therefore, they are SNAP-eligible.
Hot pizza: 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.
What Else Can You Not Buy with EBT/Food Stamps?
While SNAP benefits cover a wide range of essential food items, there are products like deodorant that cannot be purchased with these benefits, including:
Household Supplies: Items such as cleaning products, paper goods, and other household necessities are not eligible for purchase with SNAP benefits.
Pet Food: Food for pets is not covered under SNAP, as the program is designed to support human nutritional needs.
Alcohol and Tobacco: These items are strictly prohibited from being purchased with SNAP benefits.
Vitamins and Supplements: Products labeled with "Supplement Facts" are not eligible for purchase, as they are not considered food items.
What Happens If You Try to Buy an Ineligible Item with an EBT Card?
If you try to buy an ineligible item with an 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 to complete the purchase for that item. This ensures that SNAP benefits are used only for eligible food items.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any states where deodorant is eligible for purchase with SNAP benefits?
No, deodorant is not eligible for purchase with SNAP benefits in any state. The federal guidelines for SNAP are consistent across all states, and personal care items like deodorant are universally excluded from the list of approved items.
Will my EBT benefits be halted if I try to buy deodorant with SNAP?
No, your EBT benefits will not be halted if you attempt to buy deodorant with SNAP. However, the transaction will be declined at checkout, and you will need to use another form of payment to complete the purchase for that item.
Can I purchase a basket of groceries that includes deodorant with my SNAP benefits?
You can purchase the eligible food items in your basket with SNAP benefits, but you will need to pay for the deodorant separately using another form of payment. The checkout system will automatically separate the eligible and ineligible items.
What should I do if I'm unsure whether deodorant is SNAP-eligible?
If you are unsure whether deodorant is SNAP-eligible, you can check the label for "Nutrition Facts." Since deodorant does not have this label, it is not eligible. You can also ask a store assistant or refer to the USDA's guidelines for more information.
