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 cooked chicken qualifies as an approved purchase.
Can You Buy Cooked Chicken with EBT/ Food Stamps?
No, you cannot buy cooked chicken with Food Stamps or EBT.
This restriction exists because SNAP benefits are intended for purchasing groceries to prepare meals at home. Cooked foods, including rotisserie chicken or other ready-to-eat items, are considered prepared foods and are therefore not eligible for purchase with SNAP benefits. The program aims to encourage recipients to buy ingredients and cook meals themselves, promoting healthier eating habits and better budget management.
How to Check If Cooked Chicken 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, if the item is hot, prepared, and meant for immediate consumption, it is likely not SNAP-eligible. For example:
Bag of apples: It has a "Nutrition Facts" label and is intended for home consumption. Therefore, it is 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.
Additionally, 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 cooked chicken that cannot be purchased with these benefits, including:
Alcoholic Beverages: Beer, wine, and other alcoholic drinks are not eligible for purchase with SNAP benefits.
Vitamins and Supplements: Items with a "Supplement Facts" label, such as vitamins and dietary supplements, are not covered.
Hot Foods: Foods that are hot at the point of sale, such as hot deli items or prepared meals, are not eligible.
Non-Food Items: Household supplies, pet foods, and other non-food products cannot be bought with SNAP benefits.
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.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Does the rule on cooked chicken's SNAP eligibility vary by state?
No, the rule on cooked chicken's SNAP eligibility does not vary by state. The federal guidelines for SNAP benefits are consistent across all states, and cooked chicken is considered a prepared food, making it ineligible for purchase with SNAP benefits.
Will my EBT benefits be halted if I try to buy cooked chicken with SNAP?
No, your EBT benefits will not be halted if you try to buy cooked chicken with SNAP. However, the transaction will be declined at checkout, and you will need to use another form of payment or remove the item from your purchase.
Are baskets containing cooked chicken eligible for purchase with SNAP?
No, baskets containing cooked chicken are not eligible for purchase with SNAP. If your shopping basket includes cooked chicken, you will need to remove it or pay for it separately using a different payment method.
Can I buy cold, pre-cooked chicken with SNAP benefits?
Yes, you can buy cold, pre-cooked chicken with SNAP benefits. As long as the chicken is not hot and is intended for home consumption, it qualifies as a SNAP-eligible item.
