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. Many wonder if creatine, a popular supplement, is an eligible purchase.
Can You Buy Creatine with EBT/ Food Stamps?
No, you cannot buy creatine with Food Stamps or EBT.
This is because SNAP benefits are intended for purchasing food items that provide nutritional value. Creatine, being a dietary supplement, does not fall under the category of eligible food items. SNAP guidelines specifically exclude vitamins, medicines, and supplements from being purchased with benefits, which is why creatine is not covered.
How to Check If Creatine 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, if it has a "Supplement Facts" label, it is not eligible. Additionally, hot, prepared foods meant for immediate consumption are generally not covered by SNAP. 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.
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 creatine 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 herbal supplements, are excluded.
Non-Food Items: Household supplies, pet foods, and personal care products cannot be bought with SNAP benefits.
Prepared Foods: Hot foods and foods meant for immediate consumption, like deli meals, are not covered.
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 or remove the item from your purchase. This ensures that SNAP benefits are used only for eligible food 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
Is creatine eligible for purchase with SNAP benefits?
No, creatine is not eligible for purchase with SNAP benefits. This is because SNAP guidelines exclude dietary supplements, which are identified by a "Supplement Facts" label, from being purchased with EBT cards.
Can trying to buy creatine with SNAP benefits result in a penalty?
Attempting to buy creatine with SNAP benefits will not result in a penalty, but the transaction will be declined at checkout. You will need to use another form of payment or remove the creatine from your purchase.
Are baskets containing creatine eligible for purchase with SNAP benefits?
No, if your shopping basket contains creatine, the creatine itself will not be eligible for purchase with SNAP benefits. However, other eligible food items in the basket can still be purchased using your EBT card.
Do SNAP eligibility rules for creatine vary by state?
No, SNAP eligibility rules for creatine do not vary by state. Creatine is universally classified as a dietary supplement, which is excluded from SNAP benefits according to federal guidelines.
